·        Nov. 10, 1994 – Pope John Paul II issued a pastoral letter entitled “Tertio Millennio Adveniente” – which means “As the Third Millennium Approaches” or TMA.

·        TMA called for a 3-Year Preparation for the celebration of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000.

·        Purpose of the celebration – To commemorate the 2000^th anniversary of the birth (incarnation) of Jesus Christ, Son of God, our Savior and Redeemer. 

But what is a Jubilee? Where did we get the idea of the Jubilee? And how should we celebrate the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000? 

1.       A jubilee is a year of joy, a year of “kalipay.” It is a year of celebration (as when we celebrate a Silver Jubilee – 25^th anniversary, or a Golden Jubilee – 50^th anniversary of a wedding, etc.).

2.       In the Church the idea of the Jubilee celebration was borrowed from the Jews who in the Old Testament celebrated the Jubilee every 50 years (a cluster of 7 sabbatical years).

3.       The Biblical Jubilee started with the blowing of the “yobel” (ram’s horn) throughout the land (Lev 25:8-9). It is from this word “yobel” that the word “jubilee” was derived. 

4.       For the Jews the Jubilee was a very special celebration dedicated to God (holy year), a year when slaves were set free and debts were cancelled (year of liberation), a year when lands and properties were returned to their original owners (year of justice), and a year when the land was left fallow and allowed to rest (year of creation).

5.       In the New Testament Jesus presents himself as the One who brings the old Jubilee to completion, because he has come to “proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Is 61:1-2).

6.       The Catholic Church celebrates Holy Year every 25 years (1900, 1925, 1950, 1975, 2000). The Jubilee Year is celebrated every 50 years (2 Holy Years) Jubilee Year 2000 is the 26^th Jubilee Year of the Church.

7.       Primary Objective of Jubilee Year 2000 is “To strengthen the faith and witness of Christians.”

1.       Release of Slaves – Ex 21:2-6; Dt 15:12-18; Lev 25:39-43

A slave shall serve only 6 years, but on the 7^th year he shall be released with no compensation to the master. Later, freed slaves will also be given shares of the master’s animals, grains and wine. Much later, the entire family of freed slaves shall have their possessions returned to them.

2.       Rest for the Land – Ex 23:10-11; Lev 25:2-7; 11-12

The land will be cultivated and its produce harvested for six years. But on the 7^th year the land is given rest, no cultivation, no harvesting. Its produce is for the poor and wild animals.

3.       Remission of Debts – Dt 15:1-6; Dt 15:7-11

At the end of the 7^th year, all loans shall be released (forgiven). Loans shall not be denied to the poor even if the sabbatical year is drawing near.

4.       Restoration of Property – Lev 25:10. 13, 23-24

On the year of the jubilee, each one shall return to his property and his family. Land shall not be sold in perpetuity and shall be returned to its original owner.

5.       Renewal (TMA 12)

Jubilee Year is an opportunity for renewal, personal or communitarian. Renewal implies conversion and commitment.

6.       Reconciliation (TMA 13)

Jubilee Year is a great opportunity for reconciliation with God and with fellow human beings. Reconciliation implies first admission of one’s sinfulness and asking for forgiveness.

7.       Recovery of the Feminist Principles – Proposed by the Men and Women Religious in the Philippines

This pertains to the liberation of the female from centuries-old subordination and subjugation to the male. It is the promotion of the dignity and equality of women.

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Last Updated: Tuesday, November 20, 2001 08:48:57 PM