The first thing I thought of when I read this article was how much controversy this one prayer can cause. The inter-religious relationship between Jews and Catholics can be severely marred by this traditionalist prayer. According to the article, one Cardinal stated,
"We think that reasonably this prayer cannot be an obstacle to dialogue becauseI cannot think of any part of Jewish liturgy, at least that I am aware of, that prays for the conversion of non-Jews. I guess I can understand the reason for wanting to keep this prayer as is because it holds traditional value. However, if the overall goal is to better relations between the two religions, I am not sure that this prayer is going to sit well with either party. The way I see it, those who are praying for the conversion of Jews are also praying for them to change their identity. When looking at it that way, it is hard to forsee any progress with inter-religious relations in the future. I don't want to sound like a cynic because I do believe that there is always a possibility for improvement, but I know that it does not sit well with me that there is a select group of traditionalist Catholics that are praying for me to convert. I am certainly not praying for the conversion of them when I pray. I am confident and comfortable with my religious beliefs, and I think that is good enough for me.
it reflects the faith of the Church and, furthermore, Jews have prayers in their
liturgical texts that we Catholics don't like,"
I also find it interesting that the Pope decided to reinstate an old-style Latin mass that was phased out in the 1960's. There was obviously a reason that it was put out of practice, and using it again has the potential to cause more harm than good in regards to inter-religious understanding. There is a difference to "giving witness" to one's faith, and praying for the conversion of others.
[I want to edit this paragraph. I do not mean to seem like I object to prayer in Latin. I am not a fan of going to services at my synagogue and praying mostly in English, so I certainly do not wish to give off the impression that I am against praying in Latin. What I do not understand is why bring back this mass that was phased out in the 1960's. It was done for a reason, right?]
Overall, I do not really know what to make of this issue. I find the article very interesting, and it definitely sparks my interest in Catholic liturgy and inter-religious relations. I am hoping that there will be a follow-up on this story as well. I am curious to read what everyone else thinks about this article.
Overall, I do not really know what to make of this issue. I find the article very interesting, and it definitely sparks my interest in Catholic liturgy and inter-religious relations. I am hoping that there will be a follow-up on this story as well. I am curious to read what everyone else thinks about this article.
4 comments:
Minim, our prayer against heretics, has certainly been aimed at Christian from time to time in history.
As for mass in latin, you wouldn't object to Reform worship in Hebrew, would you? Yet you would object to Catholic worship in latin?
I never said I would object to Catholic worship in latin, I am saying that I object to latin prayers for conversion. I'll look into Minim.
Also look into Aleinu...
Therefore we put our hope in You, Adonai our God, to soon see the glory of
Your strength, to remove all idols from the Earth, and to completely cut off all false gods; to repair the world, You holy empire. And for all living flesh to call Your name, and for all the wicked of the Earth to turn to You. May allthe world’s inhabitants recognize and know that to You every knee must bend and every tongue must swear loyalty. Before You, Adonai, our God,
may all bow down, and give honor to Your precious name, and may all take upon themselves the yoke of Your rule. And may You reign over them soon and forever and always. Because all rule is Yours alone, and You will rule in honor forever and ever.
I think the Aleinu translation is interesting in regard to this topic. Although I see where you are coming from in saying that this could be seen as a conversion prayer I don't see it that way at all. To me, the Aleinu is saying that all Jews must see Hashem (g-d) as the One and only G-d and we must not turn to idols or false G-ds. It is not saying all non-Jews should leave their religion and become Jewish. Obviously if you are Jewish you think Judaism is the right religion...FOR YOU, not necessarily for everyone else. Growing up in the south, that is a main difference I have found between Judaism and Christianity, Judaism isn't proselytizing and doesn't seek to convert the wold to Judaism, one saved soul at a time (pardon the mockery). Any religious that says you have to believe this or you're going to hell isn't a religion i want to be a part of. but if you do want to be a part of it, then good for you, just don't try to make me believe it too. Religious freedom is something that is often forgot until you are in the minority in a proselytizing nation.
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