We are all familiar with our Lord's description of our judgement: "I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, . . ." (Matthew 25:35). But, as with all of Scripture, the more we reflect on it, the more we find in it. For example, there are all sorts of hungers, most of which we cannot simply write a check to alleviate. And there are strangers all around us; do we even see them? In my retirement I am trying to see more clearly those who have shown us the way to live Christ's mandate of love by their example.

So far, I have posted twelve reflections — those indicated in the first column. You can click on the images there or use the navigation bar toward the top of each page. I have come to know something about these individuals over the years — often as historical figures, but sometimes in person — and I am trying to learn more, and sharing that knowledge with anyone who might be interested. So, welcome! And enjoy!

With roots in the Biblical concept of Jubilee (cf. Leviticus 25:8-13), in 1300, Pope Boniface VIII called the Church's first Jubilee, also known as a "Holy Year," since it is a time in which God's holiness transforms us. The frequency of Holy Years has changed over time: at first, they were celebrated every 100 years; later, in 1343 Pope Clement VI reduced the gap between Jubilees to every 50 years, and in 1470 Pope Paul II made it every 25 years. There have also been "extraordinary" Holy Years: for example, in 1933 Pope Pius XI chose to commemorate the 1900^th anniversary of the Redemption, and in 2015 Pope Francis proclaimed the Year of Mercy as an extraordinary jubilee. The way in which Jubilee Years are marked has also changed through the centuries: originally the Holy Year consisted of a pilgrimage to the Roman Basilicas of St. Peter and St. Paul, later other signs were added, such as the Holy Door. By participating in the Holy Year, one is granted a plenary indulgence.

Jubilee 2025 will begin on December 29, 2024, when the Holy Door of the Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican will be opened. The Jubilee will conclude with the closing of the Holy Door of the Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican on January 6, 2026. The theme of the Jubilee is "Hope does not disappoint." Pope Francis prays that the Jubilee will be a moment of genuine personal encounter with the Lord Jesus, the door of our salvation, whom the Church is charged to proclaim always, everywhere, and to all as "our hope."

Click here for the Jubilee Calendar.

During Jubilee 2000, I was blessed to attend the Jubilee of People with Disabilities. Click here for my memories of that "Weekend in Rome."

BECOME A JUBILEE 2025 VOLUNTEER

If you are over 18 and want to have a special — and active — experience of the Holy Year, by assisting the numerous pilgrims who will be in Rome to enter through the Holy Door, this is your chance!

You can offer your service for one or more weeks, or for specific jubilee events, in a unique experience: helping those in need of assistance and information along the pilgrimage routes that lead to the Holy Doors of Rome's four Pontifical Basilicas.

It seems to me that this would be a great opportunity for a college student or other young adult — or possibly a high school teacher — who is into his or her Catholic faith to experience the Jubilee and interact with other volunteers and pilgrims from all over the world. Seminarians and male and female novices in religious communities who wish to volunteer require the written approval of their rector or formator. Knowledge of the Italian language is preferable, but not mandatory. If you have any language skills, it seems to me that you will have opportunities to use them with pilgrims and with other volunteers.

Other basic requirements are:

• A letter is required from your pastor or other priest certifying your Catholic faith and your active participation in parish life.
• A valid passport (and visa, if necessary) is required.
• The volunteer must cover travel expenses to and from Rome.
• The Vatican Dicastery for Evangelization will cover food and accommodation during the period of service

Click here for more information.

On November 21, 2024, Pope Francis issued a letter on the renewal of the study of Church History — "some thoughts on the importance of the study of Church History, particularly in order to help priests better interpret the world in which we live."

"A proper sense of history can help each of us to develop a better sense of proportion and perspective in coming to understand reality as it is and not as we imagine it or would prefer reality to be."

"The Church must be loved as she is; otherwise we do not love her at all, or what we love is only a figment of our imagination. Church history helps us to see the real Church and to love the Church as she truly exists, and love what she has learned and continues to learn from her mistakes and failures. A Church that even in her darkest moments is conscious of her deepest identity can be capable of understanding the imperfect and wounded world in which she lives. In her efforts to bring healing and renewal to the world, she will use the same means by which she strives to heal and renew herself, even if she at times does not succeed."

"This can serve as a corrective to the misguided approach that would view reality only from a triumphalist defense of our function or role."

Click here for the Vatican News article.

Click here for text of the Pope's letter.

We often get frustrated when our plan for the day is interrupted. Consider the possibility that the interruption is God's plan for our day. The Good Samaritan was interrupted on his way on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho.

It is amazing what you can accomplish
if you do not care who gets the credit.
Harry S. Truman