Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica – Ez 47:1-2,8-9,12; 1 Cor 3:9-11,16-17; John 2:13-22

Sometimes it seems that the good we try to do gets lost in the ocean of our weaknesses. Or the good that finds its way into the world gets dissolved and disappears amid the deluge of evil, godlessness, lies and hypocrisy. It’s as though it had less strength to puncture it, less power. Today Sacred Scripture presents before our eyes a different image. Here water flows from under the threshold of the temple: “The water flows east down to the Arabah and to the sea; and flowing into the sea it makes its waters wholesome”. What until now had been dead becomes life-giving.

Where is the difference between this image and our experience? Or is it just that we don’t have such focussed sight that we can’t see far enough to see victory of good? Or perhaps we are too easily discouraged because we are using our own limited experience as the yardstick for the truth? But maybe the key is this: the water from under the temple’s threshold, provided by God, is flowing from a place sanctified by His action. Perhaps we want to sort everything out ourselves too much. It could be that we are relying on the effectiveness of our own works, even prayers. Probably counting on ourselves too much, on our own ways, on the favours of the chosen – forgetting the blessings given to the whole world.

The signs remain simple, the same – trees bearing fruit, life, grace giving sacraments. God is the Creator – it is He who gives life, heals, guides and saves.

Lord Jesus Christ, You know how difficult it is for me to see all the beauty and holiness of the world. Teach me to focus clearly and see the power of Your work in both the great and tiny good deeds flowing into the world. You live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.