Reflections on Epiphany
🌊 Meaning of the Feast of Theophany and Baptism
His Holiness explains that the word “Ghtas” means immersion in water, so it is called the Feast of Theophany, not “Baptism Day,” because Christ was immersed in the Jordan River. Baptism is being buried with Christ, as St. Paul says: “Buried with Him in baptism” — we die with Him to live with Him.
💧 Baptism by Immersion, Not Sprinkling
He confirms that true baptism is by full immersion, symbolizing death and resurrection with Christ. Sprinkling does not express this meaning, and ancient church fonts were always deep enough for immersion.
🕊️ Christ’s Baptism and Ours
Though sinless, Christ was baptized to sanctify the waters and grant us the sacrament of baptism. Since then, baptism became the way of salvation, as the Lord commanded: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
⚖️ Baptism Washes Away Sins and Grants New Life
Baptism cleanses all previous sins — both original and personal. As Ananias told Saul: “Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins.”
And as Paul says: “He saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”
The baptized person emerges renewed, purified, justified, and clothed with Christ: “As many as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
👕 Symbolic Acts in Baptism
The baptized wears white garments symbolizing purity and new life, and a red sash representing the blood of Christ. The Pope cautions against washing these garments in ordinary water because they were anointed with holy myron.
🙅♀️ Rejecting Satan in Baptism
In the baptismal rite, the parent turns westward and says: “I renounce you, O Satan, and all your evil deeds.”
Then turns eastward declaring faith in God. Every Christian should remember this vow and not renew friendship with Satan.
👶 Becoming Children of God and the Church
Through baptism, we become children of God and of the Church — our spiritual mother. As one of the Fathers said: “You cannot be a child of God unless you are a child of the Church.”
🔥 Born of Water and the Spirit
Baptism is not ordinary water but sanctified by the Holy Spirit through the myron. Thus the believer is born of water and the Spirit, as Jesus said: “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.”
🕯️ The Blessings of the Sacraments on Baptism Day
The child receives four sacraments:
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Baptism,
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Holy Chrism (Myron),
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Holy Communion,
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Confession through the renunciation of Satan.
On that day, the full grace of God works within the soul.
🕊️ John the Baptist – The Great and Humble Servant
The Pope reflects on St. John the Baptist, of whom Christ said: “Among those born of women, none is greater than John.”
He was a prophet, even more than a prophet, a messenger preparing the way before the Lord. He served in asceticism, courage, purity, and humility, saying: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
🙏 Conclusion and Reflection
John was called the Baptist because he baptized Christ — a unique honor given to no one else. He lived thirty years in the desert and served only one year, yet fulfilled his mission completely.
The Pope reminds us that greatness is not in length of years but in depth of service, and that true glory is preparing the way for Christ with humility.
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