be jubilarians
"The kingdom of God is at hand." —Matthew 10:7, our transl.
As we are about to begin the long-awaited Great Jubilee bringing us international justice and freedom, we, as disciples of Jesus, must fully use our "authority to expel unclean spirits and to cure sickness and disease of every kind" (Mt 10:1). Now more than ever, it is necessary for us to obey the four commands of Jesus: "Cure the sick, raise the dead, heal the leprous, expel demons" (Mt 10:8).
To obey these commands in our secular humanistic culture of death seems so impossible. This is due to our identity-crisis as Christians. We have difficulty believing that in Christ we are "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people He claims for His own" (1 Pt 2:9). However, all we need do to transform this world is to be our redeemed selves, sons and daughters of God the Father, who live the "radical newness" of our Baptisms (Lay Members of Christ's Faithful People, Pope John Paul II, 10).
Therefore, believe in God and in your salvation. Know who you are in Christ. The Lord will do more than you could ever ask for or imagine (Eph 3:20). "Despite the increase of sin, grace has far surpassed it" (Rm 5:20). Be a jubilarian. Let the Lord work through you to bring about the Great Jubilee.
Prayer: Father, deepen and confirm my Christian identity. Make me a jubilarian.
Promise: "With your own eyes you shall see your Teacher, while from behind, a voice shall sound in your ears: 'This is the way; walk in it,' when you would turn to the right or to the left." —Is 30:20-21
Praise: St. John praised God, saying: "You sent me forth into the light by adopting me as Your son and You enrolled me among the children of Your holy and spotless Church."
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, July 21, 1999
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 29, 1999