Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
Water is an amazing part of creation- a substance which we cannot live without, although we often take water for granted. Today’s readings describe water as it flows and gives life to all things. Just like water, God’s Spirit flows out and gives life, allowing God to have a dwelling place within all of creation. Just as we need water to survive physically, the Spirit provides the life that we require to be disciples of Christ. It is through the presence of the Spirit within us that we become temples of God-His holy dwelling. We are called to be like water- flowing out into the world to bring new life and abundant blessings through the work of the Spirit within us.
The first reading from Ezekiel describes water flowing from the temple. The water flows out and everything that comes in contact with the water is made fruitful and is healed. There is a sense of abundance, diversity, and goodness that results from the flow of this water. In the responsorial psalm the “waters of the river” bring joy to the city of God. God is in the midst of where this water flows. In both of these scripture passages, water seems to represent God’s grace or Spirit as it flows freely and abundantly providing God’s protection and care for all creation.
St. Paul reminds us that we are all “temples of God” because the Spirit of God dwells within. It is the Spirit within us that makes us holy. Each of us is a temple that is built on the foundation of Jesus Christ. We are created in the image of God, called to follow in Jesus Christ, and then filled with the Spirit to go forth and bless the world around us.
What does it mean for us to be temples of God? If we are like the temple described in the first reading, our lives should flow out to the world around us. Wherever we go the signs of the Spirit should be evident- live-giving, abundant, giving nourishment and bringing healing. People and all of creation will be blessed and be “gladdened” as we bring God’s merciful and loving grace to all in need. We are called to treat all people and the entire world around us with respect and dignity, since every part of creation is filled with the Spirit of God.
There is a unique connection with water and the Spirit for us as Christian disciples. At Baptism, we are covered with water as a sign of God’s outpouring of His Spirit into our lives. The waters of our Baptism remind us that we are united with Christ through faith in Him, and then we are sent forth to live loving and compassionate lives just as Jesus has done. Our Baptism unites us with others who are also building on the same foundation of Jesus, as well as working towards building the city of God here on earth.
Water is everywhere, but so often it is taken for granted. The Spirit of God is in us and around us, but in many ways does not get our attention. Today as we reflect on God’s gifts, let us take time to be thankful for the gift of water and the many ways we use it to bring life, health and goodness to our earth. Even more so, let us thank God for the gift of the Spirit within us, and through prayer and surrender, may we allow the Spirit to flow through us to bring God’s grace to all of creation!
Marylynn Herchline