3 November 2023

I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit— I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh.
From Romans 9:1-5 , NRSV

Paul’s dramatic words in today’s reading show the importance to him of his Jewish heritage – so important that he would be prepared to be “cut off from Christ” if by doing so he could help the Jews. For Paul, Baptism in the name of Jesus was the natural conclusion to which his Jewish upbringing had led. He accepted that Jesus was the fulfilment of all the prophecies that he had been taught and struggled to understand why many Jews, to whom so much had been given, did not see this. However, despite his differences with the religion of his upbringing, Paul also gives grateful acknowledgement to the fact that Christ came from their flesh and blood.

• • Why do you think Paul was so deeply hurt by the actions of the Jewish people?
  • What should be our relationship with our Jewish neighbours/relatives/fellow citizens?

What do you know of the beliefs and customs of the Jewish religion – perhaps you could research an aspect that interests you.