Out of a seemingly innocent question comes the dark shadow of the cross: Jesus must teach his disciples that to be the “Anointed One”, “the Christ”, means to follow the path of sacrifice to the very end. He is not a King who comes with armies, but a King who comes with truth and humility, prepared to die for that truth about God’s Kingdom. But the mourning is always to be seen in the light of Easter – “being raised on the third day”, when “a fountain will be opened”, the fountain of Baptism and eternal life in the death and resurrection of the Lord.
Today’s Scripture
Zechariah 12: 10-11; 13: 1
Response: Psalm 62
O God you are my God for you I long;
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
like dry, weary land without water
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory
For you love is better than life,
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life,
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
For you have been my help,
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand holds me fast.
(Sung Antiphon: For you my soul is thirsting, O God, my God.)
Galatians 3: 26 – 29
Acclamation for the Gospel:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
I am the light of the world, says the Lord,
anyone who follows me
will have the light of life.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Luke 9: 18 – 24
Prayer of the Faithful: R/. Lord, be our help.
