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12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Sunday June 25, 2028

Who Do You Say I Am

The 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C invites us to think about who Jesus is and what it means to follow him. The readings show faith as something deep and personal. They remind us that knowing Christ leads us to trust, love, and give ourselves for others.

In the first reading, God promises grace and forgiveness to His people. The psalm expresses a longing for closeness with God, who gives life and joy. Paul teaches that faith in Christ makes us one family, and Luke tells how Peter recognizes Jesus as the Christ. Each passage points to renewal and faith.

For the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, we are called to look at our own faith. Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do you say I am?” That question reaches us too. It challenges us to see if our lives reflect what we believe about him. Faith is not just words—it is a daily choice to walk with Jesus.

Mass Readings for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

  • First Reading – Zechariah 12:10-11; 13:1: The LORD promises a spirit of grace and mourning for the pierced one, bringing cleansing from sin for the house of David and Jerusalem.
  • Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 63: I seek and thirst for God, finding joy and satisfaction in His presence. I praise Him for His kindness and support, longing to be near Him always.
  • Second Reading – Galatians 3:26-29: Through faith and baptism in Christ, we are all children of God and united as one. We are Abraham’s heirs and part of God’s promise.
  • Gospel – Luke 9:18-24: Jesus asked his disciples who people thought he was. Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” Jesus foretold his suffering, death, and resurrection, and explained the cost of following him.

Lectionary Reference: 96

The readings above are for lectionary cycle C. For other years see the links below:
12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Luke 9:23

Themes for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

On the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the readings highlight faith, unity in Christ, and the call to follow Jesus. They remind us of God’s mercy, the importance of baptism, and the need for self-denial.

  • God’s Mercy: In Zechariah, God promises to pour out a spirit of mercy and compassion. This shows God’s willingness to forgive and restore His people.
  • Recognition of Christ: The Gospel shows Peter recognizing Jesus as the Messiah. This highlights the need for believers to understand and confess who Jesus truly is.
  • Unity in Christ: Paul, in Galatians, emphasizes that in Christ, all are one. This means that differences like race or status no longer divide us.
  • Call to Self-Denial: Jesus teaches in the Gospel that following Him requires denying oneself and taking up the cross. This shows that discipleship involves sacrifice and commitment.
  • Promise of Salvation: Zechariah speaks of a fountain that cleanses from sin. This points to the salvation offered through Christ’s sacrifice.
  • Baptism as New Life: Galatians highlights baptism as a new identity in Christ. It symbolizes becoming a child of God and part of His family.

These themes invite us to reflect on God’s mercy, our unity in Christ, and the sacrifices required to follow Jesus. They encourage us to live our faith with commitment and humility.

Resources for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

What Is My Cross? Lesson Plan on Dying to Self

This lesson plan on “What Is My Cross?” helps teens understand the meaning of taking up their cross and dying to self, as mentioned in the Gospel for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. It offers practical ways for young people to apply this teaching in their daily lives.

The lesson connects with the theme of following Jesus through self-denial and embracing challenges.

The Book of Zechariah: A Promise of Renewal and Mercy

This passage from Zechariah speaks of a future outpouring of grace and mourning for the one who is pierced. Within the book, this points to God’s plan to purify and renew His people. Zechariah often looks ahead to a time when God will cleanse Jerusalem and restore faithfulness to the covenant.

The reading also connects to Zechariah’s larger message of hope after exile. It reveals God’s mercy even after judgment, showing that repentance brings renewal. For the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, it prepares us to see how suffering can lead to redemption.

Read more about the Book of Zechariah.

Psalm 63: A Deep Thirst for God

Psalm 63 expresses longing for God’s presence as a source of true satisfaction. In the larger context of the Psalms, it reflects a personal relationship with God rooted in trust and praise. The psalmist finds strength and joy in God’s love, even in times of trial or dryness.

The psalm ties to the broader theme of prayer as the heart’s cry for union with God. It teaches that closeness to God is life’s greatest good. For the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, this longing echoes the call to follow Christ with total devotion.

Explore more about Psalm 63.

See a contemporary prayer based on Psalm 63.

The Letter to the Galatians: One Family in Christ

In Galatians, Paul defends the truth that salvation comes through faith, not by the law. This reading fits within his message of freedom in Christ. Through baptism, believers become children of God, sharing in one identity and breaking barriers between people.

This unity fulfills God’s promise to Abraham, extending it to all nations. It highlights how faith builds a new family grounded in love. For the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, it reminds us that following Christ means belonging to a community where all are equal before God.

