We have a big year coming up. Starting this fall, the Catholic Church will be celebrating a “jubilee” year focused in particular on the mercy of God. Jubilee years find their origin in the book of Leviticus (25:8-13), and usually focus on forgiveness, pardon, and growing closer to God. Jubilee years have been celebrated every 25 or 50 years for the since the 1300’s, the last of which was the great Jubilee of the year 2000. That celebration followed a three year preparation looking at the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This Jubilee, on the other hand, is an “extraordinary” celebration (as it deviates from that 25/50 year schedule) – and will focus on one of Pope Francis’ favorite themes: the mercy of God the Father.
