Today’s readings begin with Ezekiel’s report of water flowing from the temple.  We also may encounter this reading during the Easter vigil, which connects us to the waters of baptism.  This flowing water, like the water of baptism, has transformative power.  It makes the salt waters fresh.  It provides for an abundant life. The idea of “fruit trees of every kind” growing and bearing fruit resonates deeply – how wonderful it would be to see fruit growing all seasons!  And not only is this fruit good for food, but the leaves of the fruit trees are also to be used for medicine. We need food, but we also need healing for the brokenness that resides in each of us.  Such is the promise that Ezekiel saw in this vision. 

Today’s psalm continues the theme of waters that gladden the heart of God’s people.  Having experienced months of drought, with only heat, wind, and dust and no rain in sight, I understand the gladness that comes from water.  In the midst of difficulty, we maintain hope that we will be sustained, and we are glad when relief comes.  But sometimes we must wait patiently for it.  

The new testament readings continue the theme of renewal coming from the temple.  In John’s gospel, our Lord is decisive in his actions to clear out the temple in order to preserve it as a holy place for prayer.  He was preparing the way for the fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophesy, but understanding was hard to come by.  Did the temple authorities really need a miraculous sign to confirm that God’s temple should be a house of prayer, not a mere marketplace?  They likely felt threatened by decisive authority that challenged the derogation of holiness to which they had become accustomed.  Habits of sinfulness can indeed make us obtuse to the obvious truth.  

Even though the disciples trusted Jesus, even they did not fully understand the meaning of what he said and did until later.  “Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the Scripture and the word Jesus had spoken.”  As Paul later explained to the Corinthians, God has indeed come to dwell in us. Our Lord is the cornerstone and foundation of a living temple, in which those who follow him are also joined. 

We often need time and distance to understand.  In the midst of current events, we cannot always grasp their connection with the past and the meaning for the present that is waiting to be discovered.  Like the disciples, we need to pause and remember, waiting patiently for understanding while we trust in the goodness of God. 

Lord, help us to persevere through difficulties as we wait for transformation, restoration, and healing for our brokenness.  You renew us in baptism, and you sustain us with the sacraments.  Help us to be grateful for the gifts you bestow all around us, especially those who are being formed with us, in whom your Spirit also dwells.  Thanks be to God.