786. Finally, the People of God shares in the royal office of Christ. He exercises his kingship by drawing all men to himself through his death and Resurrection.211 Christ, King and Lord of the universe, made himself the servant of all, for he came “not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”212 For the Christian, “to reign is to serve him,” particularly when serving “the poor and the suffering, in whom the Church recognizes the image of her poor and suffering founder.”213 The People of God fulfills its royal dignity by a life in keeping with its vocation to serve with Christ.
The sign of the cross makes kings of all those reborn in Christ and the anointing of the Holy Spirit consecrates them as priests, so that, apart from the particular service of our ministry, all spiritual and rational Christians are recognized as members of this royal race and sharers in Christ’s priestly office. What, indeed, is as royal for a soul as to govern the body in obedience to God? and what is as priestly as to dedicate a pure conscience to the Lord and to offer the spotless offerings of devotion on the altar of the heart?214
Aprofunde seus conhecimentos
464. What are the duties of citizens in regard to civil authorities?
526. What relationship exists between truth, beauty and sacred art?
180. How is the collegial dimension of Church ministry carried out?
116. Did Jesus contradict Israel’s faith in the one God and savior?
454. Why is the civil recognition of Sunday as a feast day important?
4. Is the light of reason alone sufficient to know the mystery of God?
Acesse nossos estudos biblicos:
How did Nehemiah deal with the division between rich and poor Jews in Nehemiah 5?
What is the role of spiritual gifts in building up the church, according to Ephesians 4:7-16?
What is the role of God’s people in promoting social justice, according to Amos 5:24?
What does the Bible say about the true source of comfort in times of trouble?
What is the importance of being faithful to sound doctrine?
What does the Bible say about the importance of honesty and integrity in Ecclesiasticus 20:1-11?
