God is the centre of the our whole life and at the core of that mystery is the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. How do we have one God and three persons and not three Gods? What is the relationship of the Father with the Son and the Father and the Son with the Holy Spirit? For centuries the great minds of the Church have wrestled with this mystery and gradually formed this prayer to explain.

The Apostle’s Creed is the simplified form. In the New Translation, the only significant difference is that we see reinstituted  is the idea that Jesus descended even into Hell to liberate the souls there by the power of his sacrifice.

The Nicene Creed was established in Nicea in 325 AD (in modern Turkey). Even in this Creed when I stand I make a personal professtion that I believe in this. You will notice more poetic language  ‘”things visible and invisible, before all ages”.

The word “consubstantial” is used which has a richer significance in talking about ow the fullness of God subsists in both the Fathe and the Son.

General Instruction of the Roman Missal (The Church’s Textbook)

43. In the profession of faith or creed the people have the opportunity to respond and give assent to the word of God which they have heard in the readings and the homily. It is also a time for the people to recall the teachings of the faith before they begin the Eucharist.

98. At the words: by the power of the Holy Spirit, etc. all bow in honour of Jesus becoming incarnate. On the feasts of the Annunciation and Christmas all genuflect.

Reflection:

The Profession of Faith links the liturgies of the Word and Eucharist as the congregation recalls the mysteries of faith which will again be proclaimed in the Eucharistic Prayer.

Questions for Reflection:

1. How do I reflect on God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?

2. What does the Profession of Faith contribute to the special solemnity of Sundays and certain feasts?

Scripture: Luke 3: 21-22

Signing with the cross was a gesture practiced by Christians as early as the second century . By the late fourth century this action was incorporated at many points in the celebration of the Sacraments. This is surely the earliest prayer. Your parents made the sign of the cross on your forehead when you were brought to the Church for Baptism. We’ve all taught very young children by moving their hands for them.

A greeting extended by the priest, on the other hand, is among the most ancient elements of the introductory rites. The traditional formula in the west has been “The Lord be with you,”a text of biblical origins. Although these words greet Ruth 2:4, they are more often found as a simple statement of God’s presence in the community, e.g. Judges 6:12. The accustomed Latin response Et cum spiritu tuo has parallels in St. Paul, e.g. Galatians 6:18, and its meaning is generally accepted  as one of reciprocity.

One of the first changes in the New Testament you’ll notice is in response to the Priest’s “The Lord be with you.” We will respond using the direct translation of the Latin, “And with your spirit”. This empasizes the spirit of the Priest’s ordination as he is not to celebrated the Mass as ‘Joe, Pete, Bill’ but as a priest of the Sacrament.

The Order of Mass provides two additional greetings. the first is the conclusion of St. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians (13:13) and is found in some easter liturgies as introducing the dialogue before the eucharistic prayer: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ …”. The other is “The grace and peace of God our Father …. ” a formula often used by St. Paul to begin his letters e.g. Galatians 1:3.

The Order of Mass allows the Presider or suitable minister to give a short introduction to the celebration.

General Instruction of the Roman Missal (The Church’s Textbook)

28. After the entrance song, the priest and congregation make the sign of the cross. Then through a greeting the priest expresses the presence of the Lord to the assemble community.
29. After greeting the people, the priest or other suitable minister may very briefly introduce the Mass of the day.
86. Then the priest goes to the chair.

Reflection:

The sign of the cross, a traditional prelude to prayer, is a form of self-blessing with strong baptismal overtones: in the rite of Christian initiation we are signed with the cross since all salvation come through the victorious cross of Christ. Moreover, every Christian has been baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The community at worship is first and foremost a baptismal community.

Questions for Reflection:

1. How is the sign of the cross made – reverently and with thought or absentmindedly and carelessly?

2. Have I reflected on what my Baptism means to me?

Scripture: Gal. 6:18, Cor.13:13

At Fleming College the Fleming College Catholics group will be hosting Soul Food – Lenten Lunches at the College. With free soup and fresh bread followed Breaking Open the Word in Bible study, you are invited to make a journey through the examination of the Passion in Lent. Thursday Feb 18, 25, March 11, 18, 25 from 12-1 pm in room 222.

You’ll see at the doors of the church handouts for Daily Meditations to consider throughout Lent. If we run out, we’ll photocopy more, while other Lenten meditations can be accessed on websites that we would suggest e.g.

http://www.ewtn.com/faith/lent/ash_F17.htm

Canadian Food for Children
25 years ago Dr. Simone from Toronto initiated this program to “Feed All Children in 3rd World Countries.” St. Mary’s Church and Schools have been collecting and shipping food after Easter ever since. Please help fill the boxes at the Main and Side Entrances. Basic Needs, salt, sugar, pasta, rice, lentils, dried peas, beans, sauces in packages, pens, pencils, paper, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, canned meats, died soup mixes. A list of articles will be at each door. Assistance is always appreciated. Call Kay at 324-3596. Thank You

Lastly, we have a number of Lenten activities being promoted by our Development and Peace. Dessert and movie St. Mary’s School Gym, February 28 at 2:00 p.m.. Bring your favourite dessert and watch an eye-opening expose of our modern food industry. It’s a must to see and is hosted by Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace. Free will offering. On the Fifth Sunday of Lent there will be the collection for Development and Peace or other charities as you may wish.