Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, C
Zechariah 12: 10-11
Ps. 63
Gal. 3: 26-29
Luke 9: 18-24

The readings today converge on the prophecy of the Passion of Jesus. The First Reading is from the book of the prophet Zechariah—a small passage, which is quoted in the account of the passion of Jesus recorded in the Gospel according to St. John (19:37). That quote, “They shall look upon him whom they have thrust through (i.e., pierced),” is reflected in the Responsorial Psalm’s second stanza: “Thus have I gazed upon you in the sanctuary, to see your power and your glory.” The Gospel has the disciples affirming that Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus immediately forbids them to speak of this, and nuances their concept of messiahship by telling of his impending sufferings: “The Son of Man must…be put to death, and then be raised up on the third day.” He then said, “Whoever wishes to be My disciple must deny his very self, take up his cross every day, and follow in my steps.”

Interestingly enough, the Second Reading (though still the in-course reading of Galatians, not selected for any matching purpose with the First Reading and the Gospel) points out just how Christians are to “take up their cross and follow in Jesus’ footsteps.” Paul says, “Each of you is a son of God because of your faith in Christ Jesus…all of you who have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ (have clothed yourself with Him).” No differentiation (male/female, Jew/Greek, slave/free)—all one in Christ Jesus, all sons/daughters of Abraham, all heirs of the promises made by God to God’s people.

This hymn is based on today’s Scriptures:
"Upon My people in that day,
My spirit I'll pour out,
For they will see the One they've pierced,
And mourn and grieve and shout."

"Who is the Son of Man?" Christ asked.
Bold Peter made reply:
"You are our God's anointed one!"
Was his triumphant cry.

Then, strictly told to hold their tongues,
They marveled at the word
That death would come, and suffering
To one they called their Lord.

Each one baptized has put on Christ,
Distinctions washed away:
With faith in Christ we lose our life
And take our cross each day.
C.M.
Suggested tune: Saint Anne

Propers from the Roman Gradual

Introit: Dominus fortitudo (Ps. 28:8-9,1)
The Lord is the strength of his people,
and the guardian of salvation for his anointed.
Save your people, O Lord, and bless your inheritance.
Be their guide forever.
Unto you, O Lord, will I cry: O my God, be not silent with me;
if you remain silent, I will become like those who go down into the pit.

Offertory: Perfice gressos meos (Ps. 17:5-7)
Make firm my footsteps in your paths, so that my feet do not slip;
incline your ear and hear my words;
display your wonderful mercies, O Lord,
O Savior of those who place their hope in you.

Communion: Circuibo (Ps. 27:6)
I shall walk around his sanctuary, offering a sacrifice of jubilation;
I will sing and make a psalm to the Lord.

Propers from the Simple Gradual

The suite of antiphons and psalms from Ordinary Time III (BFW 239–247) —
petitioning God for assistance — is especially appropriate.

Response: Alleluia psalm BFW 170
Communion: BFW 158 (I am the good shepherd . . .)
or BFW 540 (I believe that I shall see the good things . . .)