Message: 3
Date: Thu, 28 Oct 2004 14:56:27 -0000
From: "Marshall"
Subject: Re: The Jewish Catholic and Jewish Law


Hi, David, Marilyn and all:

I've been away from the list for a day or so. Boy have I missed some
action!

I think a source for Marilyn's statement that a Jew who considers
himself under the authority of the rabbis cannot become a Catholic
may be found in Cardinal Ratzinger's book on Covenants. I'm sorry I don't
have the exact title.

But he makes the point that is rather obvious and is everywhere in
the NT: Yeshua speaks with an authority that is greater than that of the
rabbis. He is not another interpreter of Torah. He is the GIVER of
Torah. Hence, his interpretation is absolutely authoritative and trumps
all others.

Yeshua passed this authority on to the twelve apostles and their
successors. They are the ones who "judge" the twelve tribes of
Israel. "He who hears you hears Me."

Although Peter may have continued to observe dietary laws after
Pentecost, he very soon began to "live like a Gentile" (to quote St.
Paul).

I have no problem with HCs observing some Mosaic customs, as long as this
is seen as voluntary and not required. "Circumcision means nothing. Lack
of circumcision means nothing."

Today is the feast of two apostles, Simon and Jude. I think one of
the antiphons of the Morning Prayer is relevant to this discussion:

The holy city of Jerusalem had twelve foundation-stones,
and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
The Lamb himself was the light of that city.

This is at the heart of our faith.

Shalom!

Marsh