History:
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