Proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord : Jubilee Year

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Christmas Season: Thursday after Epiphany*

*Gospel : Lk 4:14-22*

*First Reading : 1 Jn 4:19—5:4*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 72:1-2, 14 and 15bc, 17*

*Proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord : Jubilee Year*

*1) The Jubilee Year in the Old Testament*

In the Book of Leviticus 25:8-12 Jubilee year in mentioned

The Jubilee year was celebrated every 50th year in Israel. It was a time when:

*Slaves were set free*

*Debts were forgiven*

*Lands were returned to their original owners*

The Jubilee reflected God’s justice and mercy, reminding the people that everything ultimately belongs to God. 

The restoration of freedom and property symbolized God’s deliverance and renewal.

*2) Jesus as the Fulfillment of Jubilee* 

When Jesus began His public ministry, He read Luke 4:16-21 (from Isaiah 61) in the synagogue

Finally Jesus proclaimed *Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing*

By proclaiming this, Jesus introduced Himself as the Messiah who inaugurates the ultimate Jubilee, bringing spiritual freedom, healing, and salvation.

The *acceptable year of the Lord* proclaimed by Jesus is ongoing and eternal. 

It invites us to embrace the kingdom values of justice, mercy, and compassion and to proclaim spiritual freedom and restoration to those burdened by sin, poverty, or oppression.

*3) Jubilee as a Call to Mercy and Forgiveness*

The Jubilee year reminds us of the importance of forgiving others as God forgives us. 

In the parable of unforgiving servant, Jesus teaches that we must extend mercy and forgiveness without limits.

*Proclaiming a year acceptable to the Lord* calls us to set others free from the burdens of debt, guilt, or resentment.

It is a time to extend mercy and compassion, just as God has shown mercy to us.

*4) Jubilee as a Time of Renewal and Hope*

The Jubilee year is also a time of renewal and hope. The prophet Isaiah speaks of:

*Bringing good news to the poor*

*Healing the brokenhearted*

*Proclaiming liberty to captives*

*Comforting those who mourn*

Proclaiming a year acceptable to the Lord is a time for renewal of hearts and rebuilding of broken lives. 

It is a call to bring hope to those in despair and to work toward the restoration of justice and peace in our communities.

*5) Jubilee in modern times*

Proclaiming a Jubilee year in modern times calls us to:

Promote social justice by addressing inequalities.

Forgive debts and practice reconciliation.

Care for creation by allowing the land to rest.

Extend mercy and compassion to those in need.

In doing so, we become agents of God’s freedom, restoration, and renewal, participating in the ongoing mission of Christ to bring the good news to the world.

*6) Jubilee 2025*

The Jubilee Year 2025 serves as a profound opportunity for us to deepen our faith, and  seek reconciliation, 

Along with the theme of hope, the Jubilee emphasizes addressing contemporary challenges such as poverty, environmental concerns, and the plight of prisoners, urging the faithful to engage in acts of mercy and justice. 

How is the Jubilee Year 2025 is relevant to me?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*