Understanding our Faith

Creator – the Creed

We believe in God the Creator. The Apostles’ Creed says: “creator of heaven and earth” and the Nicene Creed says: “maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible”.

We believe that all things ultimately come from God, that God is the ultimate source for the existence of all things. It is not just about God giving everything a start; God is the constant origin of all things not just their beginning. He is giving existence and life to us and to the whole universe now. God is often described as the source or the fountain of all life. That is, that just as water springs forth from a fountain or source, so does all life and all things that spring forth from God. God feeds their existence into all things. God feeds life into his world constantly while remaining different to it.

He does not make us puppets, however. He gives life to us and at the same time we are able to enter into a relationship with him. In the workings of our world he does not replace us but works in us and through us and with us. The Blessings at the Presentation of the Gifts at Mass express this well: “Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the bread we offer you; fruit of the earth and work of human hands, it will become for us the bread of life.” (And similarly for the Blessing over the wine). 

These blessings draw together the creating work of God, the fruits of nature and the labour of human beings with what nature produces. 

All of this is important for our prayer. The God to whom we pray is the One who is giving us life and is also giving life to people we pray for. And our communion with God is a deeply important element in our action and production in the world he keeps giving us. Our relationship with God guides our life and action in his and our world. 

By Fr Frank O’Loughlin

Published: 9 February 2024