Connected with the Solemnity of the Epiphany, both feasts are the biblical manifestation of Jesus as the Son of God. After Saint John the Baptist baptised Jesus, the voice of God was heard “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” The earth’s waters were sanctified at Jesus baptism, which gave the water the power to beget sons of God by Baptism. We become Christian by imitating Jesus and be baptised, which is the first sacrament of initiation into the Church. This feast is the end of the Christmas season on the liturgical calendar.
Image: The Baptism of Christ by Francesco Albani (1630/1635) |