The Basilica of St John Lateran is dedicated to John the Baptist. It is 16 centuries old and for a thousand years, it was the seat of Church Government until the Pope moved to the Vatican in the 14th century. The history of his building is a parable of the Church. It has been attacked, invaded, built up, vandalised and rebuilt.

Church buildings are symbols of something greater than themselves. In the first reading, St Paul stated that the real Church is made up of people - people who transmit a life and a tradition. Without the people who give them life, they remain empty monuments robbed of all meaning. Church buildings help people to focus on the presence of the mysterious and divine that surrounds us and in which we live.

As today's Gospel reading indicates, any place where God meets people is holy ground. Zacchaeus' home became holy because of the presence of the Lord. In the last analysis, our church buildings are special because people gather here to celebrate the Passion, Death and Resurrection of our Lord. Here is where our Lord is present at all times with power among His people. Therefore let us show more respect and reverence whenever we enter a church.