Although we’re well into the Jubilee Year, 2025, it was only recently that I took the time to notice the beautiful Jubilee logo and discover its meaning. This logo consists of 4 stylized figures, one behind the other made to image them on a boat. Each figure is a different color, representing humanity from the 4 corners of the Earth. They are embracing one another, one behind the other forming the shape of a boat, signifying solidarity among themselves.
The first figure is tightly hanging on to the cross that bends like a sail to offer hope on the rough waves they are navigating. These waves, of course, represent life’s challenges on the journey through life.
Lastly, there is an anchor symbolizing our steady hope in Christ and the stability and salvation Christ offers during the many storms of our lives.
One of these storms, sadly, happened in our country last week to a whole school of young students at Mass in Minnesota on their second day of school. Our first reaction, like any storm we experience, was shock. Only questions abounded and no answer would ever make sense. This was a tragedy indeed, and so much was lost.
Our first reading tells of a thief coming unexpectantly in the night. This thief, unfortunately, came to Minnesota and robbed them, and all of us, of life, security, and so much more. Our faith is tested once again, and our hope is challenged. Yet, how remarkable to see, that very night, the whole community coming together in solidarity and prayer to lean on God and one another, and to rely on God’s grace to carry them forward, especially towards finding ways to comfort one another and, eventually, combat gun violence. Pope Leo even commented on this heartbreaking even calling for an end to what he called a “pandemic of arms, large and small”.
St. Paul, then, goes on to remind us that we are children of the light, that we are not destined for wrath, but rather salvation in Christ Jesus. Paul also says to encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed we witnessed the community in Minnesota do.
The Jubilee logo reminds us that when fear grips us, choose hope and hang on to the anchor of the cross. Christ is with us amid the rough waves, and our faith can empower us. In the toughest of times, we are called to be witnesses of that hope, and our witness all rests on who Christ is in our lives. We certainly saw Christ, the healer with authority, in our Gospel.
Our beloved Pope Francis once posed these questions to his listeners, questions still worth pondering:
“Who is Jesus for me? An important figure, a point of reference, an unattainable model? Or is He God the Son, who walks by my side, who can lead me to the peak of holiness, that I cannot reach by myself? Is Jesus truly living in my life, does Jesus live with me? Is He my Lord? Do I entrust myself to Him in moments of difficulty? Do I cultivate his presence through the Word, through the Sacraments? And do I let myself be guided by Him, together with my brothers and sisters, in the community?"
Lord, anchor us always in hope, peace, courage and compassion. Amen