Learn more about the Letter to the Galatians.

The Gospel of Luke: Following the Messiah

In Luke, Jesus’ question to his disciples marks a turning point in the Gospel. The focus shifts from miracles to the journey toward the cross. This scene reveals the truth of who Jesus is and what his mission means—sacrifice, service, and self-denial for the sake of others.

Luke often emphasizes discipleship and mercy. Here, Jesus calls followers to take up their cross, showing that true life comes through giving oneself in love. For the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, this passage teaches that faith in Christ leads to both suffering and glory.

Discover more about the Gospel of Luke.

Homilies and Commentaries for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Sharing in Christ’s Suffering

In his reflection for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Jeff Cavins emphasizes the deep unity between believers and Christ, especially through suffering. He explains that while Jesus died for our sins, He also invites us to participate in His mission by taking up our own crosses. This participation in suffering is not separate from Christ but a way to grow closer to Him and share in His work of redemption. Cavins encourages believers to offer their suffering to Jesus, making it a part of His redemptive love.

Christ’s Identity and Mission

In his homily for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Bishop Robert Barron explains that following Christ means embracing both love and suffering. He highlights that Jesus calls His followers to take up their cross daily, which means willingly facing the hardships that come with living a life of love. Bishop Barron points out that love often goes against our natural instincts and the world’s sinful structures, leading to resistance and suffering. Yet, this path of love is essential for true discipleship, as it reflects Christ’s own journey.

Children of the Promise

In his reflection for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Scott Hahn explains that Zechariah foretells the coming of the Messiah, who will be recognized by His suffering and death. The people’s grief and purification prepare them to receive Jesus, the Only-Begotten Son of God. St. Paul emphasizes that, through Jesus, all can become children of God, regardless of background. In the Gospel, Peter acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah, who must suffer and die. This reflection highlights the longing for the fullness of God’s promise, as expressed in the Psalm.

Reflection for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

On the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the readings guide us to reflect on unity in Christ, the forgiveness offered by God, and the call to take up our crosses in daily life. These themes remind us of the strength and love found in our faith, encouraging us to live out these truths with courage and commitment.

Unity in Christ

The second reading from Galatians on the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us that in Christ, there is no division based on race, status, or gender. Paul’s message is clear: everyone who believes in Jesus is equal. This unity in Christ calls us to treat others with the same respect and love that we would want for ourselves.

In a world where people often face discrimination or are treated differently because of their background or status, this reading challenges us to see others as God sees them. Our faith in Christ should lead us to break down barriers, not build them. Every person we meet is a brother or sister in Christ, deserving of kindness and understanding.

Applying this message in our daily lives can start with simple actions. We can make an effort to reach out to those who may be different from us, whether in our neighborhoods, workplaces, or churches. By living out this unity in Christ, we can help create a community where everyone feels valued and loved.

The Fountain of Forgiveness

In the first reading from Zechariah on the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the image of a fountain is used to represent God’s offer of forgiveness and cleansing from sin. This is a powerful reminder that no matter how far we may have strayed, God is always ready to welcome us back and wash away our sins.

This reading invites us to reflect on the importance of seeking forgiveness. Just as a fountain provides water to cleanse and refresh, God’s forgiveness renews our hearts and spirits. We are encouraged to turn back to God, especially when we feel burdened by our mistakes or sins.

Baptism, as mentioned in the second reading from Galatians, is closely linked to this idea of cleansing and renewal. Through baptism, we are made part of God’s family, marked as His children. This sacrament is a reminder that we are loved and that God’s mercy is always available to us. Embracing this truth can help us live with greater peace and a stronger commitment to our faith.

Taking Up Our Cross

The Gospel reading for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C includes Jesus’ teaching on taking up our cross and following Him. This call to self-denial and carrying our cross may seem difficult, but it is an essential part of being a disciple of Christ. Jesus wants us to understand that following Him requires more than just words—it requires action and sacrifice.

Taking up our cross means being ready to face challenges for the sake of our faith. This could involve making tough decisions that align with our Christian values, even when it is not popular or easy. It could also mean standing up for what is right or helping someone in need, even if it costs us time, money, or comfort.

Living out this teaching in everyday life can strengthen our relationship with God and others. By embracing our crosses, we grow in faith and love. We learn to trust that God will give us the strength we need to follow Him, no matter the challenges we face. This journey of discipleship, though not always easy, leads us closer to the heart of Christ.

