FROM CREATION TO CREATOR
Whether you recite the Apostles Creed or the Nicene Creed, the first affirmation given to God is God the Creator. In the Apostles Creed it says, “I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.” In the Nicene version, it is rendered, “I believe in one God, the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.”
Both versions presuppose the theological claim that God created the world ex nihilo, Latin for “out of nothing.” The phrase “out of nothing” does not mean out of an unknown or preexistent indeterminate material. “Out of nothing” means everything proceeded from the creative power of God and that He needed no preexistent material to fashion the world into being.
This is not simply theological calisthenics. Understanding this will have concrete implications in our daily spirituality. First, the beauty and goodness of everything in the world is a reflection of God who is the source of everything that is true, good and beautiful. The First Reading affirms this. Just as a beautiful painting reflects the artistic genius of its painter, so all of creation is a mirror of the grandeur of its Creator. The Responsorial Psalm proclaims this: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.” The way we regard creation necessarily reflects the way we regard God. Disrespect of creation (humanity included) is disrespect towards God. Reverence to creation is likewise reverence to God.
Secondly, and just as importantly, while everything in the world is good (because it is a reflection of God), nothing in the world is God. This is a caveat against idolatry (of man, nature and things). The Book of Wisdom says, “Instead either fire, or wind, or the swift air... or the luminaries of heaven...they considered gods… let them know how far more excellent is the Lord than these” (verses 2-3).
Foolish is he who makes creation stand in the way of the Creator. Wise is he who sees creation as the way to the Creator. Fr. Joel Jason
REFLECTION QUESTION: Does the beauty of the world awaken in you a greater desire for the Creator of the world?
As the deer yearns for running streams, let my soul yearn for You, my God. Amen.
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