Lustral Illumination

 Today is the feast of the Holy Baptism of the Lord.

He was born
and was baptized
that by His Passion
He might cleanse the water.

-- Ignatius of Antioch, Ephesians 18:2

Aert de Gelder, The Baptism of Christ (c. 1710); Aert de Gelder (1645-1727), famous for painting in style that focused on telling a story, was one of Rembrandt's most talented students.

Pusillanimity
by St. John Henry Newman

-- "I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me?"

How didst thou start, Thou Holy Baptist, bid
To pour repentance on the Sinless Brow!
Then all thy meekness, from thy hearers hid,
Beneath the Ascetic's port, and Preacher's fire,
Flow'd forth, and with a pang thou didst desire
He might be chief, not thou.

And so on us at whiles it falls, to claim
Powers that we dread, or dare some forward part;
Nor must we shrink as cravens from the blame
Of pride, in common eyes, or purpose deep;
But with pure thoughts look up to God, and keep
Our secret in our heart.

At Sea.
June 22, 1833.