Thursdays in Lent are for activities that help us reflect on the baptismal theme. The baptismal these this week asks
“Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as Lord, in union with the church Christ opens to people of all ages, nations, and races? Will you commit yourself, according to the grace given in you, to be a faithful member of Christ’s holy church and serve as Christ’s representative in the world?”
In baptism, the Church specifically asks you to confess Jesus…to claim him as your guide in life. We also ask you to commit to the body of seekers and believers known as the Church. Long ago, the Church codified her understandings of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in the Apostle’s Creed. This statement is the standard for Christian belief. Today, let’s examine it.
I would like to ask you to read the Apostle’s Creed below. As it is a ‘confession’ it is intended to be read aloud. So, read it aloud. Read it several times if necessary. Read it until one of the lines captures your attention. Then take some time to write down why that line is the line for you today.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.
Credits:
Created with images by Harout's Lens - "god?" • Kheel Center, Cornell University Library - "Four men assist at the riverside baptism of a young person"