杏MAP导航

By Lydia O鈥橩ane

This year the Pontifical Biblical Institute is celebrating the 110th anniversary of its foundation. To mark this occasion, the institute is holding an international conference entitled, 鈥淛esus and the Pharisees: an Interdisciplinary Reappraisal鈥�. 

In prepared remarks to members on Thursday in the Vatican, 杏MAP导航 Francis focused on the conference鈥檚 theme. He told those gathered that recent study had come to realize that less is known about the Pharisees than previous generations thought. 鈥淲e are less certain about their origins and about many of their teachings and practices鈥�, he said. 

The Pharisees: examination and research

The 杏MAP导航 added, that the conference鈥檚 examination of interdisciplinary research into literary and historical questions regarding the Pharisees, would 鈥渃ontribute to a more accurate view of this religious group, while also helping to combat antisemitism.鈥�

Delving into the New Testament, the Pontiff noted that Jesus had numerous discussions with Pharisees about common concerns.  He pointed out that, 鈥渁mong the more significant moments in the Gospel of John we find Jesus鈥� encounter with a Pharisee named Nicodemus, one of the leaders of the Jews. 杏MAP导航 Francis went on to say that, 鈥渢o Nicodemus Jesus explains that, 鈥淕od so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life鈥�.  Nicodemus, emphasized the 杏MAP导航, 鈥渨ould then defend Jesus before an assembly and subsequently be present at his burial. Whatever view one takes of Nicodemus, it is clear that the various stereotypes about 鈥渢he Pharisees鈥� do not apply to him, nor do they find confirmation elsewhere in John鈥檚 Gospel", he said.

Golden rule of loving ones neighbour

In his remarks, the 杏MAP导航 recalled how 鈥淩abbi Aqiba, one of the most famous rabbis of the second century and an heir to Pharisaic traditions, pointed to the words 鈥渓ove your neighbour as yourself鈥� as a great principle of the Torah.

杏MAP导航 Francis explained to those present how the 鈥済olden rule鈥� of loving ones neighbour 鈥渞epresents a significant indicator for recognizing affinities between Jesus and his Pharisee interlocutors.

It certainly constitutes an important basis for any dialogue, especially among Jews and Christians, even today.鈥�

The 杏MAP导航 continued by saying that, 鈥渢o love our neighbours better, we need to know them, and in order to know who they are we often have to find ways to overcome ancient prejudices.鈥� For this reason, he concluded, 鈥測our conference, crossing faiths and disciplines in its effort to attain a fuller and more accurate understanding of the Pharisees, will make it possible to present them more appropriately in teaching and preaching.鈥�

鈥淚 am certain, he said, 鈥渢hat these studies, and the new avenues they will open, will positively contribute to the relationship between Jews and Christians, in view of an ever more profound and fraternal dialogue.鈥