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Editorial
Jesus: The Bridge

As we go to press, former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani has been appointed the head of an International Commission on Anti-Semitism. The purpose is to stop the hate crimes in Europe. The upcoming conference represents a critical step for Europeans, who have too frequently dismissed Anti-Semitic violence as routine assaults and vandalism.

Some of the Anti-Semetism stems from a misunderstanding of the person called Jesus. Catholics believe Jesus is the Son of God. Jews have no single belief about Jesus. Some Jews consider him to be a prophet like Jeremiah; others feel that Jesus and his movement were out of the mainstream of Judaism from the beginning and therefore a rebel.

Judaism is based on the belief in the uniqueness of God. The idea of a divine person equal to God is completely alien to Judaism. Whatever the individual opinions of Jews about Jesus are, He has no place in Jewish worship and official religious teaching.

Unfortunately, some Catholics believed Jews were Christ-killers. That caused much Anti-Semitism, especially in Europe. Likewise, some Jews controlled Christian businesses. Both groups were wrong. However, old stories die slowly.

Today, serious efforts are being made to improve relations between Catholics and Jews. We call it, Interfaith Dialogue. Of course, there can be no question of union between Catholics (and other Christians) and Judaism. Through dialogue, though, Jews have a better understanding of Catholics and vice versa. Catholics have become more aware of their Jewish roots. Jews appreciate the knowledge that Catholics have adopted many Jewish traditions in their Liturgical services. Much good has been done, but much more remains for the future.

And so, our entire issue is dedicated to the person, Jesus. Jews will understand what the Catholic believes in Jesus. Catholics will appreciate the Jewish concept of Messiah. The teachings of Jesus offer much to both groups. Appreciating our differences and likenesses in Jesus our Catholic-Jewish bridge becomes stronger.

Canon Badia