Consubstantial with the Father

It is now just three weeks before we start using the new translation of the Roman Missal. It is important that we understand that the implementation of the changes is not something optional that parishes and dioceses can say “yes” or “no” to – the changes have been made and will begin on the first Sunday of Advent. In our 3-Minute Catecheses, we have already talked about why the changes were made and specifically talked about the response to “The Lord be with you” changing to “And with your spirit.”

Today, our topic is one of the changes to the Nicene Creed. In the second paragraph of the Creed, the phrase “one in being with the Father” is being replaced by “consubstantial with the Father.” Why must we use such an uncommon word as consubstantial? Both phrases attempt to put into words one of the great mysteries of our faith: that Jesus Christ is equal to the Father.

Why do we even recite the Nicene Creed and where did it come from? The experience of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension caused early Christians to ask and explore, “Who was Jesus?”

By the beginning of the fourth century, a heresy, which is an incorrect teaching, taught that Jesus was not God, but was a creature that God had made. The priest Arius claimed that Jesus was a supernatural being not quite human and not quite divine. Even though Arius was condemned by the Church, he wandered through the Holy Land spreading his heresy. At a council of the world’s bishops in 325 in Nicaea, located in what is now Turkey, the bishops condemned Arius and the heresy and reaffirmed what had been taught by the Apostles: that Jesus is of the same substance as God. They used a Greek word which means “of the same essence” to describe the relationship between the Father and the Son. That word is best translated “consubstantial.” It is important to remember that when we recite the Creed, we aren’t just saying words; we are professing and affirming profound truths of our faith.

There are still opportunities to better prepare for the coming changes in the Roman Missal. In today’s bulletin, you will find a Catholic Update with good information. Next Sunday, one-hour workshops will be offered at 9:30 and 11:00. And on November 20th at 3:00 PM, our combined choirs will be singing the new Mass settings at the St. Cecilia Celebration, and all are invited to come and sing along. As we adjust to these changes, we pray that we will remain open to the work of the Holy Spirit in our Church.