We are near the end of several years of preparation for the Great Jubilee. We will soon begin the Great Jubilee as we begin the new Church year and the season of Advent.

Therefore, "be on guard lest your hearts become loaded down with a headache, drunkenness, and life's cares" (Lk 21:34, our transl). In this warning, Jesus seems to be describing a spiritual drunkenness and a spiritual hangover. Although we may not be physically drunk, we may frequently get intoxicated by indulging our senses. We can become spiritually drunk by staring at a TV for hours; smoking a few cigarettes; snacking for hours; watching videos; reading magazines; or listening to music for an extended time; surfing the Internet for awhile; playing video games for a long time; or getting a caffeine fix by drinking cup after cup of coffee and can after can of caffeinated pop, with an occasional candy bar. We can also get spiritually drunk without over-stimulating our senses. We can consume shot glass after shot glass of bitterness, unforgiveness, self-pity, fear, self-hatred, or anxiety.

Therefore, to be ready for the Great Jubilee and Jesus' final coming, we should repent of our sins, drastically simplify our lifestyles, forgive those who have sinned against us, be healed, and make every thought captive to Christ (2 Cor 10:5). "Live soberly" (1 Pt 1:13; 5:8).

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, April 10, 1999

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 16, 1999