1. Iconic!
The Theophany Icon, which depicts the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan, is one of the most famous in Christianity. You can check it out below and read this interesting article explaining more of the details included.
2. What is “Baptism of the Holy Spirit” anyway?
This phrase, which comes from Mark 1:8 and John 1:33, is a hotly contested one amongst some Christians in history. Here is a great description from Catholic Answers chaplain Fr. Hugh Barbour!
3. What is the “right way” to baptize? Is there one?
Another issue related to baptism is the means by which is baptized. Some insist on “immersion” only. The Church allows for pouring and sprinkling, but maintains that immersion is “the original and full sign” in the Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph 628. Here’s a great article from Catholic Answers on the different ways to baptize and the biblical basis for them.
4. Catholic Word of the Day: theophany
This word has uses prior to the New Testament and comes from the Greek theos, which means “god or God,” and phainein, which means “to show.” It refers to when one of the gods, in Greek mythology, or the God of Israel, in the bible, would show themselves or Himself. It applies to the Baptism today for a couple of reasons. First, God the Father and God the Holy Spirit “show” themselves at Jesus’s baptism. Also, because Jesus is acknowledged as God’s Son, his own divine nature is “shown” or made public as well.
5. Want more articles on baptism? Of course you do!
Here are some great pieces from EpicPew! to help you understand and appreciate baptism even more!