CCC 878 Finally, it belongs to the sacramental nature of ecclesial ministry that it have a personal character. Although Christ’s ministers act in communion with one another, they also always act in a personal way. Each one is called personally: “You, follow me”1 in order to be a personal witness within the common mission, to bear personal responsibility before him who gives the mission, acting “in his person” and for other persons: “I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. ..”; “I absolve you. ..”
CCC 1720 The New Testament uses several expressions to characterize the beatitude to which God calls man:
– the coming of the Kingdom of God;2 – the vision of God: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God”3
– entering into the joy of the Lord;4
– entering into God’s rest:5
There we shall rest and see, we shall see and love, we shall love and praise. Behold what will be at the end without end. For what other end do we have, if not to reach the kingdom which has no end?6
CCC 1989 The first work of the grace of the Holy Spirit is conversion, effecting justification in accordance with Jesus’ proclamation at the beginning of the Gospel: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”7 Moved by grace, man turns toward God and away from sin, thus accepting forgiveness and righteousness from on high. “Justification is not only the remission of sins, but also the sanctification and renewal of the interior man.”8
1 Jn 21:22; Cf. Mt 4:19. 21; Jn 1:4.
2 Cf. Mt 4:17.
3 Mt 5:8; cf. 1 Jn 2; 1 Cor 13:12.
4 Mt 25:21-23.
5 Cf. Heb 4:7-11.
6 St. Augustine, De civ. Dei 22, 30, 5: PL 41,804.
7 Mt 4:17.
8 Council of Trent (1547): DS 1528.