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opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin andimpurity%u201d (Zech 12:10; 13:1).96. One who is pierced, a flowing fountain, the outpouring of a spirit of compassion andsupplication: the first Christians inevitably considered these promises fulfilled in the pierced side ofChrist, the wellspring of new life. In the Gospel of John, we contemplate that fulfilment. FromJesus%u2019 wounded side, the water of the Spirit poured forth: %u201cOne of the soldiers pierced his side witha spear, and at once blood and water flowed out%u201d (Jn 19:34). The evangelist then recalls theprophecy that had spoken of a fountain opened in Jerusalem and the pierced one (Jn 19:37; cf.Zech 12:10). The open fountain is the wounded side of Christ.97. Earlier, John%u2019s Gospel had spoken of this event, when on %u201cthe last day of the festival%u201d (Jn7:37), Jesus cried out to the people celebrating the great procession: %u201cLet anyone who is thirstycome to me and drink%u2026 out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water%u201d (Jn 7:37-38). For this to beaccomplished, however, it was necessary for Jesus%u2019 %u201chour%u201d to come, for he %u201cwas not yet glorified%u201d(Jn 7:39). That fulfilment was to come on the cross, in the blood and water that flowed from theLord%u2019s side.98. The Book of Revelation takes up the prophecies of the pierced one and the fountain: %u201ceveryeye will see him, even those who pierced him%u201d (Rev 1:7); %u201cLet everyone who is thirsty come; letanyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift%u201d (Rev 22:17).99. The pierced side of Jesus is the source of the love that God had shown for his people incountless ways. Let us now recall some of his words:%u00a0%u201cBecause you are precious in my sight and honoured, I love you%u201d (Is 43:4).%u00a0%u201cCan a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even ifthese may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands%u201d (Is49:15-16).%u00a0%u201cFor the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not departfrom you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed%u201d (Is 54:10).%u00a0%u201cI have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you%u201d (Jer31:3).%u00a0%u201cThe Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives you victory; he will rejoice over you withgladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing%u201d (Zeph 3:17).100. The prophet Hosea goes so far as to speak of the heart of God, who %u201cled them with cords of22