Friday, November 13, 2015
Youcat commented through CCC - Question n. 89 - Part III.
(Youcat
answer - repeated) God wills “all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge
of the truth” (1 Tim 2:4). The “kingdom of God” begins in those who allow
themselves to be transformed by God’s love. In Jesus’ experience these are
above all the poor and the lowly.
A deepening through CCC
(CCC 545)
Jesus invites sinners to the table of
the kingdom: "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners" (Mk
2:17; cf. l Tim 1:15). He invites them to that conversion without which one
cannot enter the kingdom, but shows them in word and deed his Father's
boundless mercy for them and the vast "joy in heaven over one sinner who
repents" (Lk 15:7; cf. 7:11-32). The supreme proof of his love will be the
sacrifice of his own life "for the forgiveness of sins" (Mt 26:28).
Reflecting and meditating
(Youcat comment) Even people
unaffiliated with the Church find it fascinating that Jesus, with a sort of
preferential love, turns first to those who are socially marginalized. In the
Sermon on the Mount, it is the poor and the sorrowing, the victims of
persecution and violence, all those who seek God with a pure heart, all who
seek his mercy, his justice, and his peace, who have prior access to the
kingdom of God. Especially invited are sinners also: “Those who are well have
no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I came not to call the
righteous, but sinners” (Mk 2:17).
(CCC Comment)
(CCC 546)
Jesus' invitation to enter his kingdom comes in the form of parables, a characteristic feature of
his teaching (Cf. Mk 4:33-34). Through his parables he invites people to the
feast of the kingdom, but he also asks for a radical choice: to gain the
kingdom, one must give everything (Cf. Mt 13:44-45; 22:1-14). Words are not
enough, deeds are required (Cf. Mt 21:28-32). The parables are like mirrors for
man: will he be hard soil or good earth for the word? (Cf. Mt 13:3-9). What use
has he made of the talents he has received? (Cf. Mt 25:14-30). Jesus and the
presence of the kingdom in this world are secretly at the heart of the
parables. One must enter the kingdom, that is, become a disciple of Christ, in
order to "know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven" (Mt 13:11). For
those who stay “outside” everything remains enigmatic (Mk 4:11; cf. Mt 13:10-15
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