9 Nov
Sat
Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
(Psalter Week III)
Ez. 47:1-2,8-9,12 or 1 Cor 3:9c-11,16-17
Ps. 45:2-3,5-6,8-9
Jn. 2:13-22
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Today's feast is in honour of the Church in Rome, which is the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, namely, the Pope. The readings make it very clear that we are not primarily concerned with just a building. The Gospel tells of the time Jesus cleared the Temple of traders and hawkers. In His dispute with the Jews He spoke of Himself as the new Temple, the dwelling place of God on earth. In the Second Reading, Paul reminds the Christians of Corinth that, because of their identification with Christ, they, too, are the temple of God, the very dwelling place of the Spirit. We need to remember that we are not holy when we are in the church building; on the contrary, the church building is holy because we, the Temple of Christ, gather there. The First Reading speaks, through the prophet Ezekiel, of the life-giving water that flows out from the temple. We are to see that today as speaking of the life that comes from the Temple that is Christ. Jesus said once: "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me; let him drink who believes in me. Scripture has it: 'From within him rivers of living water shall flow'." It is these life- giving waters flowing from Christ into each one of us which must continue to flow out from us to a world thirsting for truth, love, peace and happiness. And that is what we are celebrating today.



May our Christian communities and each one of us in them be sources of truth and love for brothers and sisters everywhere.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
For widows and widowers who often feel the pain of loneliness, that they may find comfort and support in the Christian community.
Elaboration

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