The Third Luminous Mystery of the Rosary, entitled "The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God and the Invitation to Conversion", is a central pillar of Jesus' teaching and ministry. This mystery invites us to contemplate the words and actions of Jesus as he proclaims the coming of the Kingdom of God and calls men and women to conversion and belief in the Gospel. The Synoptic Gospels - Matthew, Mark and Luke - recount this fundamental theme of Jesus' mission.
Early in his public ministry, after his baptism and temptation in the desert, Jesus began to preach in Galilee. According to Mark's Gospel, he proclaimed, "The time is fulfilled and the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Good News" (Mark 1, 15). These words sum up the essence of his message and his call.
The Announcement of the Kingdom of God
Jesus announces a Kingdom of God that is both present and future. This Kingdom is not an earthly territory, but a spiritual reality where God's sovereignty is recognised and his will is done. Jesus uses many parables to illustrate the nature of the Kingdom of God, such as that of the sower, the mustard seed and the hidden treasure. Each of these parables reveals different aspects of the Kingdom: its silent but certain growth, its priceless value, and its call to decision and commitment.
The Invitation to Conversion
The invitation to conversion is intrinsically linked to the proclamation of the Kingdom. To convert, in the biblical context, means to change one's mentality, to turn away from sin and embark on the path of justice and truth. Jesus calls for a profound transformation of heart and mind. It is not just a matter of regretting one's sins, but of actively committing oneself to following Jesus' teachings and living according to the values of the Kingdom of God: love, mercy, justice and peace.
Signs of the Kingdom
The miracles and healings performed by Jesus are tangible signs of the presence of the Kingdom of God. By healing the sick, casting out demons and raising the dead, Jesus shows that the Kingdom of God is already at work in the world, overthrowing the forces of evil and ushering in a new era of salvation. These acts of power are demonstrations of God's compassion and foretastes of the fullness of the Kingdom to come.
The Call to Faith
The proclamation of the Kingdom of God is inseparable from the call to faith. Jesus invites all those who hear him to believe in him, to trust his words and to allow themselves to be transformed by his message. Faith is not just an intellectual adherence, but a total commitment on the part of the person to follow Jesus and live according to the values of the Kingdom.
The Relevance of the Annunciation
This luminous mystery remains highly topical for Christians today. It reminds us that the Kingdom of God is among us, that we are called to live the values of that Kingdom right now, and that our mission is to announce this good news to everyone we meet. Continual conversion is necessary in our life of faith, a constant renewal of our commitment to follow Christ and build his Kingdom on earth.
As we meditate on this mystery, we are invited to listen anew to Jesus' call, to open our hearts to his word and to let his grace transform our lives. We are encouraged to be active witnesses to the Kingdom of God, in word and deed, manifesting God's love and mercy in our relationships with others and in our commitment to justice and peace.
