The Creed is not just a list of things we believe, but our response to God's revelation, calling us to both intellectual ascent and personal entrusting of ourselves to the truth revealed by God.
Scripture and Sacred Tradition work together to deepen our relationship with God and lead us to the fullness of truth by revealing God's words and deeds and ensuring the preservation and transmission of the deposit of faith.
Deep dives
The First Pillar: What We Believe
The first pillar of the Catechism is about the Creed and what we believe as Catholics. The Creed is divided into three parts: belief in God the Father, belief in Jesus Christ, and belief in the Holy Spirit. The Creed is not just a list of things we believe, but it is our response to God's revelation. It calls us to both intellectual ascent and personal entrusting of ourselves to the truth revealed by God. The Creed is the foundation of our faith, and it leads us to a deeper relationship with God, who shares everything with us and invites us to share in His divine life.
The Importance of Scripture and Tradition
In understanding our faith, it is crucial to recognize the role of Scripture and Sacred Tradition. Scripture reveals God's words and deeds, while Sacred Tradition, passed down through the apostolic succession, ensures the preservation and transmission of the deposit of faith. As Catholics, we are not only people of the Book, but also people of the living Word, Jesus Christ. The Church's recognition and guidance help us interpret Scripture correctly, and the analogy of faith allows us to understand the coherence of truths within the whole plan of revelation. Scripture and Tradition work together to deepen our relationship with God and lead us to the fullness of truth.
The Obedience of Faith and Response to Revelation
The response to God's revelation is not simply a matter of intellectual ascent or belief, but of entrusting ourselves to God's truth and love. Faith involves both an intellectual acceptance of the truths revealed and a personal entrusting of ourselves to those truths. The Creed is not just a checklist, but a confession of our faith and an invitation to live differently. It calls us to the obedience of faith, which is rooted in our love for God. Our belief in God's revelation should transform every aspect of our lives, guiding our actions, shaping our moral choices, and leading us to participate in the life of the Trinity.
The Future Glory and Hope in the Creed
The Creed gives us a glimpse of the future glory that awaits us. At the end of time, the kingdom of God will come in its fullness, and the just will reign with Christ forever, glorified in both body and soul. The material universe itself will be transformed, and God will be all in all. This beautiful promise of eternal life and communion with God is the ultimate goal of our faith. As we journey through the Creed and embrace its teachings, we are reminded of the hope and joy that await us in eternity.
Part 1 of the Catechism—the first pillar—is the longest part of the four parts of the Catechism, and arguably the most foundational. Fr. Mike sits down with Jeff Cavins to discuss the big picture behind this important pillar and prepare us for the journey ahead.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.
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