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

Upcoming dates: June 25, 2028, June 22, 2031

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.

Background Information for the Book of Zechariah

The first reading for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C is from the Book of Zechariah, where a prophecy speaks of a spirit of grace and petition leading to mourning and purification for Jerusalem. This passage points to the people recognizing the one they have pierced, foreshadowing Christ’s crucifixion. The prophecy highlights the themes of repentance and redemption.

Psalm 63: A Guide for Seeking God

Psalm 63, the responsorial Psalm for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, reflects a deep longing to be close to God. The psalm captures the yearning for God’s presence and the desire to seek Him with one’s whole being and expresses thirst for God. It is a fitting reflection for those seeking to deepen their relationship with the Lord.

See a prayer based on Psalm 63.

Resources for the Gospel of Luke

The Gospel of Luke, known for its unique parables and focus on themes like compassion and forgiveness, provides important context for the Gospel reading on the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C (Luke 9:18-24). Luke’s Gospel highlights Jesus’ teachings on self-denial and discipleship, emphasizing the call to take up our cross and follow Him. Understanding Luke’s background helps deepen our appreciation of these teachings and their relevance in our lives today.

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.

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.

• 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?

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.

• All that is Hidden by Bernadette Farrell
• All Who Are Thirsty by Brenton Brown and Glenn Robertson
• At the Name of Jesus by Christopher Walker
• Blessed Be Your Name by Matt Redman
• Come To Jesus by Josh Blakesley & Sarah Hart
• Come To The Water/I Will Run to You by John Foley, SJ and Matt Maher
• Give Us Clean Hands by Charlie Hall
• I Have Decided to Follow Jesus by Jadon Lavik
• I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say by The Hillbilly Thomists
• In Christ There Is No East or West by William Dunkerley
• Jesus, Messiah by Chris Tomlin
• King of My Heart by Greg Walton
• Lead Me Home by Matt Maher
• Lead Me Lord by John Becker
• Lift High the Cross by Chris Rupp
• My Soul Is Thirsting by Bob Hurd
• My Soul Is Thirsting by Steve Angrisano
• One Bread, One Body by John Foley, SJ
• Only You by Mikey Needleman
• Psalm 63: My Soul Thirsts by Dan Schutte
• Psalm 63: My Soul Is Thirsting
• Purify My Heart/Refiner’s Fire by Oasis Worship
• Sing a New Church by Gary Daigle
• Take My Life by Passion
• Take Up Your Cross by Jaime Cortez
• The Servant King by Graham Kendrick

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.

What date is the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

The next date is Sunday June 25, 2028.
For other years see the links below:
12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

What are the Mass readings for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

The Catholic Mass readings for Sunday June 25, 2028 are:
First Reading – Zechariah 12:10-11; 13:1: A Spirit of Grace and Mourning
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 63: My Soul Thirsts for God
Second Reading – Galatians 3:26-29: Unity in Christ
Gospel – Luke 9:18-24: The Question of Identity

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.