[Commenting on Moses striking the rock in the wilderness to produce water for the Israelites (Exodus 17:1-7)] When Christ was struck on the cross, he brought forth the fountains of the New Testament. Therefore it was necessary for him to be pierced. If he had not been struck, so that the water and blood flowed from his side the whole world would have perished through suffering thirst for the word of God.

—Caesarius of Arles, Sermon 103.3