Chapter 18: Of the Baptism of Jesus, and our sanctification in its waters

I BLESS You, and give thanks to You, O Lord Jesus Christ, Fountain of goodness, and source of every virtue, for humbly receiving holy Baptism; for fulfilling all righteousness; for voluntarily putting Yourself into the hands of Your forerunner, by whom You did deign to be baptized in the river Jordan; thus consecrating for us the waters of Baptism, and by Your example showing to all those who come to that Holy Rite, be they of high or be they of low estate, how needful it is for them humbly to receive the Sacrament of new birth unto Salvation, if they would find a place at last in the mansions of Your heavenly Kingdom.

In Your Baptism we too have been washed; that sanctification was for our profit, not for Yours; for You were without any spot of sin.

I praise and magnify You, O Divine and Adorable Head, before Which even the angelic spirits veil their faces, for most humbly bowing Yourself, for going down into the Jordan, and for receiving its waters upon Yourself, for the washing away of our sins.

I bless You, and glorify Your Holy Name, for Your revelation of heavenly mysteries; for the presence of the most Holy Trinity manifestly shown forth; for the way of entrance into everlasting life opened out to us; for Your wondrous enlightenment of John the Baptist, Your blessed Forerunner; for his humble answer to those who questioned him; and for his ready obedience to Your word.

O my Jesus, most highly exalted King, how greatly did You abase Yourself this day for me, the vilest of sinners; what stores of Divine grace have You opened to me by this Your condescension! Look upon me, and mercifully forgive all the sins, of which, openly and secretly, I have in so many ways been guilty.

I pray to be baptized by You with the Holy Ghost and with fire; for I have in many things offended Your goodness. Wash me throughly from my wickedness, and cleanse me from my sin. No one is free from the stain of sin, not even the infant of a day; in all the world no one is pure but You alone, the Purifier; You alone, the Sanctifier, are Holy, Who, according to the multitude of Your mercies, have power to forgive men their sins.

Be gracious unto me, I beseech You, O Lord, and let my soul live; nor do You remember my former sins, but renew my youth like the eagle's. Forgive what is past; cause me to take heed to my ways in the days that are to come: grant me ever fresh supplies of grace, that so at last I may be found meet to dwell with You in the Kingdom of Your everlasting glory.