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This weekend is Saturday the 9 November, the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, and Sunday the 10 November, beginning the Thirty Second Week of Ordinary Time.

The choir of Westminster Cathedral sing Haec Dies by William Byrd.  ‘This is the day which the Lord has made: let us be glad and rejoice in it. Alleluia.’ The Lateran Basilica was built by the Emperor Constantine in Rome in 324AD.  It is the diocesan cathedral for the diocese of Rome, and so is the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope.  Because it is the Pope’s Cathedral, it is known as ‘the mother and head of all churches in the City of Rome and in the World.’ So, on this day, all Catholics celebrate the Dedication of this cathedral in Rome.  Today’s reading, from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, gives us a vibrant image of the Temple in Jerusalem as the fount of water which renews the face of the earth.   

By their very nature visions are complicated things to try and understand. In Ezekiel’s vision we hear about a glorious Temple but it has been suggested that this Temple is not so much a building but a representation of the body of Christ; both the physical body of Christ but also the Church – the ‘spiritual’ body of Christ.  How does this image of the Church, the Christian community make you feel? Ezekiel makes a great deal of the cleansing and purifying properties of the water which flows from the Temple. Imagine yourself in the place of Ezekiel in the vision. 

See that purifying process now; see the waters becoming clear and the stagnation disappearing; life beginning to thrive again in the water.

Now imagine that you are that water; as Christians we are called upon to be a life-giving presence in those places where there is sadness and despair. What are those places in your life?

Another aspect of the reading is the fruitfulness of those places where God has already been at work. Think about your own life. Can you identify the places where you can see and feel the presence of God? If not what are the obstacles?

As you listen again, notice what feelings stir in you.

Although today’s feast day celebrates the Cathedral of the Diocese of Rome, we must not forget that each and every Christian person is called to minister in the world. It isn’t good enough to leave ministry to Bishops and Priests or Religious Brothers and Sisters! Where is God calling you to minister? Talk to God about this and anything else that has come up for you during this time of prayer.