Donkey see's Jubilee

Opening the Doors: More than Curb Appeal
When I first moved to Somerset, MA, I couldn’t help but notice the curious obsession people have with their front doors. They’re a big deal here—painted in bright colors, adorned with intricate wreaths, and often more decorative than functional. What really surprised me, though, was that most people don’t even use them to enter their homes. They’re more like an art piece for the curb appeal than an actual point of entry.
This newfound fascination with doors took on a life of its own after I traveled to the Azores on my way to World Youth Day in Lisbon. In Ponta Delgada, I saw the Portas da Cidade—and thought to myself; ‘This place must be big fans of Fall River, MASS’. Suddenly, it all clicked. The front-door mania in Somerset is an homage to the region’s Portuguese roots. It’s not just a door; it’s a cultural statement. (And it also clicked that the Port da Cidade, in Fall River was a replica.)
But my curiosity didn’t stop there. Doors, it turns out, have been a "thing" throughout history. The ancient Egyptians used them to symbolize gateways to the afterlife in tombs. The Greeks and Romans later turned them into architectural marvels, complete with sliding and double-door designs for temples. By the Middle Ages, doors had become powerful symbols of wealth and status, often crafted from heavy wood or bronze and adorned with intricate carvings on cathedrals and palaces.
Doors have always been more than wood and hinges; they represent something deeper. Meeting guests at the door, welcoming someone across the threshold, or even the act of holding a door open all carry profound meaning. Yet as much as we focus on the grandeur of doors, we often overlook the small, humble hinge that makes them work. Without the hinge, a door is just a piece of wood stuck in a frame, unable to fulfill its purpose. 
This year, one door in particular will take center stage, yet the hinge will still remain hidden to most. The Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome in that center stage door. On December 24, 2024, Pope Francis will ceremonially open this door, marking the beginning of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year. It’s not just a symbolic action but also  rare gesture; steeped in rich tradition and spiritual significance.
To understand the significance of the Holy Door, we first need to dive into the roots of the Jubilee Year, which are found in the Old Testament. In Leviticus 25:10, God commanded the Jewish people to observe a jubilee every 50 years. This was no ordinary celebration—it was a time for radical acts of mercy and justice. Slaves were set free, debts forgiven, and land returned to its original owners. These actions served as a powerful reminder that everything ultimately belongs to God.
The Jubilee Year was more than a societal reset; it was a spiritual renewal. It reminded the people of their dependence on God and their responsibility to care for God’s creation of all.
This theme of liberation and restoration is echoed in the prophecy of Isaiah 61, where the coming of the Messiah is described as a time of freedom for captives and healing for the brokenhearted. We believe these words from the Prophet Isaiah finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who came to free humanity from sin and death.
Jesus himself uses the imagery of a door in John’s Gospel: “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” The Holy Door invites the faithful to embrace this truth. Crossing its threshold signifies leaving behind sin and stepping into God’s boundless mercy.
St. Peter’s Basilica doors recount the story of Salvation. Each panel illustrates a key moment in God’s relationship with humanity. One particularly moving panel shows the Good Shepherd searching for a lost sheep. This image is a powerful reminder of Christ’s relentless love and pursuit of every soul, no matter how far they’ve wandered. For those feeling adrift, the Holy Door offers a message of hope: it’s never too late to return to God’s loving embrace.
In a world filled with pressures, uncertainties, and distractions, the Holy Door serves as a reminder to all that they are deeply loved and that God’s mercy is always within reach.
The Jubilee Year is a call to action for all Catholics. It’s a time to reflect on one’s relationship with God and others, to practice forgiveness, and to live out the principles of mercy and justice in daily life. At its core, it proclaims that no one is beyond redemption and that every life can be transformed by God’s grace.
This message is particularly resonant for youth and young adults, who often face questions of identity, purpose, and belonging. The year encourages them to trust in God’s plan for their lives and to seek His guidance in moments of doubt or difficulty.
While the Holy Door’s symbolism captures the imagination, it’s the hinge that ensures its movement. Without the hinge, the door would remain closed, unable to fulfill its purpose. In the same way, Christ is the hinge of our faith—the one who enables us to move from darkness into light, from sin into grace.
In John’s Gospel, Jesus proclaims, “I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.” This declaration reminds us that Christ is not only the door but also the hinge that makes salvation possible. He is the pivot point, connecting heaven and earth, and the one through whom we find true freedom and renewal.
As the Holy Door opens on  December 24, 2024, it serves as an invitation to all Catholics: step through, embrace God’s mercy, and renew your life in Christ. Just as the hinge allows the door to swing open, Christ enables us to step into the fullness of His mercy, justice and love. Let us open not just the doors of basilicas but the doors of our hearts, responding to God’s call with trust, gratitude, and joy.