The first reading of the day where Ezekiel describes the temple, and the water flowing out of it, in different directions, with all length, depth, direction and final destination of the same.
What struck me as I read this passage during Mass was that the Sanctuary - and I suppose, the Church, as a whole - is the source of life and growth. It is not the container or the exclusive right over life and growth. But that the power of the Church is such that whatever comes into its contact should be life-giving wherever it goes.
In this instance he speaks of the water that flows from the sanctuary. But I'm sure, the sanctuary is not 'producing' the water! And by itself, water nourishes life. But that water when it flows THROUGH the sanctuary is so blessed that wherever it flows, it brings abundant life.
So, too should every wisp of breeze, every fly that glides through the Church, every person spending time 'in' the church, should actually be a blessing wherever it or he or she goes.
A very naive and shallow interpretation would be to exalt the sacred space 'in' itself. No. The beauty of the Church is in its empowerment, its giving-out, its life-giving power that flows OUT of it. It would be very incestuous to believe that the power of the Church should be and is only within itself!
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