A Bishop and a Rabbi Defend the Prayer for the Salvation of the Jews
Via Sandro Magister, rabbi Jacob Neusner (whose book A Rabbi Talks to Jesus was acclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI), and bishop Gianfranco Ravas discuss the revised Good Friday prayer in the Missal of Blessed John XXIII.
If you’ve read some of the recent US press discussion on this topic, which has a “how dare you!” tone to it, I urge you to read this article, which presents background on the issue, and a defense of the current language of the prayer. It is not easy reading, but well worthwhile.
Once again, Rabbi Neusner does a better job of defending Catholic practice than many Catholics. I read his book about Jesus when I was considering conversion to Judaism many years ago. Ironically, his book helped me understand the uniqueness of the claims of Jesus, and helped me return to a deeper and more committed Christian faith (ultimately a Catholic faith.)
