Pierced – and yet a Source of Life: Touched, Transformed, and Carried by Christ”
Bible Readings for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time (June 22, 2025): Zechariah 12:10–11; 13:1; Galatians 3:26–29; Luke 9:18–24
Dear friends of the Prayer Studio,
Today, the three Bible readings speak a common language – the language of pain, identity, and calling. Three texts – yet one deeper message: In Christ, everything is transformed. But this transformation does not come without struggle, without suffering, without a radical rethinking.
1. A Pierced God – Zech 12:10–13:1
The prophet Zechariah speaks in poetic, even mystical terms of a deep sorrow: “They shall look upon me whom they have pierced” (Zech 12:10). This verse paints a prophetic scene: the people recognize the one they have rejected – and a turning point occurs through repentance and grace.
Historically, this passage was understood in ancient Israel as an expression of collective repentance. Yet from a Christian perspective, this verse is often seen as referring to Jesus’ suffering on the cross. The Stuttgarter Erklärungsbibel points out that this piercing is “a decisive turning point in salvation history”: It is about more than just remorse – it is about renewal.
Zechariah also speaks of a fountain that “shall be opened … to cleanse them from sin and impurity” (Zech 13:1). Here opens the perspective of a new beginning: from the pierced heart of Jesus flows, as the New Jerusalem Bible explains, “a purifying, life-giving grace that replaces the old understanding of sacrifice.”
A Free Church believer once shared how, while gazing at a crucifix in a church service, he was inwardly broken and penitent – and yet found healing in that very place. “I recognized myself – and at the same time felt God’s love,” he said. That is precisely the fountain Zechariah speaks of.
2. We Are One – Gal 3:26–29
“For in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.” Paul speaks here with revolutionary clarity: Whoever believes belongs to the family of God. The boundaries of origin, status, and gender are abolished – “for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28).
In Paul’s time, this statement was scandalous. Neither Jewish nor Greco-Roman society recognized such equality. The Geneva Study Bible emphasizes that Paul here expresses “a completely new anthropology of faith”: A person is no longer defined by outward characteristics but by their belonging to Christ.
Even today, this message is highly relevant. In a world full of division, identity debates, and polarization, Paul presents a visionary alternative: Unity through Christ.
I remember a Catholic nun in Brazil who served AIDS patients in the slums. She once said, “We are not better – we are brothers and sisters. Christ is the garment we wear.” She lived Galatians 3 without many words.
3. The Great Question: Who Do You Say That I Am? – Lk 9:18–24
Jesus asks his disciples: “Who do the crowds say that I am?” The answers vary – John the Baptist, Elijah, a prophet. Then comes the turning point: “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answers, “The Christ of God.”
This scene marks a turning point in Luke’s Gospel. What follows is the first passion prediction: “The Son of Man must suffer many things … be killed … and be raised” (cf. Lk 9:22).
Jesus invites his followers to take up their cross daily (Lk 9:23). This is not a romantic metaphor. The Elberfelder Bible with Explanations comments soberly: “The cross is a symbol of self-denial and obedience – not of self-fulfillment” (Elberfelder Bibel mit Erklärungen, 2022, p. 1862).
A young man from a catholic youth church once described what taking up his cross meant: After losing his girlfriend in an accident, he carried pain, anger, and doubt. But during that time, he heard a calling to serve others who are grieving – today, he leads a Christian grief center.
Saint Catherine of Siena wrote in a letter: “In His cross lies our salvation. Whoever loves it will live.” Her life, situated between mysticism, politics, and service to the poor, was marked by her readiness to embrace the cross of Christ.
The Inner Connection Between the Three Texts
All three readings point us to Christ: - Zechariah prophetically sees the Pierced One, from whom a fountain flows. - Paul describes what happens when we identify with Christ – we become one. - Luke shows that confessing Christ is inseparably tied to following Him and bearing the cross.
The texts build upon one another: From lament (Zechariah), to identity (Galatians), to calling (Luke). This is not a path into despair, but a path into life.
Final Appeal
Who do you see when you look at Christ?
The condemned one? The pierced one? The risen one?
Are you ready to recognize yourself in Him, to be transformed by Him – even if it means the cross?
In a time of self-promotion, Christ invites us to self-denial – and therein lies true life. Whoever clings to everything will lose. Whoever lets go will gain.
Closing Prayer
“Lord Jesus Christ,
You allowed yourself to be pierced so that our hearts may be touched.
Through your cross, you opened for us a fountain of life.
Give us courage to look upon you – even if your way was a way of suffering.
Transform our hearts through your Spirit of grace.
Let us realize that we are one in you – beyond all boundaries.
Strengthen us to take up our cross daily – not as a burden, but as a sign of your love.
Amen.”
Bibliography (Chicago Style)
Elberfelder Bibel mit Erklärungen. Wuppertal: SCM R. Brockhaus, 2023. ISBN 978-3-86353-284-0.
Geneva Study Bible. Holzgerlingen: Hänssler, 1999.
New Jerusalem Bible. Freiburg: Herder, 2016.
Stuttgarter Erklärungsbibel. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 2023.
Bible texts available at www.bibleserver.de
Gospel and daily liturgy:
https://www.vaticannews.va/de/tagesevangelium-und-tagesliturgie/2025/06/22.html