CCC 546

Jesus' invitation to enter his kingdom comes in the form of parables, a characteristic feature of his teaching.²⁶¹ Cf. Mk 4:33-34. Through his parables he invites people to the feast of the kingdom, but he also asks for a radical choice: to gain the kingdom, one must give everything.²⁶² Cf. Mt 13:44-45; 22:1-14. Words are not enough, deeds are required.²⁶³ Cf. Mt 21:28-32. The parables are like mirrors for man: will he be hard soil or good earth for the word?²⁶⁴ Cf. Mt 13:3-9. What use has he made of the talents he has received?²⁶⁵ Cf. Mt 25:14-30. Jesus and the presence of the kingdom in this world are secretly at the heart of the parables. One must enter the kingdom, that is, become a disciple of Christ, in order to "know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven".²⁶⁶ Mt 13:11. For those who stay "outside", everything remains enigmatic.²⁶⁷ Mk 4:11; cf. Mt 13:10-15.