This feast celebrates the dedications of two of the four major basilicas of Rome.

Saint Peter’s Basilica was originally built in 323 by the emperor Constantine.  The basilica was constructed over the tomb of Peter the Apostle, the Church’s first Pope.  After standing for more than a thousand years, Pope Julius II ordered the building to be torn down due to structural concerns.  The construction of the new church spanned over 200 years before its completion. It was dedicated on Nov. 18, 1626.  It is considered the most famous church in Christendom.

Saint Paul´s Basilica is located outside the original walls of Rome. It was also originally built by the emperor Constantine though it was destroyed by fire in 1823. Donations from around the world made the reconstruction possible. Before the completion of Saint Peter´s Basilica, St Paul’s was the largest church in Rome.  The Basilica was built over St. Paul´s grave.  Pope Pius IX consecrated the Basilica in 1854.

REFLECTION

He replied, ‘I tell you, to all those who have, more will be given; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. Luke 19:26

Though this sounds like a prophecy, it has been a truth since the beginning of civilization. In Jesus’ day, those who had the least were the slaves whose own bodies and very lives were often taken from them. In feudal times, rulers took most of the fruits of the laboring peasants who were left with barely enough to sustain themselves. It continues to be a truth in our time. Along with offering our charity and compassion for those poorer than ourselves, we must also continue working for an economic system that does not penalize people for being poor. I think this is what Jesus demands by telling this story.