Second Sunday after the Epiphany AD 2026

Today’s Gospel ends with a brief report of the baptism of Jesus. John the Baptist baptized Jesus not because Jesus needed forgiveness of sins and repentance, but as a sign that Jesus had come to take upon himself our sins and redeem us through his innocent suffering and death. Jesus’ baptism was immediately followed by an event that, especially in the Eastern tradition, is called the Theophany: the manifestation of God.

This manifestation sets before us the mystery of the nature of God, namely that He is One in Three: “And straightway coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon Him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Here He is: the Most Holy Trinity, Father and Son and Holy Spirit. God, who is One, but not alone, because in Him is the whole richness of being and He is the source of every true, loving relationship. This is the main reason why He created everything: to share the blessing of life and love with those who would not exist without Him. But in His love, God goes even further than simply creating us: He did not respond to man’s rebellion against Him by destroying us and creating a better mankind, but by becoming the Son of Man in His only begotten Son, so that we might become sons and daughters of God.

If this is not the highest honor that could bestowed upon us, then what is? For some reason, however, there are so many who despise this honor, seeking something else. The reason is simple: to be joint heirs with the Son of God, it is necessary to follow Him in everything – especially in His self-giving and humble love. That’s right, this is the only way to be exalted to heavenly glory: “Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate.”