He, the eternal son given to us by the Father,
is for us and for everyone the dorr!
THE DOOR OF SALVATION
THE DOOR OF LIFE,
THE DOOR OF PEACE!
This is the message of Christmas and
the proclamation of the Great Jubille�
- John Paul II Urbi et Orbi message
Christmas 1999
The Jubilee Calls us to take new efforts and desires to turn completely to Jesus as Lord,
King and Saviour. The Jubilee, in Jewish Tradition was a time of repentance and
renewal in the land. Slaves were sent free and debts remmited. It was a recognition that
God had given the earth to all of us and it was to be shared by all people. In 1300 when
Pope Boniface reinstituted the Jubilee, the focus was on repentance and the grace of God.
Far worse than social problems (the focus of the Old Testament Jubilees) was the
tremendous problem of sin. Where the former held temporary consequenses the latter
holds eternal ones.(But we must not forget that social problems have individual sin at
thier root!) And far greater providence than physical possesions is the gift of sanctifying
grace through Jesus Christ.
God, through his representative the Pope, proclaims another year of his favour, THE
GREAT JUBILLE OF THE YEAR 2000. The message the Pope has proclaimed
constantly is that this year is to be a year of tremendous favour upon all peoples. There
will be much grace bestowed and great conversions. It is connected intrinsicaly with the
mystery of the incarnation. In the incarnation we have all the gifts of God, most
importantly our salvation. Jesus� coming was truly the first Jubilee! In it God showed
favour to the human race by sacrificing His son for our redemption. In it the gap between
God and man is vastly shortened.(So much that we may eat the flesh of God incarnate)
Christ himself said �I am the Door� (John 10:7) The Jubillee Door symbols passing
through Christ, in the Spirit to the Father. It is a passage from our will to the will of
God. We must leave our nets behind and follow him for where else can we go? Only He
has the words of Eternal Life.
The Pope forsees this Jubilee as a new Springtime of the Church. It is a call for us to
turn from the evils of indiference and become commited to Christ. It is to be the
begining of a New Evangelization of the Western Hemisphere. We are to boldly
proclaim our faith through word and action, even to the point of martyrdom. We are to
seek new efforts of Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue - To CALL ALL MEN TO
WALK THROUGH THIS DOOR. To truly regain the world for Christ. We are to
conquer unjust social structures by converting one soul at a time!
However, we cannot enjoy the resurection without first enduring the cross. This year
is a time of great repentance and movement from sin. Their are many indulgences to be
recieved this year through pilgrimage, pennance and charity. Through pennance we
�complete what is laking in Christ�s afflictions for the sake of his body...the church�
Colosians 1:24. We share in Christ passion and therefore also share in the merits of his
passion. The pilgrimage sybolises are pilgramage from an earthly home to our heavenly
home. Charity untites us to the divine will for �God is love and those who love live in
God and God in him� 1 John 4:16 By doing such actions we recieve the grace of Christ
and freedom from Sin. We are not only forgiven of sin, but through indulgences we are
freed from the natural punishments sin offers.
So Therefore I cry out to you, in union with the Holy Father, to OPEN WIDE THE DOORS
TO CHRIST!!!!!!!!!
HE IS YOUR LIFE!!
HE IS YOUR JOY!!!!!!!
HE IS THE WAY TO THE FATHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jason Kuntz,
December 29, 1999
Learn more about the Jubilee at EWTN