(L,M,P)B...
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(L,M,P)
Christians can learn much from their Jewish neighbors about the joy of the faith. Two experiences come to mind. The first involved a suicide in my parish. The daughter of the deceased was in terrible shock and grief. The next door neighbors who were Jewish asked me to bring her over so that we could all eat together. The Jewish mother said, "Whenever we are in grief, we believe it is good to eat and talk together over food. These acts are affirmations of life and the promises of God in the face of death."
On another occasion I took a Jewish friend with me to worship. After the service, he said, "Why are you Christians so somber before worship begins? You sit there like a bunch of mummies. In synagogue we Jews talk and laugh together. It is a preparation for the celebration that is to come."
Christians need to learn the meaning of celebration. The redeemed community needs to look more redeemed and listen to what Isaiah the Jew tells us. After all, it has come to pass God has prepared a feast for all peoples. Death has been swallowed up forever. We have not waited in vain. Let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation!
-- Lincoln
Christians can learn much from their Jewish neighbors about the joy of the faith. Two experiences come to mind. The first involved a suicide in my parish. The daughter of the deceased was in terrible shock and grief. The next door neighbors who were Jewish asked me to bring her over so that we could all eat together. The Jewish mother said, "Whenever we are in grief, we believe it is good to eat and talk together over food. These acts are affirmations of life and the promises of God in the face of death."
On another occasion I took a Jewish friend with me to worship. After the service, he said, "Why are you Christians so somber before worship begins? You sit there like a bunch of mummies. In synagogue we Jews talk and laugh together. It is a preparation for the celebration that is to come."
Christians need to learn the meaning of celebration. The redeemed community needs to look more redeemed and listen to what Isaiah the Jew tells us. After all, it has come to pass God has prepared a feast for all peoples. Death has been swallowed up forever. We have not waited in vain. Let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation!
-- Lincoln
