But if we, seeing them far, wish to bring them near, a pledge to treat each other with respect would be a good start. St. Paul is all about giving honor when honor is due. Everyone is "due" a cooperative spirit and a genuine appreciation, especially if this can build bonds which facilitate peace and a closer walk with Our Lord.
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“First, I don’t think Pope Francis is saying it’s simply OK for Jews (or anybody else) to be and remain far from Jesus.”
On the contrary, I think he is saying it. He declares the current situation, since the Second Vatican Council, to be “more and more in harmony with the will of the Creator”.
Just today at a meeting with the secular press, he did not profess the Social Reign of Christ the King. Instead, he merely described the role of Christ as “pastor of the church”. At the end of meeting, he gave his apostolic blessing in silence so as not to offend any non-Catholics. I think this Pope has very little intention to convert people to the Catholic Church.