😎🐫🎤 Christ’s peace and presence be with you. Hearing the second reading during Mass Sunday brought back a memory from high school. Specifically, 1 Peter 3:15 “…Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…” I can’t remember for sure if it was sophomore or junior year, but in Religion class we were going to be tested on the Nicene Creed. In class one day, Father Mike chose me to recite the Creed. Like most teenage kids, I did not like talking in from of the class, but I made my way though it, although I did mess one of the words up. After saying that prayer, what Father Mike said all those years ago has really stuck with me. He said that it sounded like I was actually praying it and meant it.
The Nicene Creed
I believe in one God,
the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;
through Him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,
and became man.
For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
He suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead
and His kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
The reason it sounded like I was praying it and meant it…well, that’s because I was praying it. I wasn’t just reciting words. I truly meant those words as I spoke them. I have to say, they mean even more to me now than they did then.
If I was sitting and having a conversation with you right now, and asked you, “What is the reason for the hope you have?” What would you tell me? Would you have to think about it for a while? Take some time to contemplate the real reason for the hope you have. And if you’re comfortable with sharing, I would enjoy hearing your response.
Bless others and be blessed.
Shelly :0)
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#ThirdDay – Creed
Third Day Devotions 