November 9, 2003, Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome.

A reading from the book of the prophet Ezekiel.

The angel brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water flowing out from beneath the threshold of the temple toward the east,

for the façade of the temple was toward

the east. The water flowed down from the southern side of the temple, south of the altar.

He led me outside by the north gate, and round to the outer gate facing the east, where I saw

water trickling from the southern side. He said to me,

This water flows into the eastern district down upon the Araba,

and empties into the sea the salt waters, which it makes fresh.

Wherever the river flows, every sort of living creature that can multiply shall live,

and there shall be abundant fish, for wherever

this water comes, the sea shall be made fresh. Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of

every kind shall grow. Their leaves shall not fade, nor their fruit fail. Every month they shall

bear fresh fruit, for they shall be watered by the flow from the sanctuary.

Their fruit shall serve for food and their leaves for medicine.

The Word of the Lord.

Thank you. The waters of the river gladdened the city of God, the holy dwelling of the most high. The waters of the river gladden the city of God,

the holy dwelling of the most high.

God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress.

Therefore we fear not, though the earth be shaken,

and mountains plunge into the depths of the sea.

The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the most high.

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