St. Theophan the Recluse: Baptism and the Cross

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Wednesday, March 22 (9), 2023
No Liturgy ─ no New Testament reading appointed    

The Russian words for baptism (kreschenie) and cross (krest) sound somewhat alike.  This is a fitting likeness.  Indeed, even though in baptism the visible part is immersion in water, the essence of baptism is crucifixion together with Christ on an inner spiritual cross.

St. Paul says that in baptism “our old man is crucified with Him” [Rom. 6:4].  This is not any kind of a material action, but a moral conversion, a turnabout of our thoughts, priorities, desires and dispositions.  Before baptism all that was marred with selfishness; now it is a selfless sacrifice to the Lord, in Jesus Christ, by the grace of the Holy Spirit.

You might say that you did not understand this when you were baptized.  May be; but you understand it now.  So, resolve in your conscience to live up to the significance of your baptism, since it is forever.  Even at the Last Judgment the seal of baptism will bear witness, either for or against you.

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