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Browsing Fr. Bryan

The Jubilie Year of Mercy

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 "Jesus Christ is the face of the Father's mercy." - Pope Francis

 In the Old Testament, the Law of Moses allowed for a special time for the Jewish people known as a Jubilee Year (Lev. 25:101-4). The celebration included the restitution of land to the original owners, the forgiveness of debts, and the liberation of slaves. In the New Testament, Jesus presents Himself as the One who brings the Jubilee to completion. He has come to "preach the year of the Lord's favor" (Luke 4:18-19).

 In the Catholic Church, a Holy Year, or Jubilee, is seen as a great event, held about every 25 years. It is a special time to focus on reconciliation between adversaries, conversion of the heart, solidarity, hope, justice, and commitment to serve God and neighbor with joy. A Jubilee Year is a particular time to see that it is Jesus Christ who brings life and peace to humanity.

 For only the fourth time in Church history there will be an extraordinary Jubilee Year, in this case, a Jubilee Year of Mercy. Beginning on December 8, 2015, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, to November 20, 2106, the Solemnity of Christ the King. The underlining message of this special year is the mercy of God.

 This Jubilee Year is a time to emphasize the importance of encountering God's mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation,  as well as preaching this mercy and the forgiveness of sins. Above all, it is a time for each one of us to be living witnesses of this mercy and pardon, welcoming all who are searching for God's forgiveness and new life in Christ.

 There are specific ways to do this, primarily through the Corporal Works of Mercy: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, comfort prisoners, visit the sick and bury the dead. There are also the Spiritual Works of Mercy: teach the ignorant, pray for the living and the dead, correct sinners, counsel those in doubt, console the sorrowful, bear wrongs patiently and forgive wrongs willingly.

 In doing so, we are living out the promises of baptism. The faith that we received on that day is purified through these works of mercy, as well as through our acts of worship, prayer and study. May we celebrate this extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy in our hearts, our homes, our families, our communities and our parish through prayer, reading of the Scriptures, taking part in the Sacraments, and performing works of mercy.

 

Yours in Christ

Rev. Bryan Brooks

Pastor

 

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