This I Believe: The Creed

This I Believe, Inc., is a not-for-profit organization that encourages people from all walks of life to write, share, and discuss essays about their core beliefs. Selected essays were heard on National Public Radio for a few years and then carried on satellite and public radio shows for several years following. Many essays can be read on thisIbelieve.org, or heard on a weekly podcast. The project was based on the popular 1950s radio series of the same name hosted by Edward R. Murrow. Murrow created the series at a time when America was divided and worried about the Cold War, McCarthyism, and racial tensions. He hoped that hearing the core beliefs of others would help Americans come together by finding common ground.

As the faithful profess their faith in the Creed at Mass, they state the common ground of their beliefs. Across the globe, the faithful come from many cultures and backgrounds and pursue varied livelihoods and recreational activities, but unity is apparent as they profess their common beliefs in the Creed.

The word creed comes from the Latin word credo, meaning “I believe.” Credo may be derived from a word that means “trust” or “to give trust.” As the faithful profess the Creed, they are uttering the beliefs in which they have entrusted themselves.

The first creeds came in the form of a question-and-answer dialogue with people who were about to be baptized. This type of dialogue is still carried out before Baptism as well as with the entire community in the renewal of baptismal promises on Easter Sunday.

Proclaimed just prior to the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the Creed sums up the faith heard in the readings and reminds the assembly of their unity before they process to the banquet of the Lord.

The Nicene Creed, the creed most often proclaimed during Mass, is a combination of the creeds that originated at the Council of Nicaea (325) and the Council of Constantinople (381). The Apostles’ Creed, formerly reserved for Masses with children, also may be said at Mass, especially during Easter Time.

As the Creed is professed, may we become a people united in faith, hope, and love for the life of the world.

Five Minute Jesus

Using the Gospel for Prayer – The Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord August 6, 2023

It’s simple. 1. Read the Gospel for the following Sunday slowly, reflecting on the story it tells. 2. Reflect on the questions assigned for each day. 3. Make some resolution about how what you read can be lived that day. 4. Then thank God for speaking to you through this reflection.

Gospel Matthew 17:1-9

Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, "Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and do not be afraid." And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone. As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, "Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."

Monday

Was there something in this reading that spoke to me? Challenged me? What was it? Why did it have this effect on me?

Tuesday

Today’s passage is truly frightening and awesome. The disciples see Jesus revealed in all his divine glory. Peter realizes the moment and says, ‘it is good for us to be here’. What would my reaction be?

Wednesday

The voice of God resounded “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." We are all called to listen. But that can only happen with an open heart warmed by God’s love. How can I keep my heart open and receptive?

Thursday

The use of light and darkness is important. Light reveals what is in the shadows. We are given the light of Christ at Baptism. Can I feel the presence of God’s light from within? How does that feel?

Friday

Transfiguration is where the divine and the human meet. If we open ourselves to God’s love we can be transfigured from within. When I look at others, can I remain open to their potential for transfiguration?

Saturday

Have I ever had a ‘mountain top’ experience? If so, what was it? What blessings has it brought me? Can an everyday, small moment be a mountain top experience if I remain open to God’s Word?