Praying for the Conversion of the Jews
Posted by: tony on 02/19/2008 03:24 AM
Updated by: tony on 02/19/2008 03:41 AM
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Expires: 03/21/2008 12:00 AM
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By now we have heard about Pope Benedict's changing of the Good Friday prayer for the conversion of the Jews. Abe Foxman, from the Anti-Defamation League.
While we appreciate that some of the deprecatory language has been removed from a new version of the Good Friday prayer for the Conversion of Jews in the 1962 Roman Missal, we are deeply troubled and disappointed that the framework and intention to petition God for Jews to accept Jesus as Lord was kept intact.
Alterations of language without change to the 1962 prayer's conversionary intent amount to cosmetic revisions, while retaining the most troubling aspect for Jews, namely the desire to end the distinctive Jewish way of life. Still named the "Prayer for Conversion of the Jews," it is a major departure from the teachings and actions of Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II, and numerous authoritative Catholic documents, including Nostra Aetate.
I'm sorry Abe feels that way, but the fact is Jesus is Lord and the promised Messiah for the Jews too. If they don't see this, their eyes are "blinded", and they need to be shown this.
Does Abe believe that accepting Jesus requires abandoning the "Jewish way of life"? The apostles didn't abandon the Jewish way of life. Christians are still allowed to keep Mosaic law if they wish.
They only thing they really are required to do is stop praying for the first coming of the Messiah.
Does Abe believe he has it right? If this were the case, wouldn't charity require that Abe wish we were all Jews? Does he pray for our conversion, or does he pray, like Jewish men are required to pray: "Baruch atah Hashem Elokenu melech haolam, shelo asani goy" (Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who did not make me a Gentile).
So what of all the Goyim? Are we required to remain second class citizens with God? Unchosen? Just curious.
Maybe I ought to be offended, Abe.
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