An Article about Our Vicariate in Et Ratzon

Fr. Piotr was invited to speak at the ceremony of publication of the new issue of "Et Ratzon" that is entitled: Bemerchav Yah (In God's Space). The launch took place at the Shechter Institute Beit Midrash in Jerusalem on Tuesday, January 27th.

The content of the article:

1. A unique Christian minority within the Jewish state

The community occupies a rare position - fully integrated into Israeli society yet fully Christian. This duality produces:

• creative tensions,
• hybrid identities,
• and spiritual opportunities.

It also reveals the adaptability of Catholicism in culturally complex settings.

2. Christianity expressed in a Jewish cultural idiom

The article suggests a model of Christianity shaped by:

• Hebrew language,
• Jewish liturgical rhythms,
• local cultural sensitivities,
• and shared biblical heritage.

This is reminiscent of the early Church in Jerusalem - Christian faith “in Jewish clothing.”

3. The Church as a place of discernment

The text gives unusual attention to seekers who stand between Judaism and Christianity. The pastoral approach is:

• patient rather than directive,
• relational rather than doctrinal,
• rooted in accompaniment rather than proselytism.

This aligns with Pope Francis’s emphasis on accompaniment and discernment.

4. War as a theological challenge

The war forces profound questions:

• How can Christians speak of peace in a society at war?
• How can justice and compassion coexist?
• What does discipleship mean when society is traumatized?

The article suggests that Christian hope is not naïve optimism but a grounded faith amid suffering.

5. A small but persistent community

The future of the community depends on:

• the faith and engagement of its members,
• its ability to nurture young people,
• and the sustaining action of the Holy Spirit.

Full article (in Hebrew): HERE.