Life at a Jubilee Center

I don't remember exactly when I first sensed it -- perhaps it was as we sat in the Parish Office recounting the days events, or maybe it was as I began the long drive home -- but it was unmistakable. It was the feeling of jubilee. The sense that I had been home again to a place that was still remarkably new to me, but home nonetheless.

Maybe it was the music, "Lift High the Cross" and "Come Thou Font of Every Blessing," maybe it was the way the littlest acolyte glided across the chancel, or maybe the seriousness of her brother as he carried the chalice, I am not quite sure what it is about this place that makes it a balm for all that ails me.

Leviticus tells us that Jubilee is a special year for the forgiveness of sins and pardoning of debts, slaves and prisoners freed, and God's mercy becomes more apparent to all people, and typically occurs every fifty years. Having experienced it now, I realize that it is well worth the wait.

Mary Chapin Carpenter tells the story of jubilee best, and I share her writing with you:

Mary Chapin Carpenter - Jubilee

I can tell by the way you're walking
That you don't want company
I'll let you alone and I'll let you walk on
And in your own good time you'll be

Back where the sun can find you
Under the wise wishing tree
And with all of them made we'll lie under the shade
And call it a jubilee

And I can tell by the way you're talking
That the past isn't letting you go
But there's only so long you can take it all on
And then the wrong's gotta be on its own

And when you're ready to leave it behind you
You'll look back, and all that you'll see
Is the wreckage and rust that you left in the dust
On your way to the jubilee

And I can tell by the way you're listening
That you're still expecting to hear
Your name being called like a summons to all
Who have failed to account for their doubts and their fears

They can't add up to much without you
And so if it were just up to me
I'd take hold of your hand, saying come hear the band
Play your song at the jubilee

And I can tell by the way you're searching
For something you can't even name
That you haven't been able to come to the table
Simply glad that you came

And when you feel like this try to imagine
That we're all like frail boats on the sea
Just scanning the night for that great guiding light
Announcing the jubilee

And I can tell by the way you're standing
With your eyes filling with tears
That it's habit alone keeps you turning for home
Even though your home is right here

Where the people who love you are gathered
Under the wise wishing tree
May we all be considered then straight on delivered
Down to the jubilee'

Cause the people who love you are waiting
And they'll wait just as long as need be
When we look back and say those were halcyon days
We're talking 'bout jubilee