As we meditate on the readings for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, we are invited to deepen our understanding of what it means to follow Christ. By embracing unity, seeking forgiveness, and carrying our crosses, we grow closer to God and become stronger in our faith journey.

Prayer

Lord, help us to live in unity with others, recognizing that we are all one in Christ. Grant us the courage to seek Your forgiveness and the strength to carry our crosses daily. May our lives reflect Your love and grace. Amen.

Reflection Questions for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

  • How can I better live out the unity that Paul speaks about in Galatians?
  • In what ways can I help break down divisions in my community?
  • When was the last time I sought God’s forgiveness for my sins?
  • How can I make forgiveness a more regular part of my spiritual life?
  • What does taking up my cross mean in my own life?
  • What challenges am I currently facing that I need God’s help to overcome?
  • How does baptism shape my identity as a Christian?
  • How can I support others in carrying their crosses?
  • What sacrifices am I willing to make to follow Jesus more closely?
  • How can I grow in my understanding of God’s mercy and love?

Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Artwork for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

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Path of the Cross and New Life

This image for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C captures the message of following Christ’s path. The cross stands amid blooming life, reminding us of Jesus’ words in Luke 9: we find true life by giving ourselves in love. It also echoes Zechariah’s promise of cleansing and renewal.

Use this artwork in bulletins, newsletters, or youth ministry materials to inspire reflection on discipleship and faith.

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Only current paid subscribers have the rights to use the artwork.

Music Suggestions for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

The music selections for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C focus on themes of unity in Christ, taking up our cross, and longing for God. These songs encourage us to embrace our identity as one body in Christ, reflect on the call to follow Jesus even in suffering, and express our deep thirst for God’s presence. They include a mix of contemporary and traditional styles, offering a variety of ways to connect with the themes in the readings through worship.

Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these selections and consider how they might enhance the liturgy for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. Try incorporating these songs into your services, and feel free to suggest your own favorite selections in the comments to share with others.

Questions and Answers for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Why does Zechariah speak about mourning?

In the first reading, Zechariah describes mourning because the people realize they have rejected God’s chosen one. This teaches us the importance of recognizing when we have turned away from God and seeking forgiveness.

What does the fountain in Zechariah represent?

The fountain mentioned in the reading represents God’s offer of forgiveness and cleansing from sin. It reminds us that God is always ready to wash away our sins when we turn back to Him.

Why does Paul say we are all one in Christ?

In the second reading from Galatians, Paul stresses that in Christ, there is no division based on race, status, or gender. This means that everyone who believes in Christ is equal and should treat others with the same respect and love.

How do these readings connect to baptism?

The second reading from Galatians mentions that through baptism, we put on Christ and become part of God’s family. This shows that baptism is a key part of our identity as Christians, marking us as children of God.

Why does Jesus talk about denying ourselves?

In the Gospel for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Jesus explains that following Him requires self-denial and carrying our cross. This means that being a disciple of Jesus is not easy and may require us to give up things we want for the sake of following Him.

How can we apply the theme of unity in Christ?

The theme of unity in Christ from the second reading can be applied by treating everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of their background. In our daily lives, we should work to overcome divisions and focus on what unites us as Christians.

What does taking up our cross mean in everyday life?

Taking up our cross means being willing to face challenges and hardships for the sake of following Jesus. In daily life, this might involve making difficult choices, standing up for what is right, or helping others even when it is hard.

Following Christ with Faith

The 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C focuses on faith in Christ and the cost of discipleship. In the first reading, God promises to pour out grace and cleansing, bringing forgiveness to His people. This points to Jesus, who was pierced for our sins and offers salvation. His sacrifice brings healing and renewal.

The second reading reminds us that through faith in Christ, we are all children of God. No matter our background, we are united in Him. We share in the promises made to Abraham and are called to live as one family in faith.

In the Gospel, Jesus asks His disciples who they believe He is. Peter answers correctly, but Jesus explains that being the Christ means He must suffer and die. He also tells His followers that they must take up their cross to follow Him. The 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C teaches that true faith means trusting Jesus and being willing to follow Him, even when it is difficult.

Your Turn

The readings for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C challenge us to reflect on who Jesus is in our lives. Do we truly believe in Him and follow His teachings? Are we ready to take up our cross and trust Him, even when it requires sacrifice?

Think about what it means to follow Jesus fully. Have you ever struggled with the cost of discipleship? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Your reflection could help others grow in faith.

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