Posted on 04/03/2010 9:09:05 PM PDT by pissant
ROME – On Good Friday, two days before Easter, a prayer titled “Let us Pray for the Conversion of the Jews” was recited in Latin by traditionalist Catholic congregations in Italy, plus 16 sections of the Society of Saint Pius.
The ultra-conservative society, whose excommunication was lifted by Pope Benedict XVI last year, has yet to be fully reintegrated into the Catholic Church, because of its refusal to accept the reforms of the Second Vatican Council.
In 2007, in an effort to bring the traditionalist elements of the Church back into the fold, Benedict issued a “Motu Proprio” declaration allowing wider use of the 1962, pre-Vatican II Roman Missal containing this prayer, which was previously restricted to small groups. Three years ago only 30 Italian churches were affected by that decision, as opposed to the 118 that regularly use the liturgy today.
The word “conversion,” however, was not supposed to have been part of the title of this traditionalist Good Friday prayer. The official text, personally revised by the pope after Israel’s Chief Rabbinate expressed concerns regarding its content, was circulated in a note by Cardinal Bertone, theVatican’s secretary of state, in February 2008, bearing a new official title – “Oremus et pro Iudaeis,” or “Let us Pray for the Jews.” However, quite unexpectedly, that title has been changed to “Let us Pray for the Conversion of the Jews” in the brand new luxury re-edition of the missal currently flying off the shelves in Vatican bookstores.
(Excerpt) Read more at jpost.com ...
Speak for yourself.
I guess you think it not worthwhile to convert non Christians?
Ummm, ok... do you also pray for the conversion of the Hindus? Buddhists? Muslims?
If not, why not? Seems only fair to want all non-Christians to become believers, not just Jews; maybe I'm missing something. I wonder why only the Jews are mentioned in the prayer.
Understand, I'm not arguing or criticizing, I'm just a bit confused and would appreciate clarification of your comment.
A Jew converting to Christianity would have to agree that his beloved ancestors are in hell but that he or she hopes to do better. Such a person would obviously not be worthy of salvation. Until Christian doctrine on salvation only by faith in Jesus changes, this impediment is insuperable.
I now use an Angelus Missal (SSPX). And it says “For the Conversion of the Jews” as the title for the prayer. Oh, well. It’s copyright is 2004. I don’t think this has the updated prayer. No loss.
As we do.
Take that up with God, in the meantime, we’ll continue to pray for Jews and others to find salvation through Christ the King.
I’m a Jew who is not interested in being converted.
Ummm, ok... do you also pray for the conversion of the Hindus? Buddhists? Muslims?
Yup. We not only pray, we evangelize.
You wrote:
“Ummm, ok... do you also pray for the conversion of the Hindus? Buddhists? Muslims?”
Yes. Page 552 right after the Jews: “For Conversion of Unbelievers”. Before Jews we pray “For Schismatics and Heretics”.
“maybe I’m missing something.”
Yes, you are.
“I wonder why only the Jews are mentioned in the prayer.”
Because it’s for them. Other prayers are said for others. It’s not difficult to understand. Outside of the baptized the Jews come first. That is as it should be.
With good fortune, someday that may change.
Good for you.
That fact, however, has nothing to do with the obligation of religious believers to pray for you - you're not their religious guide or leader.
You wrote:
“A Jew converting to Christianity would have to agree that his beloved ancestors are in hell but that he or she hopes to do better.”
Uh, no.
“Such a person would obviously not be worthy of salvation.”
Anyone who comes to Christ can be made worthy by Him.
“Until Christian doctrine on salvation only by faith in Jesus changes, this impediment is insuperable.”
We don’t believe in sola fide. We do believe in the necessity of faith in Christ, but we don’t (and we can’t and wouldn’t) condemn to hell those who knew no better through no fault of their own.
Thank you for that excellent explication. I understand.
And people here wonder why Jews are suspicious of evangelicals’ support for Israel.
Many Jews become Christians. I know preachers who are former Jews.
Orthodox Jews say prayers against gentiles.
Perhaps both should stop, but if we think our faith is true and good, it is ok, IMHO, to pray that others find it.
I actually have relatives of each of those faiths with the exception of Buddhist (AFAIK). I do pray for their conversions.
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