There are many different sentences that are often used to a greater or lesser extent. However, the one we want to quote today is quite frequent at Mass. It is about the prayer of the creed, of which two types can be distinguished: The short and the long.
In this article we will explain what it is and how the two variants are similar and different. In addition, we will cite both in full. So if you want to know the prayer of the creed, I recommend that you continue reading.
What is the creedal prayer?
When we speak of the creed, we refer to a summary of the most important beliefs and dogmas in the Christian faith. This same faith is confessed at baptism by our godparents and parents on our behalf and on Sundays during Mass. Therefore it is not surprising that the prayer of the creed is recited especially on Sundays at Mass. This is how faith in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit is publicly confessed, that form the center of Christianity.
On Sundays the Resurrection of the Lord is celebrated and baptism is symbolically renewed. Before going through the moment of water the prayer of the creed is used to show faith in God through the answer to the triple question of whether we believe in God the Father, whether we believe in Jesus Christ and whether we believe in the Holy Spirit. In this way we prepare ourselves to receive the sacrament of new birth and to become part of the Body of Christ and the Church. Furthermore, Prayer to San Marcos de León can enrich our spirituality in this process.
What is the creed sentence?
Before citing the prayer of the creed, it is important to note that there are two versions: One short and one long. Why's that? The existence of both is not pure whim, but rather has its reason.
The short creed is known as the Apostles' Creed or the Apostles' Creed. According to legend they were the same apostles who wrote the prayer of the creed, just ten days after the Ascension of Jesus. However, in reality they were not the authors. The Apostles' Creed receives this name because it is based on the doctrine that was taught by them.
On the other hand, the long creed is called Nicene Creed – Constantinople, that is to say, it is the creed of the Councils of Nicaea in 325 and also of Constantinople in 381. Both responded to the heresies that fought against the Holy Spirit, which were the Arian and the Pneumatomacheans. In this context, prayers such as the one of Saint Homobono and its connection to faith.
Both the long creed and the short creed have a structure divided into three parts based on the Trinity: Confirmation of belief in God the Father, confirmation of belief in his son Jesus Christ, the savior, and confirmation of belief in the Church. and in the Holy Spirit. What differentiates both is their language and the way they express things, although the final message is the same in both sentences.
The Apostles' Creed (the short one) speaks of God the Son Jesus Christ listing the different historical actions: birth, passion, death and resurrection. For this they use above all biblical expressions, such as the resurrection after three days.
Instead, the Nicene-Constantinople creed (the long one) uses earlier, non-biblical language. This language is more related to Greek philosophy, but without being alien to what revelation implies. Throughout the 4th century, Christianity had managed to enter the Roman Empire and successfully adapt to classical culture. At that time, it was no longer solely a Semitic or Hebrew faith, but rather managed to express the truths related to revelation using Greek philosophical language. This also links it to the context of Saint Nicetius and its influence.
Apostles' Creed (Short Creed Sentence)
I believe in the all mighty Father God,
Maker of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ his only Son Our Lord,
who was conceived by the work and grace of the Holy Spirit.He was born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried, descended into hell,
On the third day he rose from the dead,
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father, almighty.
From there 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 eternal life. Amen
Nicene Creed – Constantinople (sentence of the long creed)
I believe in one god,
almighty father,
Maker of heaven and earth,
of everything visible and invisible.I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
only Son of God,
born of the Father before all centuries:
God of God,
light of light,
true God of true God,
begotten, not created,
of the same nature as the Father,
by whom everything was made;
that for us men,
and for our salvation
came down from heaven,
and by the work of the Holy Spirit
was incarnated of Mary, the Virgin,
and he became a man;
and for our sake he was crucified
in the days of Pontius Pilate;
suffered and was buried,
and he rose again on the third day, according to the scriptures,
and went up to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father;
and he will come again with glory
to judge the living and the dead,
And his kingdom will have no end.I believe in the Holy Spirit
Lord and giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
that with the Father and the Son
receive the same adoration and glory,
and that he spoke by the prophets.I believe in the Church
which is one, holy, catholic and apostolic.I confess that there is only one baptism
for the forgiveness of sins.I await the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the future world.
Amen.
As you can see, there is indeed a notable difference between the short creedal sentence and the long creedal sentence, but both have their historical and religious importance. I hope this information has been interesting for you.