1ST READING
There are a number of messianic allusions in Zechariah’s prophecy. It is close to a description of the Passion of Jesus. In human history, there are people who will remind us of the selflessness of Christ. Let us be inspired and encouraged by them so that we may mirror Christ’s life and values to the world.
Zechariah 12:10-11; 13:1
10 Thus says the Lord: I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and petition; and they shall look on him whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him as one mourns for an only son, and they shall grieve over him as one grieves over a first-born. 11 On that day the mourning in Jerusalem shall be as great as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the plain of Megiddo. 13:1 On that day there shall be open to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, a fountain to purify from sin and uncleanness.
P S A L M
Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
R: My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
1 [2] O God, you are my God whom I seek; for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water. (R) 2 [3] Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuary to see your power and your glory, 3 [4] for your kindness is a greater good than life; my lips shall glorify you. (R) 4 [5] Thus will I bless you while I live; lifting up my hands, I will call upon your name. 5 [6] As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied, and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you. (R) 7 [8] You are my help, and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy. 8 [9] My soul clings fast to you; your right hand upholds me. (R)
2ND READING
The important words here are “through faith.” Salvation is not something we can earn — we receive it through faith in Christ. Through the seal of baptism, we belong to Christ. Jesus is our Master and Lord, albeit a good and merciful master.
Galatians 3:26-29
26 Brothers and sisters: Through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendant, heirs according to the promise.
GOSPEL
Today’s Gospel challenges us to answer for ourselves who Christ is. Our answer will set us on a particular path for the rest of our lives if we are faithful to it. Acknowledging who Jesus is will mold our identity in the world where we live. Are you ready to answer this question?
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.
Luke 9:18-24
18 Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’” 20 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.” 21 He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone. 22 He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.” 23 Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”
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