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Editorial
The Editors

In many cultures and religions the cross - the combination of horizontal and vertical axes intersecting at a point of meeting - contains a dual symbolism. The intersection at a point of meeting implies the fullness of convergence and of synthesis. The crossing of opposing axes evokes images of conflict, suffering and confrontation.
As Christianity's most immediately recognized symbol, this dual message of the cross achieves a unique fullness of expression in the Paschal Mystery - the central mystery of the Christian faith which celebrates the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ. The Paschal Triduum of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil is the culmination of the entire liturgical year. It is the point of convergence and synthesis. It is the point where the darkness of suffering and death erupts into the fullness of new life, dramatically expressed through flowing water and new light.
Unfortunately, in the course of Christian history the symbol of the cross has acquired another dark shadow side. It has been disfigured by the tragic story of the people of two faiths who now carry two radically different memories of this symbol. It is the story of Paul's interpretation of Jesus' death-resurrection as God's power made manifest in death becoming linked with later polemical preaching against the synagogue, resulting in the polemical accusation of deicide. It is a story in which the cross becomes sword and in which it is linked with charges of ritual murder. It is a story in which this symbol of life and of divine presence eventually becomes so disfigured that we have had to say that since the Shoah Christian reflection on the Cross must be done in light of what Auschwitz symbolizes.
This issue of SIDIC bears witness to recent efforts in some parts of the Christian world to be attentive to the words of Nostra Aetate 4: "It is the duty of the Church ...to proclaim the Cross of Christ as the sign of God's universal love. " Efforts such as these are gradually enabling the Christian and Jewish faith communities to share more in-depth reflection such as that of Peter Stravinskas and David Zucker in the article on Human Suffering.
In Latin America a different culture is influencing a response to this summons of Nostra Aetate which is true to their experience. A future issue of S)DIC on Eastern Europe will illustrate how the unique history of another part of the world is shaping their response.
Both Jews and Christians are profoundly inspired and guided by the words in Deuteronomy 30:19:
Today I set before you life or death, blessing or curse. Choose life, then, so that you and your descendents may live ...
The faith paradigms through which we understand these words are different, but the heart of the message is the same. To the degree that Christianity is able to continue redeeming its central symbol it will be able to join forces with its Jewish brothers and sisters in helping our society today to truly CHOOSE LIFE. It is our hope that this issue of SIDIC will contribute to this effort.