ACC ~ Mark 1 v8b

STAMMERING BEFORE THE MYSTERY OF BAPTISM

BASIL: The baptism of the Lord, however, surpasses all human powers of comprehension. It contains a glory beyond all that humanity hopes or prays for, a preeminence of grace and power which exceeds the others [1] more than the sun outshines the stars. More than this, if the words of the righteous are recalled to mind, they prove even more conclusively its incomparable superiority. Yet, we must not therefore refrain from speaking of it, but, using the very utterances of our Lord Jesus Christ as our guides,we grope along the way, as with a mirror, or through the maze of an enigma. We must speak, not so as to diminish the greatness of the subject, by an exposition made in weakness of body and with the aid of a form of reasoning that is set at naught. We must speak to magnify the greatness and the long-suffering benevolence of the good God in tolerating our stammering attempts to speak about the prodigies of his love and grace in Christ Jesus. CONCERNING BAPTISM 31.2. [2]

[1] Baptism under Mosaic law and under John’s preaching.

[2] FC 9:356*; TLG 2042.052, 31.1533

THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN WATER AND SPIRIT

JEROME: He is drawing a comparison, therefore, between the law and the gospel. Farther, he says: “I have baptized you with water,” that is, the law; “but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit,” [1] that is the gospel. HOMILY 76. [2]

[1] Mk 1:8.

[2] Cetedoc 0594, 2.45; FC 57:133. The baptism of repentance with water is the last act under the dispensation of the law, and the baptism of the Spirit is the first act under the dispensation of the gospel.

THE PERFECTION OF BAPTISM

JEROME: No baptism can be called perfect except that which depends on the cross and resurrection of Christ. THE DIALOGUE AGAINST THE LUCIFERIANS 7. [1]

[1] Cetedoc 0608, 7.171.6; NPNF 2 6:323**.