I saw water flowing from the temple, and all who were touched by it were saved. Today marks the anniversary of the dedication of the cathedral church of Rome, the Lateran Basilica (9 ^th Nov 324). Also known as the Basilica of St. John Lateran, it is the episcopal seat of the pope as the bishop of Rome. It was the residence of the popes from the 4 ^thcentury until their moving to Avignon in 1309, and is the site of five ecumenical councils. Pope Innocent X commissioned the present structure in 1646. Beneath its high altars rests the remains of the small wooden table on which, according to tradition, St. Peter celebrated Mass. Because of its prominence, it was christened the ‘ Mother and Head of all Churches of Rome and the World’ and it became a sign of love and union with the See of Peter. While the Lateran Basilica is certainly historical, today’s feast honors this church for what it represents: the unity of the Church. In so doing, we honor as well all the churches throughout Christendom. 
The Church is the instrument of God’s salvation. The Church stands as a living symbol of the covenant that God made with humanity (I will be your God and you will be my people [cf. Exodus 6:7; Jeremiah 30:22]). As such, wherever the Church (structure) stands, men and women should be reminded of God living in their midst (cf. Leviticus 26:12). In the reading from the prophet Ezekiel, the prophet is shown a vision of God’s temple. As the dwelling place of God, the temple becomes a source of life-giving water (God is life). Anything that comes into contact with this life-giving water is given a share in that life. Barren lands are turned into fertile lands and disease causing waters are healed. The Church is the symbol of the life-giving presence of God in the world. Through her preaching of the good news, the Church brings life and healing to the ends of the earth.