Language:
German
Year of publication:
2007
Titel der Quelle:
Begegnung mit dem Judentum
Angaben zur Quelle:
(2007) 93-123
Keywords:
Catholic Church Liturgy
;
Vatican Council
;
Prayer Christianity
;
Christianity and antisemitism
Abstract:
Discusses anti-Jewish elements in the intercessory prayer for the Jews and the "Improperia", which form part of the Good Friday liturgy. The order of the liturgy, which places the "perfidi Judaei" prayer right after the reading of the Gospel of John, has colored its understanding as anti-Jewish throughout the ages, as has the fact that it has not been accompanied by genuflection. However, initially "perfidi Judaei" reflected the early Christian ethos, which sought mercy, not punishment, for those viewed as enemies. The word "perfidi" was neutral and denoted "unbelieving", not "perfidious". An anti-Jewish tone was added toward the end of the 4th century, and the anti-Jewish potential of the prayer was activated when kneeling was omitted in Frankish Europe in the Middle Ages. Traces attempts to change the prayer from the beginning of the 16th century until 1959, when the Pope removed the word "perfidi" and left only "Judaeos". Genuflection was introduced in 1955. As for the "Improperia", argues that they can be interpreted as referring to the Christians' need to atone, not the Jews'. Those responsible for "Nostra aetate" did not view the "Improperia" as anti-Jewish and did not reform them. However, in response to post-Holocaust demands for elimination of the "Improperia", they have been made optional in the reformed Catholic missal. Concludes that the Good Friday liturgy helped foment Christian anti-Judaism, but the renewed liturgy is free from anti-Jewish prejudice.
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