ACC ~ Mark 10 v38c

SHARERS WITH ME

CHRYSOSTOM: This he calls a baptism, showing that from it the whole world would receive a great purification. Then they say to him: “We can.” In the fervor of their spirit they promise immediately, not knowing what they said, but looking to obtain that which they were asking. … He foretold great things for them; that is, you shall be held worthy of martyrdom, you shall suffer the things I have suffered, you shall end your life with a death from violence, and in this also you shall be sharers with me. THE GOSPEL OF ST. MATTHEW, HOMILY 65. [1]

[1] TLG 2062.152, 58.619.53-620.1, 620.3-6; SSGF 1:413; PG 58-617.

THE GRACE OFFERED IN BAPTISM

CHRYSOSTOM: For when we immerse our heads in the water, the old humanity is buried as in a tomb below, and wholly sunk forever. Then as we raise them again, the new humanity rises in its place. As it is easy for us to dip and to lift our heads again, so it is easy for God to bury the old humanity, and to lift up and display the new. And this is done three times, that you may learn that the power of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost [1] fulfills all this. HOMILIES ON JOHN 25.2. [2]

[1] Cf. Mt 28:19.

[2] NPNF 1 14:89*; TLG 2062.153, 59.151.14-23.

CROSS AS CUP, DEATH AS BAPTISM

CHRYSOSTOM: Here Christ was calling his crucifixion a cup and his death a baptism. [1] He called his cross a cup because he was coming to it with pleasure. He called his death a baptism because by it he cleansed the world. Not only on this account did he call his death a baptism but also because of the ease with which he would rise again. For just as one who is baptized in water easily rises up because the nature of the water poses no hindrance, so, too, Christ rose with greater ease because he had gone down into death. And this is why he calls his death a baptism. ON THE INCOMPREHENSIBLE NATURE OF GOD 8.35. [2]

[1] Cf. Mk 10:38.

[2] TLG 2062.016, 48.775.4-14; FC 72:226*.