Meditation
„The Jewish people remain the living root of the Christian faith. We want to signify this attachment by praying for the members of the Jewish people every first Thursday of the month. We believe that this intention is a source of blessing in our journey towards unity among the churches.„
Excerpt from the Conciliar Document Nostra Aetate, signed 60 years ago (28 October 1965 – 28 October 2025)
4. The Church and the Jewish People
As the sacred synod searches into the mystery of the Church, it remembers the bond that spiritually ties the people of the New Covenant to Abraham’s stock.
The Church of Christ acknowledges that, according to God’s saving design, the beginnings of her faith and her election are found already among the patriarchs, Moses, and the prophets. She professes that all who believe in Christ—Abraham’s sons according to faith—are included in the same patriarch’s call, and likewise that the salvation of the Church is mysteriously foreshadowed by the chosen people’s exodus from the land of bondage.
The Church, therefore, cannot forget that she received the revelation of the Old Testament through the people with whom God in His inexpressible mercy deigned to establish the Ancient Covenant. Nor can she forget that she draws sustenance from the root of that well-cultivated olive tree onto which have been grafted the wild shoots, the Gentiles. Indeed, the Church believes that by His cross Christ, Our Peace, reconciled Jews and Gentiles, making both one in Himself.
5. The Universal Brotherhood of Humanity Excludes All Discrimination
We cannot truly call on God, the Father of all, if we refuse to treat in a brotherly way any man, created as he is in the image of God.
Man’s relation to God the Father and his relation to men his brothers are so linked together that Scripture says: “He who does not love does not know God” (1 Jn 4:8). Therefore, the Church reproves, as foreign to the mind of Christ, any discrimination against men or any harassment of them because of their race, color, condition of life, or religion.
Accordingly, following the footsteps of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, this sacred synod ardently implores the Christian faithful to “maintain good fellowship among the nations” (cf. 1 Pet 2:12), and, if possible, to live for their part in peace with all men, so that they may truly be sons of the Father who is in heaven.
Suggested reading
| Shema Yisrael: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 The call of Abram: Gen 12:1-4 I am the one who is: Ex 3:13-15 Blessing: Num 6:22-2 | Ancient Confession of Faith: Deut 26:5-9 The First Commandment: Mk 12:28-34 The Faith of Abraham: Heb 11:8- 12 The inheritance of the people of Israel: Rom 9:1- |
Intercessions
R. Amen, amen, blessed be the God of Israel
Or another refrain
1. Most Loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
you who wept for the violence between Cain and Abel,
we pray for peace in the Middle East,
for all the people who inhabits this land
where you have chosen to join us in our humanity.
2. Most Loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
you who made possible the reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers,
for any contempt for your people Israel, forgive us (silence).
We pray to you, Father, to make fraternity grow between the Jewish people and the nations.
3. Most Loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
you who brought Israel out of Egypt and made your people free,
give your joy to the Jewish people,
and keep them faithful to your covenant.
4. Most Loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
you who united the twelve tribes of Israel around the Torah,
give peace to the Jews who believe in Jesus.
5. Most Loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
you who sent your Son Jesus to save us,
Make your blessing rest on Christians who are of Jewish origin.
6. Most Loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
Father of Jesus Christ,
you who gave your beloved Son so that all might be one
gather all Christian churches together in unity.
7. Most Loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
you who promised the Jewish people the coming of the Messiah,
you who promised the Church the return of your son
We praise you and we say in the Holy spirit “Maranatha, come Lord!”.
Prayer
Eternal and almighty God,
listen to the prayer of your Church.
You who chose Abraham and his descendants
to make them the children of your promise,
Lead to the fullness of redemption
the first people of the Covenant.
Let the nations of the earth
be welcomed by grace into the family of Abraham,
and may all of creation joyfully enter into your reign of peace. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.