Reflections, Meditations and Witnesses

In this important period, according to Christian spirituality, the entire Church lives a kind of collective period of retreat, characterized by prayer, fasting and the giving of charity. What follows is a parallel reading of Psalm 130 and texts from the life of Jesus as told in the Gospel. This reading is an attempt to pray together with our Savior, who leads us in the wilderness for forty days towards the joy of Easter, the joy of the resurrection.

Fr. Benny, from the Jerusalem community, ten years ago, shared some of his reflections on Lent. We remind it believing in its actuality even today.

Here is a reflection on Psalm 85 by Father Michel Remaud (+2021). It might be an inspiration for the period of Lent.

Lucia from the Jerusalem kehilla reflects on the common themes of Purim and Lent.

Lucia from the Jerusalem community meditates on the meaning of Rosh HaShana (the Jewish New Year) for Jews and for the Church.

Father Michel Remaud wrote about the link between Jesus' ascension into heaven and the gift of the Holy Spirit as illuminated by a rabbinic text.

Fr. David proposes a reflection on four central words connected to the celebration of the central mysteries of the life of Christ, celebrated in the Church during the Triduum and on Easter Sunday.

Dima, a member of the kehillot, wrote a short introduction to one of the breathtaking works of the poet T. S. Elliot about Ash Wednesday.

Dima writes about Wednesday in Holy Week.

On January 6, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Epiphany (Revelation). Three wise men from the East followed a star and arrived at the manger in order to adore the Christ child in Bethlehem. Father David Neuhaus SJ shares some thoughts on the feast.

An interesting article written by Uri Sharon

Fr. Benedetto F. Di Bitonto

On the second Sunday of Lent, during the mass, we heard readings about the binding of Isaac (Genesis 22:1-18) and the transfiguration of Jesus (Mark 9:2-10). Father David proposes that the comparable elements in the two stories constitute a program for continuing Lent.

Three kinds of confinement. A reflection of Fr Rafic

Fr Benny shares with us a few thoughts

Last week, as Holy Week and Easter liturgies celebrated by priests alone in their churches were being livestreamed, Passover was being played out around the family table at home, with the parent as celebrant and the full participation of the children. David Neuhaus, a Jesuit priest, born of German Jewish parents, suggests Catholics might learn from their Jewish neighbors that church and home can both be places of worship. (The article was published in the Catholic review “The Tablet” (18.4.2020).

Putting together a personal mosaic of small things, which together help us to feel and express the joy

One who cannot attend Mass, or for some reason cannot receive the Body of Christ, expresses his love for Christ and his desire to receive him spiritually, asking Christ to dwell in his heart as if he had received him in communion. A short prayer is proposed hereafter, to help those who wish to do so.

The homily of Fr Benny for mass in Hebrew broadcast Live

Homily by Fr. Benny from the Jerusalem kehilla on the readings of the 3rd Sunday of Lent