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First Reading for the Feast of The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12

Summary: Water flowing from the temple brings life to the land and sea, nourishing trees and creatures, and providing food and healing.

Life from the Water

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 around 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 Arabah, 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.”

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