Kaleidoscopic Parallels- Enter the drama

         Having shared the above with you, let me take you to my bathroom mirror for my new blog mantra:

"It is better to do something 

imperfectly than to do nothing flawlessly."

        All of the above led to my participation in very fruitful Catholic-Jewish dialogues that took place in the cathedral of Palm Beach Florida.  One dialogue in particular comes to mind.  I believe it was during the 1970's. Father John Pawlikowski and Rabi Rudin were the superb spokesmen for the importance of Catholic-Jewish reconciliation. This deeply meaningful event drew in an overflowing attendance. There were four hundred Jewish attendees, most of whom had never been in a Catholic church during their lifetimes, as well as a large number of Catholic attendees.

       As I reflect upon the fruits of that meeting. I remember the subsequent interfaith dialogues and study groups that were held at both synagogues and churches throughout the area.

        April 26, 1996 I was privileged to be interviewed by The Florida Catholic. "Convert focuses on Catholic/Jewish reconciliation. She hopes for world peace when there is 'peace among religions.'"

       On Feb 1, 2004 VATICAN CITY Blessed John Paul the 2nd is certain that "Peace will conquer if we dialogue." The Pope told young people that "peace hinges on dialogue..." He reaffirmed with vigor that "peace is possible, therefore, it is also a duty."



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One suggestion for "story-telling" interfaith dialogue. How about kaleidoscopic parallels? For example, 

Symbolic Passover Seder Food

         In Judaism, during the Passover Seder (sequences) Exodus celebration, we were told to enter the drama—from slavery to freedom—a “you are there “experience. Children ask the four questions beginning with “why is this night different from all other nights?” We leave an empty chair, place setting for Elijah and we open our front door to let him in.

            In Catholicism, we are told to read scripture (Lectio Divina) as the living Word—to enter as a participant into the glory, the mystery, the blessing of biblical scenarios-- Lectio Divinia does not treat script text to be studied, but as the living Word.

        Moreover, we attend mass as active participants in the sin to salvation celebration—we receive the Real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist from sin to salvation. 

           

 We open our mouths, hands, and heart as we receive the Real presence 

of Jesus in the Eucharist from sin to salvation.