The Nicene Creed

When Advent comes, we will notice some differences in the words with which we profess our faith.  Here we look at samples from the Nicene Creed:

In this version, the RM3 goes back to translating the belief statement, Credo, in the singular. The Latin always had the singular. Now we re-claim this "I believe" as an opportunity to personalize and interiorize the statements of faith we hold in common

Replacing the words "seen and unseen" the new translation says  "of all things visible and invisible." drawing us to the true mysterious nature of creation. It goes beyond the me-centered view that depends on 'my' sight. God made all things: things visible and invisible. It is not simply a question that "I, myself" can or cannot see them. Indeed, there are spiritual realities.

The "only begotten Son" and "born of the Father before all ages." These texts help us to reflect on a growing, unique relationship between Father and Son. This is not magic; it is relationship.

"Consubstantial with the Father" For some CONSUBSTANTIAL will seem like a very big word; it is brought over from the Latin and emphasizes the unutterably fundamental oneness in nature between Father and Son. Worth meditating on.

"Incarnate of the Virgin Mary" This phrase uses a very precise word to indicate the truth that the eternal Son took on our fleshly existence in the womb of Blessed Mary and with the normal gestation process..

"He suffered death"  The Latin does not contain the verb "to die" and so the new text shows that Jesus suffered the ultimate loss, real death, and that this was overcome by the reality of his resurrection, as attested in the Gospels.

"Who...is adored and glorified." The word who as a transition from the Holy Spirit is non-gender specific and stretches our minds to think about WHO God really is. And our God is worth adoration, that is, a total, other-focused acknowledgement of the divine nature of the elusive Spirit.

"I confess" is a phrase we normally only use with regard to guilt. Here it takes on the sense of those Martyrs who confessed their faith by giving their blood.  Our acknowledgement  of God is so strong that we profess our faith not only with words but with our whole self.

"I look forward to the Resurrection of the dead." This is a very bold statement, resounding with confidence.

AMEN.

Coming Next,

new words in the Apostles Creed.

….Watch for comments on the Apostles Creed….