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redemption of the world, and his
Resurrection are the actualization of his word and the
fulfilment of Revelation’ John Paul II, CT 9). 562 Christ’s disciples are to conform
themselves to him until he is formed in them (cf Gal
4:19). ‘For this reason we, who have been made like
to him, who have died with him and risen with him, are taken
up into the mysteries of his life, until we reign
together with him’ (LG 7 §~). 563 No one, whether shepherd or wise man, can
approach God here below except by kneeling before the manger
at Bethlehem and adoring him hidden in the weakness of a
new-born child. 564 By his obedience to Mary and Joseph, as well
as by his humble work during the long years in Nazareth,
Jesus gives us the example of holiness in the daily life
offatnily and work. ~ From the beginning of his public ljfe, at
his baptism,Jesus is the ‘Servant’, wholly
consecrated to the redemptive work that he will accomplish
by the ‘baptism’ of his Passion. 566 The temptation in the desert shows Jesus, the
humble Messiah, who triumphs over Satan by his total
adherence to the plan of salvation willed by the Father. 567 The kingdom of heaven was inaugurated on earth
by Christ. ‘This kingdom shone out before men in the
word, in the works and in the presence of Christ’ (LG
..~). The Church is the seed and beginning of this
kingdom. Its keys are entrusted to Peter. 568 Christ’s Transfiguration aims at
strengthening the apostles’ faith in anticipation of
his Passion: the ascent on to the ‘high mountain’
prepares for the ascent to Calvary. Christ, Head of the
Church, manifests what his Body contains and radiates in the
sacraments: ‘the hope of glory’ (Col 1:27; cf
St Leo the Great, Sermo 51,3: PL 54, 3ioC). 569 Jesus went up to Jerusalem voluntarily,
knowing well that there he would die a violent death because
of the opposition of sinners (cf Heb 12:3). 570 Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem man!fests the
coming of the kingdom that the Messiah-King, welcomed into
his city by children and the humble of heart, is going to
accomplish by the Passover of his Death and Resurrection.
at the centre of the Good News that the
apostles, and the Church following them, are to proclaim to
the world. God’s saving plan
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