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Jesus noted the hypocrisy taking place in his time. He spoke of people who went to the front, thanking God for not making them a tax collector, or needy, or like anyone else who resided in the dregs of society. He compared this to the person at the back quietly asking, "Please God, be merciful to me, a sinner."Who was the one who said Jews are the hypocrites, praying in the synagogue?
OK….appreciate this.,,.but still, the writer of that particular gospel did seem to target Jews, noting the word synagogue. I don’t remember which gospel it was, though.Jesus noted the hypocrisy taking place in his time. He spoke of people who went to the front, thanking God for not making them a tax collector, or needy, or like anyone else who resided in the dregs of society. He compared this to the person at the back quietly asking, "Please God, be merciful to me, a sinner."
Jesus also noted another practice in his own day where some people wanted trumpets blown in the streets as they gave a generous donation. They sought public recognition for this donation.
This is not a matter of targeting an entire congregation or nationality, but a teaching moment
And vice-versa.Hard headed women and soft hearted men have been the cause of trouble ever since the world began.
None of the Gospel writers targeted Jews as a whole, only some behaviors who I suspect even Jews of today would be nodding along in agreement that the behavior fell below Jewish standards of expected behavior. I can't find any Gospel account that seems to find problems with anyone praying in a synagogue--only the Temple.OK….appreciate this.,,.but still, the writer of that particular gospel did seem to target Jews, noting the word synagogue. I don’t remember which gospel it was, though.
Thanks. I’m going to look for that verse about the synagogue, and I look forward to discussing it with you further. You’ve always been a respectful person of the Jewish religion, and I continue to appreciate it.None of the Gospel writers targeted Jews as a whole, only some behaviors who I suspect even Jews of today would be nodding along in agreement that the behavior fell below Jewish standards of expected behavior. I can't find any Gospel account that seems to find problems with anyone praying in a synagogue--only the Temple.
I am wondering if it was something Paul ran into and wrote about in one of his letters. While he seemed popular among Gentiles who followed the Hebrew faith (I believe they were called God fearers by Jews?) Paul had several run-ins with Jews in their places of meeting/synagogues. Do you remember any other details?
One memorable lesson in Catholic school religion class was Sister pointing out that Jesus followed the Jewish faith, but did not seem bashful about pointing out hypocrisy. We were asked to name hypocrisies Jesus would find in Christianity today, and how he might address them.
No problem as you are a delightful person with whom to enter into any religious discussions.Thanks. I’m going to look for that verse about the synagogue, and I look forward to discussing it with you further. You’ve always been a respectful person of the Jewish religion, and I continue to appreciate it.
Thank you, my dear.No problem as you are a delightful person with whom to enter into any religious discussions.
Because the behavior of a view Catholic priests have some people broad-brushing all Catholics in a negative way, I very much understand your own concern that too many are using New Testament scripture to negatively broad-brush all Jews. There were times in Saint Paul's life that he was no saint, but we can at least figure out what the issue(s) may have been.
OK, it’s Matthew 6:5. Two points of discussion:No problem as you are a delightful person with whom to enter into any religious discussions.
Because the behavior of a view Catholic priests have some people broad-brushing all Catholics in a negative way, I very much understand your own concern that too many are using New Testament scripture to negatively broad-brush all Jews. There were times in Saint Paul's life that he was no saint, but we can at least figure out what the issue(s) may have been.
In Jesus' day, there were set times for daily prayer. To pray, one stood with his arms outstretched, palms up, head bowed. Jesus was criticizing those who just happened to be out in public at a busy intersection or public square. There were also those who who timed their entrance to prayer time at the Temple so that they just happened to be on the top step just outside the Temple when they had to stop where they were, in plain sight, and begin praying.1) Why did Jesus say not be hypocrites, praying in the synagogue? This runs opposite Jewish teachings. It is not only good, but REQUIRED, to gather with the community and pray together. (That’s the purpose of requiring a 10-person minyan.) Why would Jesus want Jews to be isolated? (I have thoughts here, but I’ll wait for your input.)
Jews in Jesus day did not have the present-day view of hell. The word that is translated into English as "Reward" and then further used to mean "Heaven" misses the point Jesus was making.2) What does it mean that Jews “already have their reward,” also translated as ”Jews will get no more reward”? Antisemites have used the latter to tell Jews they are going to hell.
Thank you. That’s a nice interpretation, and one I am glad you explained - and of course believe.Jesus noted the hypocrisy taking place in his time. He spoke of people who went to the front, thanking God for not making them a tax collector, or needy, or like anyone else who resided in the dregs of society. He compared this to the person at the back quietly asking, "Please God, be merciful to me, a sinner."
Jesus also noted another practice in his own day where some people wanted trumpets blown in the streets as they gave a generous donation. They sought public recognition for this donation.
This is not a matter of targeting an entire congregation or nationality, but a teaching moment
There may not have been a concept of hell in Jesus’ day, as there isn’t really one in modern-day Judaism: the focus, to the extent it exists at all, is on The World to Come (or, loosely, Heaven).Jews in Jesus day did not have the present-day view of hell. The word that is translated into English as "Reward" and then further used to mean "Heaven" misses the point Jesus was making.
Where is one's heart? It the purpose of the heart to gain worldly recognition and acclaim--is that the form of payment chosen? If so, that person will receive that form of payment/reward in full.
However, if the heart wants to please God alone, one leaves the world to grow more closely towards God. And, one's spirit receives joy and contentment as it grows ever closer to God. That is the payment/reward of choice that one receives in full.
I am not sure what translation you use, but none of the translations I have at hand specify "Jews" as the ones getting no more reward--but says this is true of everyone.
I think it is a Hebrew saying that notes someone who gives in secret is greater than Moses. Perhaps one who gives openly for recognition might be considered as great as Moses...but the one who gives secretly is considered greater than Moses (and closer to God)?
I don't mind talking interpretations all day.I have another interpretation, which you may or may not like - but since we are talking respectfully, I hope it’s OK: I think Jesus‘ words were twisted by the Gospel writer, and that it was done so to DISCOURAGE Jews going to pray, together as a community as Gd wants, so as to weaken the resolve of Jews who did not want to convert to the new Christian religion. One gets strength and support in numbers.
One can see this in cults, such as the Moonies when I was in college (yes….I’m ooooold). They always went after the loners, ones without the support of their family. (That’s also why they targeted colleges in the first place - lots of insecure freshmen.)
This is not to say that Christianity is a cult, but it does explain why new Christians would want to discourage the strength that Jews get by praying together with other Jews, and that is done in a synagogue.
When we let go of the idea Jesus was speaking of Dante's Inferno and when we remember Annas and Caiphas were the Temple authorities in Jesus day. What Jesus said makes sense. Remember, Jesus was teaching the Kingdom of God/Heaven was within everyone's reach in his/her own life in their present day.That said, it is reported that Jesus said that only those who believe in him get to The Father. (Most Jews today, including me, would say he never said such a thing, since it is antithetical to Jewish belief.)
That is not only a beautiful story but a fine story of what Judaism is, teaches, and practices.That matches with traditional Judaism - in that the highest form of charity is when the donor remains anonymous. On a personal note, I remember when our shul was trying to raise a lot of money for a building repair, and how my dad, of blessed memory, contacted the rabbi and said he would donate the full amount needed. The rabbi of course was delighted and said he would announce from the bimah my father’s (.and mother’s) generous gift, and my dad insisted no: he wanted it to be anonymous.
Rest in peace, Dad.