The concept of the Jubilee is deeply rooted in the Christian tradition. It is a time of renewal, restoration, and reconciliation—a moment to pause, reflect, and begin again. The Jubilee invites us to reconnect with God, with one another, and with the Earth, our common home.
For those engaged in the Laudato Si’ Action Platform (LSAP), the principles of the Jubilee may feel familiar. After all, LSAP already advocates for justice, care for the Earth, and ecological conversion. Yet the Jubilee offers something distinct: it is a designated, sacred moment of reset—a time to pause, take stock, and recommit with fresh urgency. While LSAP calls for ongoing transformation, the Jubilee disrupts our routines, demanding that we not only act differently but think differently about time, ownership, and our place within creation.
As we approach the 2025 Ordinary Jubilee, themed Pilgrims of Hope, we are invited to embrace this moment as more than a symbolic event. It is a unique opportunity to step into a deeper, more radical expression of ecological justice—one that challenges us to live not just sustainably, but prophetically.
What Is the Jubilee?
The Jubilee, as described in the Bible (Leviticus 25), was a sacred year proclaimed every 50 years. It was a time for freeing the enslaved, canceling debts, and allowing the land to rest. It was an act of justice and mercy, emphasizing that the Earth and its resources belong to God, not to humans. The Jubilee reminds us that we are stewards, not owners, of creation.
In our contemporary context, Pope Francis reintroduced this concept in Laudato Si’, linking it to ecological conversion. He emphasized that the Earth itself cries out for rest and renewal, echoing the biblical principle of letting the land recover. This call is even more urgent today as we face the interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequality.
Living the Jubilee as Participants of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform
The LSAP provides a unique opportunity to live out the Jubilee in practical ways. Here are three where we can embody the spirit of the Jubilee:
Restoring Justice
The Jubilee challenges us to address injustices—toward the poor, the marginalized, and the Earth. Within the LSAP, this means taking concrete steps to transition to just and sustainable systems. For example:
- Advocating for policies that reduce ecological debt, particularly the burden placed on low-income nations due to the environmental degradation caused by wealthier countries.
- Supporting fair trade practices and ethical supply chains that prioritize human dignity and environmental care.
Allowing Creation to Rest
The biblical Jubilee emphasized giving the land a sabbath, a chance to regenerate. In the LSAP, this principle inspires us to:
- Commit to sustainable agriculture practices that nurture the soil rather than deplete it.
- Reduce our consumption of non-renewable resources and prioritize circular economy models.
- Encourage communities to embrace local ecological restoration projects, such as reforestation or wetland recovery.
Fostering Reconciliation
The Jubilee is a time for healing broken relationships—between people, communities, and creation. As participants, we can:
- Engage in dialogue between different sectors of society, fostering collaboration between governments, businesses, and faith communities for ecological transformation.
- Promote community-driven solutions that integrate the voices of Indigenous peoples, women, and youth—those often excluded from decision-making processes.
- Cultivate an attitude of gratitude and care for the Earth as a reflection of God’s love.
A Jubilee for Our Time
As we live this Ordinary Jubilee in 2025, “Pilgrims of Hope,” we are reminded that the spirit of the Jubilee is not confined to a single year. It is a way of life—a continual invitation to live simply, to act justly, and to walk humbly with God.
Let us live the Jubilee, not as a distant idea, but as a daily pilgrimage toward justice, mercy, and care for our common home. Through our collective efforts, may we answer the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor, and may we become true witnesses of hope in a world yearning for healing.