Pius XII invited the author to finish his story. He listened intently then said: “You have done well to come to me and tell me this. I have heard about it before. Come back tomorrow with a written report and give it to the Secretary of State who is dealing with the question. But now for you, my son. You are a young Jew. I know what that means and I hope you will always be proud to be a Jew!”
Pius then raised his voice so that everyone in the hall – including the German soldiers – could hear it and said (in a “pleasant voice”): “My son, whether you are worthier than others only the Lord knows, but believe me, you are at least as worthy as every other human being that lives on our earth! And now, my Jewish friend, go with the protection of the Lord, and never forget, you must always be proud to be a Jew!” (from WDTPRS) (Semite quote)
I think what Pope Pius XII did is very Scriptural, for in Romans 11 we read:
I say then: Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away his people, which he foreknew. Know you not what the scripture saith of Elias; how he calleth on God against Israel?(11:1,2)
I say then, have they so stumbled, that they should fall? God forbid. But by their offence, salvation is come to the Gentiles, that they may be emulous of them. Now if the offence of them be the riches of the world, and the diminution of them, the riches of the Gentiles; how much more the fulness of them?(11:11,12)
For I would not have you ignorant, brethren, of this mystery, (lest you should be wise in your own conceits), that blindness in part has happened in Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles should come in. And so all Israel should be saved, as it is written: There shall come out of Sion, he that shall deliver, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob. And this is to them my covenant: when I shall take away their sins. As concerning the gospel, indeed, they are enemies for your sake: but as touching the election, they are most dear for the sake of the fathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are without repentance. (11:25-29)
The Holy Catholic Church has never supported any hatred against Jews because it would be against the Word of God. Jews will be always elected people of God. They survived over 2000 years without Temple. It means something. These words of St Paul should be read by all those who keep grudge against Jews under pretext they rejected their Messiah and killed Him.
Well..wait, they still have to convert, as the Church for the last 2000 years IS Judaism fulfilled. We should not hate them, or anyone else for that matter.
However, we should not deny the Religious differences between us. The did reject the Messiah, and kill him, reject and blaspheme Him til this day. Only the Jewish Priests could offer a valid sacrifice to God, they had to be involved.
The Church is the Elect of God. Israel: Church. When praying the Psalms, am I praying for modern day Israel? God Forbid! I am praying for the Church.
I only cited what St Paul said about Jews. They are very difficult to convert, by the way, however, we know famous converts, like Ratisbonne, St Edith Stein. There was also very famous piano artist who converted from Judaism and became Carmelite friar, very holy man. But my point is that anti-semitism or any hateful feelings against people that are different is sinful. It usually starts as imperfection that relatively quickly turns into hatred. Our Lord prayed on the cross for those who killed Him.
Of course. But, some people take the Good Will too far, and make believe there aren’t differences.
I know what you mean. However, I love conversion stories and the conversion of Carmelite, Fr Cohen is very moving one. There is a link to my blog if you would like to read it:
http://floscarmelivitisflorigera.blogspot.com/2007/06/
third-sunday-after-pentecos.html
I hope the link works. If not, I posted it on 19 June this year and the text is after after Our Lady of the Rosary Library and Fatima Findings. Miracles happens!
Sorry, my mistake
http://floscarmelivitisflorigera.blogspot.com/2007/06/third-sunday-after-penteco.html