The Holy Apostles Stachys, Amplias and others with them; the Holy Martyr Epimachus (250)
Colossians 2:13-20; Luke 9:18-22
Read Colossians 2:13-20
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
I know that at some of the baptisms in which you have participated, you have seen a child brought the baptism already dressed in white garments. It is unfortunate that this occurs as it removes a very good symbol and insight into this great Holy Mystery, the one Holy Mystery that begins our restoration and recreation in Christ Jesus. The white garment is given after the baptism in order to indicate to us that the old Adam has been removed and that the New Adam (Jesus) has been taken on.
In the Old Covenant, the sign of that covenant was circumcision – with the desire that an inward circumcision of the heart would conform to the outward sign. And the circumcision was performed by another man. In the New Covenant, there is a complete stripping of the old Adam, the carnal body as St, Paul calls it, and a putting on the New Adam, Jesus Christ – St. Paul calls this the uncircumcision of the flesh. And this stripping and making new and restored is not done another man but by the Lord Himself.
All of our sins, written by our hand on the bond (a document that lists our debt), is erased by the hand of God and nailed to the very Cross on which He for our salvation.
The white garment, the garment of His light, reveals all of this! A whole new way of life is taken on, with dignity and fresh innocence.