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Dear Catholic Exchange,
Am not sure if this is proper forum, but perhaps you can redirect this if not. I am curious, after reading Mark Shea's column today, about how the Jewish community explains 'Emmanuel'? I heard a prominent radio talk show host, who is Jewish, state that he had a particular problem with the idea of the Trinity. Just curious if any of you have an answer, or if I should go directly to our Jewish brethern and ask them.
Pax Dominus vobiscum,
Shan Gill
Olympia, WA
Dear Shan,
As a general rule, the usual difficulty arises because the text has an original fulfillment at the time of the prophet Isaiah. So the application of Isaiah 7:14 to Jesus is seen as superfluous.
The Catholic Church has always said that Scriptures and events of the Old Testament have a meaning that looks forward to fulfillment in Christ. So the birth of Hezekiah fulfils the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14. But Hezekiah is, himself, a sign pointing forward to Christ. To see what I mean, see this excerpt from my book Making Senses Out of Scripture.
Hope that helps.
Mark Shea
Senior Content Editor
Catholic Exchange
