Reflection 208
Based on the Vatican II
document (Comments welcome here) |
This article speaks about the Jewish people
As the
sacred synod searches into the mystery of the Church,
it remembers the bond that spiritually ties the people of the New Covenant to
Abraham's stock.
The
Church cannot forget that she received the revelation of the Old Testament
through the people with whom God in His inexpressible mercy concluded the
Ancient Covenant.
Nor can she forget that she draws sustenance from the root of that
well-cultivated olive tree onto which have been grafted the wild shoots, the
Gentiles.
Indeed, the Church believes that by His cross Christ, Our Peace,
reconciled Jews and Gentiles, making both one in Himself.
Since the spiritual patrimony common to Christians and Jews is so great, this sacred synod wants to foster and recommend that mutual understanding and respect which is the fruit, above all, of biblical and theological studies as well as of fraternal dialogues.
True,
the Jewish authorities and those who followed their lead pressed for the death
of Christ, but what happened in His passion cannot be charged against all the
Jews, without distinction, then alive, nor against the Jews of today. The Jews
should not be presented as rejected or accursed by God.
All should see to it, then, that in catechetical work or in the preaching of the
word of God they do not teach anything that does not conform to the truth of the
Gospel and the spirit of Christ.
Furthermore, in her rejection of every persecution against any man, the Church, mindful of the patrimony she shares with the Jews and moved not by political reasons but by the Gospel's spiritual love, decries hatred, persecutions, displays of anti-Semitism, directed against Jews at any time and by anyone.
Jewish Jesus, please bless all our Jewish friends!