9 Nov
Thu
Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
Ez. 47:1-2,8-9,12
Ps. 46(45): 2-3,5-6,8-9
1 Cor. 3:9c-11,16-17
Jn. 2:13-22
(Ps Wk III)
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The first reading from the prophet Ezekiel, like many other of his prophecies, are at once difficult to interpret and at the same time open to manifold interpretations. If the waters that the prophet speaks of can be understood as the river of life, when we are ankle-deep or knee-deep or waist-high in water or so high that we cannot cross over, then we forget to notice the trees growing on the banks of the river, the variety of fruits they bear, the evergreen nature of the trees, the manifold creatures living in the waters and many other things that words cannot capture.

Only wisdom guides us to step out of the river of life and take a look at the river of life from outside it. This look is not motivated, it is dispassionate and gives rise to gratitude. The gratitude that thus springs is not a goal to be achieved, rather a gratuitous gift from God.



Lord, teach me to be generous, to serve you as you deserve. Give me the grace, time and again, to distance myself from the river of life and count your blessings. Grant me O Lord, the serenity to not plan my life and take things as they come. Give me, occasionally, the gift of tears of joy abounding from gratitude to You. Amen.


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
That Christians in Asia, bearing witness to the Gospel in word and deed, may promote dialogue, peace, and mutual understanding, especially with those of other religions.
Elaboration

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