This month’s topic is the Creed, and as you’ll learn both the Nicene and Apostles’ Creed are divided into three parts, corresponding to the three Persons of the Trinity.
Since Baptism is given “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”, the truths of faith professed during Baptism are articulated in terms of their reference to the three persons of the Holy Trinity.
And so the Creed is divided into three parts: “the first part speaks of the first divine Person and the wonderful work of creation; the next speaks of the second divine Person and the mystery of his redemption of men; the final part speaks of the third divine Person, the origin and source of our sanctification.”
For that reason, the piece I’ve chosen for this month’s prayer tables picks up that theme.
This work by Albrecht Durer was completed in 1511 as an altarpiece for a church. The Persons of the Trinity are the focus, framed by clouds and angels. On the left are the heavenly martyrs led by the Queen of heaven, herself. On the right are Old Testament Saints, led by John the Baptist. Near the bottom of the painting, but still above the clouds, are all the others in heaven: priests, nuns, lay people, etc., and at the very bottom we see the artist who painted himself in the scene still on earth.
It’s very easy to look at this painting, with its clear vision of heavenly realities and recite, “I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.” “I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God …” “I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, and giver of life …”
Family Formation 