The following reflection on the Lord’s baptism was written by St. Gregory of Nazianzus (fourth century):
Jesus comes out of the water, drawing the world with him, as it were, and raising it up when it has hitherto been sunk in the abyss. He sees the heavens, not being rent, but opening of their own accord. The first Adam had of old closed heaven to himself and us, just as he had seen the earthly paradise being closed to him, with a fiery sword barring access.
The Holy Spirit bears witness. Here all is in perfect harmony, for the testimony comes from heaven, just as he whom the Spirit bears has come from heaven.
