Thursday 9 November 2023

Today is Thursday 9 November, the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, in the 31st week of Ordinary time.

Salt of the Sound sings Kyrie Eleison.

Kyrie eleison
Christe eleison
Lord have mercy, mercy on us
Kyrie eleison
Christe eleison

Today’s reading is from the prophet Ezekiel.

Ezek 47:1-2,8-9,12


Then he brought me back to the entrance of the temple; there, water was flowing from below the threshold of the temple towards the east (for the temple faced east); and the water was flowing down from below the south end of the threshold of the temple, south of the altar. Then he brought me out by way of the north gate and led me round on the outside to the outer gate that faces towards the east and the water was coming out on the south side.
He said to me, ‘This water flows towards the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah; and when it enters the sea, the sea of stagnant waters, the water will become fresh. Wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish, once these waters reach there. It will become fresh; and everything will live where the river goes. On the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.’


At a time of exile and national disaster the prophet Ezekiel foresees the temple in Jerusalem renewed. He both receives and gives a powerful message of hope. In these difficult times across our world, do you hear any messages of hope and encouragement from God’s word?

Ezekiel sees living water flowing through a parched land, allowing healing trees to grow. Have there been any encounters with God or words from Scripture that have brought you refreshment and healing in recent times?


Listen to the reading from Ezekiel again. What words particularly strike you today, and why? As they take hold, where do you find these words leading you?

Imagine yourself in a place of living water and trees bearing healing fruit. Take time to speak to God, sharing whatever is in your mind and heart.


Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.