The one reason why Pope Francis ordered an extraordinary jubilee - what's coming next for Christians?

By now, all Catholics know this is an extraordinary jubilee year, but why this year? The entire event came about so suddenly, and the pardons offered are so great, that many are asking why.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - The Year of Mercy has begun and the Holy Door of St. Peter's basilica is open for all who seek God's pardon. Every 25 years, the holy door is opened for a jubilee, and the next one isn't due until 2025, but Pope Francis called an "extraordinary" jubilee, that is, he ordered an unscheduled jubilee.

Along with every jubilee is an indulgence and this one is raising eyebrows. Anything and everything can be forgiven as long as the penitent is truly sorry, makes reconciliation, receives Holy Communion and passes through the Holy Door. For those who cannot make it to Rome, holy doors have been opened in every diocese. For those who cannot travel, exceptions have been granted so their faith will suffice.

In addition to the ease of the reconciliation, Pope Francis has sent out 800 missionaries to evangelize in every diocese.

The reason for this massive effort is to prepare the Church entire for its next mission. That mission will be to bear "effective witness" to the world.

During his general audience, Pope Francis explained: "The jubilee is a favorable time for all of us, so that in contemplating divine mercy, which surpasses every human limitation and shines in the darkness of sin, we may become more convinced and effective witnesses."

His statement is so profound it merits meditation.

In the darkness of sin, we may become more convinced and effective witnesses.

Given world events, it's easy to imagine that Pope Francis is preparing us for something significant. An extraordinary jubilee for an extraordinary time.

Christian persecution is at an all-time high. At least one person per hour dies for Christ somewhere around the globe. That's on top of all kinds of soft persecution faced by Christians around the world. There should be no ambiguity in understanding this; the forces of darkness are closing on Christians.

During the audience, Pope Francis spoke about God's mercy and the importance of forgiveness. He emphasized how important it is to recognize one's sins and to ask forgiveness. It gives God great joy to forgive sin. Unlike people, who sometimes pardon sin begrudgingly, God forgives cheerfully, for his very being is mercy.

But make no mistake. This extraordinary jubilee has a purpose, and it goes far beyond reconciliation. For when this year has ended, we will be asked to become effective witnesses, and we will be expected to forgive others, and to fulfill the mission Christ has given to us--that is to lovingly make disciples of all nations, no matter what the personal cost may be.

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