Q: My family are non-practicing Jews, I personally don’t follow any of their customs, but I’ve grown up in a Christian society. I do consider Christ to be the son of God but not the Messiah. I’m not sure what path to follow. Do you have any advice? – Oscar
Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC
A: It’s great to hear about your interest in Jesus and your belief that he is the Son of God. It’s interesting, however, that you don’t think he is the Messiah. But let’s leave that issue aside for now.
Some quick advice would be this:
— Pray for guidance from God. Ask him to enlighten your heart as to where he is trying to lead you.
— Read a bit deeper into the person of Jesus Christ and his place within salvation history. One book that might help is Salvation Is from the Jews by Roy Schoeman. A modern classic is The Life of Christ by Fulton Sheen.
Also helpful: Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist and Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary, both by Brant Pitre.
— Jesus founded a Church. So, you might find it useful to get an overview of the Catholic faith.
The Youth Catechism and the Compendium of the Catechism (available online) can help people of all ages. These could be a warm-up for the weightier Catechism of the Catholic Church.
— Feel free to attend Mass, but don’t receive Communion; that is only for Catholics in a state of grace. Explanations of the Mass abound online.
If later you feel the tug to enter the Church, you could attend an RCIA program at a nearby parish. The RCIA teaches the basics of Catholic beliefs and practices. The parish could give more details.
I hope that this helps. Count on my prayers.
