25 November 2022

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Nothing accursed will be found there any more.

Apocalypse 22:1-7, NRSV

Today’s reading – the final part of the vision of the New Jerusalem – reminds us of the vision of the river of life as described by the prophet Ezekiel. In Ezekiel’s vision, the river flowed out from the Temple in Jerusalem that had been restored after the Babylonian exile. That river – expanding as it flowed –  led to the Dead Sea, bringing life and fruitfulness to a barren landscape. This river also brings fruitfulness and also healing to the many who will be drawn towards this heavenly city – it will be a place where all of our hopes and needs will be satisfied.

• • Why does the writer use this image of a river when talking of heaven?
  • How do you envisage heaven?

Pray today for the healing of nations hurt by war and natural disasters.