What Does “Jubilee” Mean?

Jubilee years have a deep history in the Hebrew Scriptures. According to the Book of Leviticus (25:8-13), during a jubilee observed every 50 years, slaves and prisoners were freed, debts forgiven, land and possessions returned to their rightful owners. Perhaps most important, during such a year, the mercy of God would be manifested.
 
The word “jubilee” is based on the Hebrew yobel. The word described a “trumpet-blast of liberty” according to the Septuagint, the early translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek.
 
Just as the ancient Hebrews forgave debts, so the Church today, in the words of Pope Francis, “has an endless desire to show mercy.”
The Holy Father states it clearly: “This is an opportune moment to change our lives.”
 
The custom of calling jubilee years in the Church dates back to the sixteenth century. Since then, there have been only 26 ordinary Holy Year celebrations. So the current celebration is something extraordinary.
 
In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, the Holy Father calls on sinners to repent, reminding us that “God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy” (The Joy of the Gospel, 3).
 
Our prayer today:
 

 
Peter W. Yaremko, a former journalist, is the owner of Executive Media, Inc. and is a specialist in executive communications. He attends St. Peter the Apostle Church in Provincetown, Massachusetts and blogs at peterwyaremko.com/paradise_diaries.