Why I Love My Christian Friends

A dear friend of mine, a devoted Catholic, is the ideal example of my beloved Christian friends, especially at Easter time. In some ways, she and I are closer in faith than people who profess to be Jewish. (I am Jewish.) I sent her a beautiful Easter card, and her delight in my good wishes was palpable and deeply appreciated. But if we embrace different religions, what explains our intimacy?

First, on a friendship level, we are very compatible. We share the same values, sense of humor, commitment to relationships and love.

But we also share much more through our faiths. We embrace the teachings of the Old Testament.

We feel deeply connected to G-d in our own ways. We delight in learning the traditions of the other, partly because it expands our own faith practices, but it is another way of sharing our love for G-d and each other.

We believe in prayer, and in G-d answering prayer, in whatever way He so chooses. We look to G-d for strength, insight, and comfort.

And I feel my other Christian friends also are connected to me in an intimate way. At Ricochet, we may disagree with each other on politics and strategies. Some of you may simply not like me or what I write about. I remember that one member believed that Judaism was a primitive religion that was meant to be left behind and replaced by Christianity. Strangely, I didn’t feel offended or hurt, but simply appreciated that he felt safe to express his point of view.

The paradox is that my view about the Messiah differs substantially from my Christian friends. But I admire the resolve and commitment that people have to their savior. I, too, believe that the arrival of the Messiah is significant. I’m still waiting.

All that said, we are all saying that we believe in redemption.

We all believe in being our best selves.

We all believe in living a life of concern for others.

We all believe in the importance of faith, however much we worship.

I consider myself to be your sister in faith.

Happy Easter.