Today is Nov. 9, feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome.
In the readings for today’s feast, we hear the prophet Ezekiel say, “The angel brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water flowing out from beneath the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the façade of the temple was toward the east; the water flowed down from the southern side of the temple, south of the altar” (Ez 47:1).
On this feast of the Dedication of St. John Lateran, the words of Ezekiel bring us into a vision of the temple as the source of life-giving waters, flowing outward to renew, refresh and heal all they touch. Ezekiel’s vision of water streaming from the temple’s threshold reminds us that God’s presence is not confined within walls but flows outward, filling the world with life and making all things new. This temple water transforms barren lands, turns salty waters fresh, and brings forth abundant life — it’s a powerful image of God’s grace flowing through his Church to renew the world.
As the cathedral of the bishop of Rome, who is the pope, St. John Lateran symbolizes the unity of the Church, where believers are joined as one body in Christ. The Church, like the temple in Ezekiel’s vision, is called to be a source of life for the world, pouring out mercy, healing and renewal to all people.
When we gather as God’s people, we become part of this living temple, channels through which Christ’s grace flows. Our lives, like the fruit trees along the riverbanks, are meant to bear fruit in season, offering nourishment and healing to a weary world. Today’s feast calls us to remember that we, as members of the Church, are entrusted with this sacred mission: to bring the life-giving water of Christ to every barren place and to carry his presence into all corners of the world, transforming it with his love.
Today, let us pray in a special way for Pope Francis and for the unity of the Church.
O God, who from living and chosen stones prepare an eternal dwelling for your majesty, increase in your Church the spirit of grace you have bestowed, so that by new growth your faithful people may build up the heavenly Jerusalem. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
My Daily Visitor spiritual reflections are a dose of daily Catholic inspiration from Our Sunday Visitor magazine.
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