Jubilees celebrate and commemorate the passage of a fixed number of years, like work and wedding jubilees of 25 and 50 years. The unique character of a jubilee points to a celebration of life, but it also provides an opportunity to look forward and begin life anew.

The biblical concept of "jubilee" can be found in the Book of Leviticus (10:25) and in Luke’s Gospel (4:18-19). Leviticus discusses the jubilees celebrated in ancient Israel as a time dedicated to God in a special way. Every seventh year was to be set aside as a "sabbatical year" to let the land lay fallow, set slaves free, and cancel debt. Every 50th year was a special jubilee where the customs of the sabbatical years were celebrated with more breadth and solemnity - giving honor to God, allowing time for rest, and restoring equality among all peoples. The passage from Luke reiterates this understanding, but clearly identifies Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the jubilee promise.

Official Church Jubilees, or Holy Years, were begun in 1300 to focus on themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, conversion, solidarity with those seeking equality and justice and, above all, celebration of the gift of salvation, which comes through Jesus Christ. Over time medieval popes incorporated other aspects into the Holy Year observances, including pilgrimages and the practice of opening and closing Holy Doors in the four major basilicas in Rome on successive Christmas Eves.

Of course, this Jubilee year is special because it coincides with the millennium celebration of Christ’s coming into the world 2000 years ago. His coming ushered in a new era for humanity that we are all a part of today.

     
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Revised/reviewed July 5, 2000