THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD
543. All men are called to enter the Kingdom. First announced to the children of Israel (271), this Messianic Kingdom is designed to welcome men from all nations (272). To have access to it, it is necessary to accept the Word of Jesus: “The Word of the Lord is compared to the seed sown in the field: those who hear it in faith and become part of Christ's little flock, have already received the Kingdom; then, by its own strength, the seed germinates and grows until the time of the harvest ”(273). 544. The Kingdom belongs to the poor and small, that is to say, to those who welcomed it with a humble heart. Jesus was sent to "bring the Good News to the poor" (Lk 4:18) (274). He declares them blessed, because "the kingdom of heaven is theirs" (Mt 5: 3). It was to the "little ones" that the Father deigned to reveal what remains hidden from the wise and intelligent (275). Jesus shares the lives of the poor, from the crib to the cross: he knows what it is like to suffer hunger (276), thirst (277) and destitution (278). What is more, he identifies himself with the poor of all kinds, and makes active love towards them the condition of entry into his Kingdom (279). 545. Jesus invites sinners to the Kingdom table: "I came not to call the just, but sinners" (Mk 2, 17) (280). He invites them to conversion without which one cannot enter the Kingdom, but in words and deeds, he shows them his Father's boundless mercy towards them and the immense “joy that will be in heaven for one sinner who repent »(Lk 15, 7). The supreme proof of this love will be the sacrifice of your own life, "for the remission of sins" (Mt 26:28). 546. Jesus calls to enter the Kingdom through parables, a characteristic feature of his teaching (282). Through them, he invites to the Kingdom banquet (283), but also demands a radical option: to acquire the Kingdom it is necessary to give everything (284). Words are not enough, actions are required (285). Parables are, for man, a kind of mirror: how does he receive the Word? Like hard ground, or good soil? (286) What does he do with the talents received? (287) Jesus and the presence of the Kingdom in this world are secretly at the heart of the parables. It is necessary to enter the Kingdom, that is, to become a disciple of Christ, in order to "know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven" (Mt 13, 11). For those who are "out" (Mc 4, 11), everything remains enigmatic (288). THE SIGNS OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD 547. Jesus follows his words with numerous "miracles, wonders and signs" (Acts 2,22), which show that the Kingdom is present in Him. They prove that He is the announced Messiah (289). 548. The signs performed by Jesus testify that the Father sent Him (290). They invite you to believe in Him (291). To those who turn to Him in faith, grant them what they ask for (292). Thus, miracles strengthen faith in Him who does the works of his Father: they testify that He is the Son of God (293). Messages for love.
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