2. Called by Christ to be signs and instruments of communion and participation[61] The incarnate Christ, realization of communion By the incarnation the Son of God became inserted in the human family, lived as a workman among the people of the time, assuming their culture and religion, and becoming similar to us in all things but sin. In this way he sanctified human bonds, and in the first place those of the family, and gave value and new dignity to all created realities which became means and instruments for communion with God. Jesus Christ broke down all barriers and gave preference to the poor and lowly as a characteristic of his evangelizing mission. By his Easter victory he was constituted the firstborn of all creation, and through him God rebuilt the original communion among all things, those of earth and those of heaven.11 [62] The Church, sign and instrument of communion and participation This new reality is anticipated in the Church, which has the mission to proclaim and construct the Kingdom of God. Its fundamental vocation is to be united to Christ.12 From this bond stems communion amongst all,13 the intensity of which is conveyed by the biblical image of the Body of Christ and the People of God.14 It is a communion which is born in Baptism and Confirmation, and nourished in the Eucharist.15 But it is a fragile communion: personal and communal sins can weaken it to the point of rupture. The sacrament of Reconciliation gives it new life and strength. [63] The Church, leaven of the Kingdom in human history The Church, animated by the Spirit, is able to recognize him and serve him wherever he is manifested, so that all human reality may meet with salvation. Communion and mission are deeply linked to one another, to the extent that communion represents the source and at the same time the fruit of the mission.16 All members of the Church without exception, each in line with his particular vocation, are called upon to take an active and responsible part in this mission. All, by the depth of their faith, the fraternity of communal life, the riches of their charismata and the dynamism of their commitment, proclaim the Kingdom and render it present. [64] The Church and the secular mission The Church is in the world and for the world. It takes up secular values, purifying them and raising them through the newness of the Passover. Truly "the Church has an authentic secular dimension, inherent to her inner nature and mission, which is deeply rooted in the mystery of the Word Incarnate, and which is realized in different forms through her members".17 In this time of deep transformations in culture and society,
believers are called to unite with all men of good will to
develop the seeds of the Kingdom which are present everywhere:
signs of the Holy Spirit who is working in creation and in
history. |