I
IN THE WAKE OF THE COUNCIL
AND THE GREAT JUBILEE
Looking towards Christ
6. Ten
years ago, in Tertio Millennio Adveniente (10 November 1994), I had the
joy of proposing to the Church a programme of preparation for the Great
Jubilee of the Year 2000. It seemed to me that this historic moment
presented itself as a great grace. I realized, of course, that a simple
chronological event, however evocative, could not by itself bring about great
changes. Unfortunately the Millennium began with events which were in tragic
continuity with the past, and often with its worst aspects. A scenario emerged
which, despite certain positive elements, is marred by acts of violence and
bloodshed which cause continued concern. Even so, in inviting the Church to
celebrate the Jubilee of the two-thousandth anniversary of the Incarnation, I
was convinced—and I still am, more than ever!—that this celebration would be of
benefit to humanity in the “long term”.
Jesus Christ stands at the
centre not just of the history of the Church, but also the history of humanity.
In him, all things are drawn together (cf. Eph 1:10; Col 1:15-20).
How could we forget the enthusiasm with which the Second Vatican Council,
quoting Pope Paul VI, proclaimed that Christ is “the goal of human history, the
focal point of the desires of history and civilization, the centre of mankind,
the joy of all hearts, and the fulfilment of all aspirations”?1 The
Council's teaching gave added depth to our understanding of the nature of the
Church, and gave believers a clearer insight not only into the mysteries of
faith but also into earthly realities, seen in the light of Christ. In the
Incarnate Word, both the mystery of God and the mystery of man are
revealed.2 In him, humanity finds redemption and fulfilment.
7. In the
Encyclical Redemptor Hominis, at the beginning of my Pontificate, I
developed this idea, and I have frequently returned to it on other occasions.
The Jubilee was a fitting time to invite believers once again to consider this
fundamental truth. The preparation for the great event was fully Trinitarian
and Christocentric. Within this plan, there clearly had to be a place for the
Eucharist. At the start of this Year of the Eucharist, I repeat the words which
I wrote in Tertio Millennio Adveniente: “The Year 2000 will be intensely
Eucharistic; in the Sacrament of the Eucharist the Saviour, who took
flesh in Mary's womb twenty centuries ago, continues to offer himself to
humanity as the source of divine life”.3 The International Eucharistic
Congress, held that year in Rome, also helped to focus attention on this aspect
of the Great Jubilee. It is also worth recalling that my Apostolic Letter Dies
Domini, written in preparation for the Jubilee, invited believers to
meditate on Sunday as the day of the Risen Lord and the special day of the
Church. At that time I urged everyone to rediscover the celebration of the
Eucharist as the heart of Sunday.4
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