BUILDING THE KINGDOM OF GOD THROUGH CATHOLIC EDUCATION: THE ROLE OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Abstract

The Church exists only for one purpose: to further the kingdom of God, to establish God’s reign on earth. Whatever evangelizing mission she engages in is channelled to this meta-purpose. To understand the nuances of the Kingdom of God, one needs to look at the Hebrew scripture, the life and ministry of Jesus, and contemporary theology.1 The construct of the Kingdom of God in contemporary theology develops from the former two. For the Israelites, the kingdom of God signifies a time of favour, peace and justice. It represents a time of deliverance through God’s active reign in history. It is begun already in the person of Jesus Christ and will be completed at a future time. Although contemporary theologians are still debating on the full import of the Kingdom of God, there is a consensus that the central theme in the preaching and life of Jesus was the Kingdom of God.2 In fidelity to Christ the head, the Church continues His work on earth: praying and working that His Kingdom may come. Hence, the kingdom of God is central to the Church’s ministry. It is the focal point of the kerygma, expressed in her doctrines and celebrated in her sacraments.