Category Archives: Jubilee of Hope

Some final thoughts on the Jubilee, looking forward to the coming year: 25. In our journey towards the Jubilee, let us return to Scripture and realize that it speaks to us in these words: “May we who have taken refuge … Continue reading →

A useful homily on how hope and Mary intersect in the Christian view: 24. Hope finds its supreme witness in the Mother of God. In the Blessed Virgin, we see that hope is not naive optimism but a gift of … Continue reading →

Still, as we know from personal experience, every sin “leaves its mark”. Sin has consequences, not only outwardly in the effects of the wrong we do, but also inwardly, inasmuch as “every sin, even venial, entails an unhealthy attachment to … Continue reading →

23. Indeed, the indulgence is a way of discovering the unlimited nature of God’s mercy. Not by chance, for the ancients, the terms “mercy” and “indulgence” were interchangeable, as expressions of the fullness of God’s forgiveness, which knows no bounds. … Continue reading →

We delve more deeply into eschatology. It is a fascination for so many Christians, and even those outside the fold. Within the flock, some believers are prepared to usurp the role of judge and render the final decision on others … Continue reading →

One of the great mysteries of human existence, and the question of it: 21. What, then, will become of us after death? Faith informs us: With Jesus, beyond this threshold we will find eternal life, consisting in full communion with … Continue reading →

The reality of death, as a painful separation from those dearest to us, cannot be mitigated by empty rhetoric. The Jubilee, however, offers us the opportunity to appreciate anew, and with immense gratitude, the gift of the new life that … Continue reading →

We begin here with a compact catechesis on the Paschal Mystery and how it impacts the believer: 20. The death and resurrection of Jesus is the heart of our faith and the basis of our hope. Saint Paul states this … Continue reading →

For the Christian, eternal life is that long, glorious endgame of existence. Several mentions in the Gospel of John to different people–individuals such as Nicodemus and Photine, as well as groups of disciples in Jesus’ public ministry and at the … Continue reading →

We move into the home stretch of Spes Non Confundit. with the theme “Anchored in Hope.” In this last third of the document, we’ll explore significant issues concerning human death and eternal life, God’s judgment, the notion of indulgence and … Continue reading →

Leading off this second part with a bit of history today. We have “Nicene” in our church vocab, but there’s a deeper story behind the creed and council: The Council of Nicaea sought to preserve the Church’s unity, which was … Continue reading →

There’s not even a common term for a seventeenth centennial. As the long ages of humankind continue, how much longer will this anniversary be remembered and celebrated as an expression of Christian faith? The host city is now in ruins, … Continue reading →

Another heartfelt appeal that I would make in light of the coming Jubilee is directed to the more affluent nations. I ask that they acknowledge the gravity of so many of their past decisions and determine to forgive the debts … Continue reading →

Appeals for hope will cover sections 16 and 17. First on the list here is world hunger. Frankly, it’s a scandal on a global level. Climate change may well erase all the gains of the agricultural revolution of the past … Continue reading →