CCC 544

The kingdom belongs to the poor and lowly, which means those who have accepted it with humble hearts. Jesus is sent to "preach good news to the poor";²⁵³ Lk 4:18; cf. 7:22. he declares them blessed, for "theirs is the kingdom of heaven."²⁵⁴ Mt 5:3[ETML:C/]. To them - the "little ones" the Father is pleased to reveal what remains hidden from the wise and the learned.²⁵⁵ Cf. Mt 11:25. Jesus shares the life of the poor, from the cradle to the cross; he experiences hunger, thirst and privation.²⁵⁶ Cf. Mt 21:18; Mk 2:23-26; Jn 4:6 1; 19:28; Lk 9:58. Jesus identifies himself with the poor of every kind and makes active love toward them the condition for entering his kingdom.²⁵⁷ Cf. Mt 25:31-46.