Memorial of Saint
Charles Borromeo, bishop
(Romans 11:29-36; Luke 14:12-14)
Since almost the beginning of Christianity, ignorant
Christians have harassed Jews. They have
called Jews “Christ-killers” and persecuted some until death. Such a vindictive spirit contradicts the New
Testament as St. Paul explains in today’s first reading.
The passage states that the call of God to the Jews to be
His people is irrevocable. In other
words, despite what happened to Christ, God still claims the Jews as His
own. Paul sees God bringing Jews to
righteousness in an unexpected way. First,
He uses the disobedience of Jewish authorities to justify Christians. Those leaders plotted for Jesus’ crucifixion. His death and resurrection then unleashed the
Holy Spirit sending apostles to the corners of the world. They converted the pagans to righteousness. Finally, in Paul’s vision, Jews observing this
wonder will seek conversion.
Many Jews have converted to Christianity, especially in late
antiquity. Still, however, millions of
Jews remain. Are they somehow lost? Judging by Paul’s criteria, one may think
so. But, as Paul also states, God’s ways
are unsearchable. We find among the Jews
many who are both good and loving. Who
is to say that they are not saved?
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