The Feast of the Presentation is a reminder of the Jewishness of Jesus and, the Jewishness of his mother Mary and her husband Joseph. It is important for Christians to take seriously that they are Jews raising their child as a Jew. This is especially important as the feast comes on the heels of Holocaust Remembrance Day on 27 January. Though not a Principal Feast with the highest expectation of observance, the presentation or the Sunday closest, provide, an opportunity for Christians to address anti-Semitism and anti-Judaism in the history of the church and, in the history of biblical interpretation which includes that found in the New Testament itself from the pulpit. The specifics of the ritual and its vocabulary are unfamiliar and for many readers uncomfortable and alienating. They are part of a religious and cultural world that Christians do not share and one that has evolved significantly in Judaism. Respecting the integrity of first century Judaism and its ancient Israelite antecedent is the first step in nurturing a healthy respect for the integrity of contemporary Judaism.
Feast of the Presentation 2 Feb
- by Wil
- January 30, 2022
- Liturgy, Womens Lectionary
- 0
Wil
Biblical scholar in Hebrew and Hebrew Bible: special interest in translation textual plurality, (Septuagint, Dead Seas Scrolls, Samaritan Pentateuch, Aleppo Codex, Leningrad Codex); feminist, womanist and post-colonial biblical interpretation; prophets and prophecy in the Ancient Near East and ancient Israel Episcopal priest, product of the Black Church, author, blogger, preacher, teacher, lecturer, public speakerRelated Posts
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