Ecumenism and the Messianic-Jews

Some very interesting events have taken place in my life these past 2 weeks. First, I would like to introduce you to Fr. Peter Hocken. Father Hocken is a convert to Catholicism from the Anglican Church in England and is now a Catholic theologian and author of several books. He is also a “walking encyclopedia”. From November 24-26th, Father was a guest speaker/ teacher for us and he spoke about the movement of the Holy Spirit in the ecumenical movement since the beginning of the 20th century until today. He emphasized the impact, which Vatican II and the Charismatic Renewal have made on Ecumenism. There are 2 big results because of Vatican II, one being realization for the Church's need to take a greater stance in defending the dignity of human life in all ways. Secondly, there is greater awareness of the need to pray about and understand what position the Church takes on the movement of those Jews who believe that Jesus truly is the Messiah. There is a sense of urgency for us to understand what the Holy Spirit is doing in the Church today after several events such as the holocaust and the re-establishment of the state of Israel and allowance for Jews to return to their promised land.
I was so filled with joy during Fathers visit. After studying catechetics and Vatican II documents for several years, he truly spoke to my heart. But, here is the “interesting” turn of events. Father is greatly involved with TJCII (Toward Jerusalem Council II). This is an ecumenical movement/discussion of church leaders to discuss the position of Messianic Jews in the Church. Many Jews are beging personally convicted that Jesus truly is the Messiah they have been waiting for. Father made many references to the Catechism, Scripture, and historical events about the prophetic signs of this Messianic Jewish movement.
I believe that in this time, we are truly sensing a call for urgency in examining our lives and the amount of acceptance we have given to understanding that Jesus is truly our Messiah and Savior. Do we know Him? Do we see Him? Do we hear Him? These are crucial questions. Two months ago I was blessed to hear one talk at TJCII’s 2nd meeting in Vienna. Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Austria was the speaker and when he spoke to a room consisting of Protestants, Catholics (Roman and Eastern Rite), Messianic Jews, etc. – I was moved by the Holy Spirit and found myself longing for the closeness that the Jews had with God and the beauty of the Tradition they hold. Oddly enough, while Fr. peter was visiting us, he asked me a stirring question one day. As we walked to our kitchen he shockingly asked me, “Are you Jewish?”…aka. Have Jewish background? I had no idea and told him so. He proceeded to say, “I bet you are.” Hmmm…never in my life have I thought about this. The next day he asked me about my ancestral background and the last day he spoke to us, he asked if he could pray with me. While praying with Father Peter I truly sensed the love and compassion of our God for all His people, especially His love for His chosen sons and daughters of Israel, the Jews. I do not know if my ancestors were Jewish, but I am seeking answers these days.