Work in progress.

THE JANUARY INTERVIEW WITH SISTER MARY C. BOYS, S.N.J.M. ("We need to revise our perfidious views") was wonderful and insightful, U.S. CATHOLIC is to be commended for its articles over the years on Catholic-Jewish relations.

Boys raises quite rightly the implications of the church's positive teaching on Jews and Judaism for our understanding of the scriptural readings in the lectionary. I think this is a crucial point. Indeed, I believe that the church needs to take a fresh look at the entire liturgical cycle of readings from this vantage point.

In 1988 the U.S. Catholic bishops' Committee on the Liturgy (BCL) issued a document titled "God's Mercy Endures Forever." It presented guidelines for the presentation of Jews and Judaism in Catholic preaching, with special emphasis on the problematic New Testament texts discussed by Boys. In 1998 the committee asked publishers of missalettes to insert a short statement rejecting the "Christ killer" charge before the reading of the Passion during Holy Week. These are attempts in our local church here in the U.S. to implement the mandates of the Holy See in these matters (e.g., their 1974 Guidelines and 1985 Notes.)

A revision of the lectionary (the selection of readings for Mass) can, of course, only be done by Rome. But a great deal of work has already been done by bishops' conferences around the world to prepare the way for it. Such a revision, sensitive to the implications of Catholic-Jewish relations, would go a long way toward consolidating for future generations the remarkable progress that has already occurred since the Second Vatican Council.

Eugene J. Fisher, Associate Director Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations National Conference of Catholic Bishops

As insightful and enlightening as Boys' interview is, on one point it goes a tad too far; on another it falls short.

Suggesting to remove the crucifix at interfaith meetings goes too far. I don't blame present-day Jews for whatever role their ancestors may or may not have had 2,000 years ago. But neither do I want to be blamed for what my ancestors or even contemporaries did to Jews. Sad about it I am, but guilty I'm not. Mutual understanding cannot be built on hiding, let alone denying, our identities and symbols--only on owning, professing, and living with them, warts and all. So I don't want Jews to cover up their menorah, nor should I be expected to cover up my crucifix.

More important, while the article makes a convincing case for "supersessionism" being erroneous, it falls short of offering a forceful alternative.

Edmund F. Kal Fresno, Calif.

Driven away

I think the article by Maria Ruiz Scaperlanda ("Back to where you once belonged," January) was a very tricky one to write. I could be considered a lapsed Catholic. I have not gone to church steadily in three years. The reason being that at several of the area parishes the parish councils would constantly keep changing things and would then get into battles with the priest. The priests even got into arguments. Now that was not pleasant to be around.

It got to the point that I did not feel that my spirit was growing there and I stopped going. I actually felt uncomfortable attending. I continue to pray and read the Bible. I am certain that I am missing out on the Eucharist. And I will work on coming back. As for anyone welcoming me, they don't have to do that. Church is always there for me regardless of who is sitting in the pews. I just have preferred to stay away until I can get past the egos.

Angela Giuliano Ann Arbor, Mich.

Let the hand of God handle it

I was especially touched by Susan Schorn's short story ("Bobby Lee Carter and the hand of God," January). This story has a message, but doesn't beat you over the head with it. It challenges one to rethink one's position on social punishment and, yes, capital punishment.

The character in the story, Ms. Lena, is right. If we believe that the hand of God is what follows life, why do we need to see "evil folks" suffering this side of death? Isn't that just one more way of letting society's values erode or replace our Catholic ones?

Darlene Lister Lancaster, Calif.

Not the first

The January Signs of the Times section has a report on "the Archdiocese of Chicago's first-ever Black Catholic Convocation." It may be the first one sponsored by the Archdiocese of Chicago, but it is not the first such convocation hosted in Chicago.

From 1889 to 1894 there were five national black Catholic Congresses held, each one in a different city. The fourth such congress was in Chicago. The congresses were the brainchild of Daniel Rudd, an ex-slave and the editor-publisher of the American Catholic Tribune, a national newspaper for Black Catholics.

Sister Jamie Phelps, who is quoted in the article, writes about the 19th-century congresses in the December issue of Theological Studies.

John P. Kelly via e-mail

Catholic exodus

I enjoyed Joyce Rupp's article ("Open some doors this Advent," December). I believe that in featuring her writing, you are showcasing one of the finest current U.S. writers. Rupp opens doors of awareness. The door image made me think that too often as a church we offer a revolving door--bringing in new Catholics through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and at the same time ushering others out because of pastoral practices that often exclude too many Catholics. The numbers of ex-Catholics in our country are growing.

Rupp writes, "How easy and natural to pass through a doorway. We rarely notice the movement at all." I might add: Are we noticing the movement out of the Catholic Church's revolving door?

William John Fitzgerald Scottsdale, Ariz.

Rupp's article gave me insight into a recent experience of mine. An elderly couple with whom I've only recently become acquainted has allowed me into their life. I've been impressed with the great love they have for one another, the hope-filled life they've shared, and have wondered what their secret might be.

Only recently has it occurred to me that the "secret" is in their openness. Open to each other, to love, to life, to their children and grandchildren, and now to death, for she has received a cancer diagnosis that is terminal.

My own closed doors have been pushed open a little by them. As Rupp says: "It is in our most ordinary moments that the Holy One stands at the door, startling us with hope."

Mark Lindahl Des Moines, Iowa 

Rupp's insightful article calls the reader to stop and reflect on the value of Advent in our very commercial very fast-paced world. Rupp has the wonderful gift of taking the ordinary and placing it squarely on our spiritual journey.

Sheila Geraghty Manchester, Iowa 

Rupp can relate her insights to experience, biblical verse, prayer, art, and dance, reminding us of the many opportunities we have to praise and encounter God.

Marcia Z. Nelson Aurora, Ill.