Jubilee's shared vision

Broken Bay Diocesan News, March 1998 - Issue #8

Not only Catholics but Christians of all denominations are entering an intense period of preparation for the Jubilee Year.

The Year 2000 provides Christians everywhere with a privileged opportunity to reflect on shared faith and religious practice.  These years user in what is being termed a new springtime of Christian response.

Consider one clear and simple program of shared Christian goals:

1. We shall accept Jesus Christ!  The process begins on the personal level through the strengthening of our relationship with Jesus.  Conversion or a change or heart is involved.
2. We shall build communities of faith!  Within these communities people will grow in faith, be strengthened through the word and the sacraments, and will be prepared for discipleship in the world.
3. We shall create a more just and peaceful world!  The mission of the Churches is directed outward toward the world.  With renewed energy Christians can create a culture of life and hope within our struggling world.

Already wonderful examples of Christian cooperation are taking place.  In a spirit of penance Christian leaders are asking God's forgiveness for the time in history when they have fallen short on unity.

As the Jubilee process develops we might keep three questions in mind:

1. Where are we Christians right now ?  What is the state of our faith lives ?   How are we in need of conversion ?  What is happening in our families, parishes and society ?  Is the diocese contributing to bringing about the kingdom of God in our world today ?  Is dialogue on the agenda ?
2. Where do we want to be as we enter the third millennium ?  What type of church and society do we hope for ?  What does this mean for us personally ?  Is our parish and diocese open to the needs of our culture and society ?
3. How are we going to get there ?  What practical things do we need to begin doing now in order to create a better 21st century ?  Can we identify four or five achievable things to set us in the right direction from 1998 ?

The coming of Jesus Christ as a tiny child in the womb of a young Jewish women propelled world history in an irreversible forward direction.  The invitation to experience a new springtime has gone out to all Christians.

We have reason to be hope-filled people.