Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on John the Baptist during the Paramoun of the Theophany, explaining the meaning of the vigil, its fasting discipline, and the Church readings centered on the Lord’s baptism and repentance.

Fr. Matthias presents John the Baptist as a model of taking God’s call seriously, highlighting his diligence, ascetic life, courage, and urgency in preaching repentance for the remission of sins. The sermon explores John’s seriousness in the content of his message, his uncompromising call to repentance, and his refusal to dilute the truth for approval or popularity.

Fr. Matthias also examines John’s humility, self-control, preaching to all without partiality, fearless rebuke of sin, and willingness to suffer and bear the cross. The message calls believers to examine diligence, repentance, humility, and faithfulness in their own Christian life in preparation for the Theophany.