Focolare Movement

Jews and Christians Desiring Unity

Jun 2, 2011

A day meeting for a deeper examination of dialogue in the Focolare town of El Diamante (Acatzingo) in Mexico. The next event will be the Jewish Christian syposium in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

On 22 May, the Focolare’s little town in Mexico – “El Diamante” – was awaiting the appointment with Christians and Jews united in a sign of living dialogue among people who desire to rediscover their common roots. They are our “big brothers”, said John Paul II using an expression which has now become famous. And “What might happen,” asked Chiara Lubich, “as we deepen the brotherly relationship between us, Jews and Christians, who share the patrimony of the Bible, in what we call the Old Testament?” Today the relationship continues to develop in the Focolare Movement, upon this basis and the dialogue between Christians and Jews continues. The day at Acatzingo is an example. Following a brief introduction, focused on the discovery of God Love as the basis of our brotherhood, along with moments from the history of the Focolare in its dialogue with the Jewish world, Liviu Bleier, president of the new B’nai B’rith of Mexico, stressed that “the best religion is the one that is the closest to God” and he expressed his appreciation and joy for this occasion of mutual exchange. The group, composed of 23 people belonging to the Jewish faith from Mexico City and friends of the Focolare, visited the workshops and the school linked to the Mariapolis Centre, located in a rural setting, with the aim of training people in loving and forgiving, a culture of life and of giving. The inhabitants of the Mariapolis, youths, adults and children, presented an overview of a Christian witness in daily life, which was much appreciated by the guests. The ceremony around the olive tree – a symbol of peace, and a symbol common to Christians and Jews alike – was a moment of importance which brought out dimensions of the brotherhood among all: “Thank you for the way in which you welcomed us – said one of the attendees – for the spirit of brotherhood, as if you knew us for a long time. It makes me realize that we must be humble and at the service of others, to change ourselves and the world. ” The next appointment is set for 21 – 24 August in Buenos Aires, for another Jewish-Christian symposium, following the one last year in Jerusalem.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Newsletter

Thought of the day

Related post

From Atheist to Parish Council President

From Atheist to Parish Council President

A friendship born by chance and made up of small attentions and unconditional gestures can leave a lasting mark on a person’s life and become the beginning of an unexpected change.

Kala, an institution

Kala, an institution

On the morning of 10th August, the earthly journey of Dr. Kala Acharya ended. She was a deeply committed Hindu who was engaged in interreligious dialogue, and had a profound relationship with Chiara Lubich.
In a letter expressing her condolences, Margaret Karram, President of the Focolare Movement wrote, “With her spiritual sensitivity and her great human depth, she helped our Movement to understand every more fully the universal dimension of Chiara’s charism. With discretion, expertise and passion, she accompanied us in re-reading many of our founder’s insights from new perspectives”.

Kala, una istituzione

Kala, una istituzione

La mattina del 10 agosto scorso si è concluso il cammino terreno della Dott.ssa Kala Acharya, induista molto impegnata nel dialogo interreligioso, che aveva saputo instaurare un rapporto profondo con Chiara Lubich.
«Con la sua sensibilità spirituale e il suo grande spessore umano, ha aiutato il nostro Movimento a comprendere sempre più la dimensione universale del carisma di Chiara», scrive Margaret Karram, Presidente dei Focolari, nella lettera di condoglianze. E aggiunge: «Con discrezione, competenza e passione, ci ha accompagnati a rileggere molte intuizioni della nostra fondatrice da prospettive nuove».