FIRST CHARACTERISTIC OF THE JUBILEE YEAR
PILGRIMAGE
The
jubilee calls for us to set out on a journey and to cross boundaries. When we
travel, we do not only change place physically, but we also change ourselves.
Hence, it is important to prepare ourselves well, to plan the route, and learn
about the destination. In this sense, the Jubilee pilgrimage begins before the
start of the journey itself: the starting point is the decision to set out. The
etymology of the word “pilgrimage” is quite telling and has undergone little
change in meaning over the years. The word comes from the Latin “per ager,”
meaning "across the fields," or perhaps from “per eger” meaning
“border crossing”: both possible origins point to the distinctive aspect of
undertaking a journey.
In
the Bible, Abraham is described as a person on a journey: “Go forth from your
land, your relatives, and from your father’s house” (Genesis 12:1). With these
words Abraham begins his adventure, which ends in the Promised Land, where he
is remembered as a “wandering Aramean” (Deuteronomy 26:5). Jesus’ ministry can
also be seen as a journey, from Galilee to the Holy City of Jerusalem … “As the
time drew near when Jesus would be taken up to heaven, he made up his mind and
set out on his way to Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:51). Christ himself calls His
disciples to walk this road, and even today Christians are those who follow him
and set out after Him.
The
journey takes place gradually: there are various routes to choose from and
places to discover; it is made up of particular sets of circumstances, moments
of catechesis, sacred rites and liturgies. Along the way our traveling
companions enrich us with new ways of understanding things and fresh
perspectives. Contemplation of creation is also part of the journey and helps
us to realize that care for creation “is an essential expression of our faith
in God and our obedience to his will” (Pope Francis, Letter for the Jubilee
2025). Pilgrimage is an experience of conversion, of transforming one's very
being to conform it to the holiness of God. During the pilgrimage, one also
shares in the experience of those who, for various reasons, are forced to leave
their homelands to seek a better life for themselves and their family.
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