The Shepherd, January 2005
AN EXEGESIS ON THE DAY OF THE LORD’S BAPTISM, 2
By my birth I destroyed the barrenness of the mother who had borne me, and being yet a babe I cured the dumbness of my father, having received from Thee the gift of working wonders. But Thou wast born of the Virgin Mary, as Thou hadst blessed and as Thou alone knowest, and Thou didst not destroy her virginity but didst safeguard it and grant her the name of Mother, in such a way that neither did her virginity preclude Thy being born, nor did Thy being born destroy her virginity. Thus things that were completely contrary, giving birth and virginity, were conjoined and united, for this was easy and possible for Thee, as Thou art the Creator of nature. I am but a man and simply a communicant of God’s grace; Thou art God and simultaneously a man, and consequently Thou art full of love and goodness towards the race of man. I have need to be baptised of Thee, and comest Thou to me? Thou Who wast in the beginning, Who wast with God, and was Thyself God (John 1:1)? Thou Who art the effulgence of the Father’s Glory? Thou, Who art the perfect image of the perfect Father? Thou,Who art the Light that lighteneth every man that cometh into the world? Thou,Who being in the world, goest whither Thou wast aforetime? Thou,Who was made flesh, but wast not changed into flesh? Thou,Who hast tabernacled among us, and has been seen by Thy servants in the form of a servant? Thou, Who hast in Thy holy name joined heaven to earth, as though by a bridge? Thou comest to me: One so Great to one so small? The King cometh to the herald? The Master to the slave? Though Thou wast not ashamed to be born in the most humble human way; yet I cannot transgress the bounds of nature. I know how great is the difference between the earth and the Creator; I know what a distinction there is between the finger of clay and its Creator. I know the measure of that which separateth the light of Thy righteousness from me, who am no more than the lamp of Thy grace. Even though Thou art clothed with the body as with a pure cloud, yet I perceive Thy lordship. I confess my own servile status and proclaim Thy greatness. I recognise the mightiness of Thy power, and I do not conceal my own lowliness and unworthiness. I am not worthy to unloose the latchets of Thy shoes (John 1:27); then how shall I dare to touch the immaculate crown of Thy head? How shall I stretch out my right hand upon Thee,Who hast stretched out the heavens as if they were a curtain, and hast set the earth upon the waters? How shall I place my servant’s fingers upon Thy Divine head? How shall I wash One Who is immaculate and no participant in any sin? How shall I illumine the Light? What prayer shall I offer over Thee,Who dost receive the petitions even of those who do not know Thee? When I baptise others, I do so in Thy name, that they might believe on Thee,Who art to come in glory. But in baptising Thee, whom shall I call upon? In whose name shall I baptise Thee? In the name of the Father? But Thou hast the Father altogether in Thyself, and art Thyself altogether in the Father. In the name of the Son? But other than Thee, there is no other Son of God by nature. In the name of the Holy Spirit? But He is always with Thee, being of one essence with Thee, of one mind, of one power, of one honour, and one worship, which He receiveth from all. Wherefore, if it so please Thee, baptise me, O Lord; baptise me, the baptiser. Regenerate one, whom Thou didst call into this world. Stretch forth Thy right hand, which Thou hast prepared for Thyself, and by Thy touch crown my head, so that, in heralding Thy kingdom, I may, like a crowned forerunner, in great voice make announcement to sinners, crying out to them: Behold the Lamb of God, Which taketh away the sins of the world! (John 1:29). And thou, O river Jordan, be glad with me and rejoice, stir thy waters rhythmically, for the Creator standeth before thee in the flesh. Thou didst once of old see Israel cross through thee and, dividing thy waters, thou didst await the passing over of the people of God; now though be thou divided yet more mightily, let thy streams be more majestic so as the enfold the immaculate limbs of the One,Who in times past brought the Jews through thee. O ye mountains and hills, ye springs and torrents, ye seas and rivers, bless ye the Lord, Who hath come to the River Jordan, for through her waters He imparteth sanctification to all waters!
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