Oral Exam: Thesis Statements
1. The ideals of the Kingdom are expressed in the Beatitudes. Through the Beatitudes, Jesus
calls us to be poor in spirit, gentle, merciful, clean of heart, peace-loving and just. He is calling
us to do our part in building God's Kingdom here on earth.
The journey of embracing the Beatitudes is a never-ending process of personal and communal
growth. The virtues reflected in these teachings go beyond a simple set of principles to form the
foundation of a deeper spiritual relationship. Individuals who actively cultivate values like
humility, compassion, purity of heart, and a dedication to peace go on a life-changing path that
not only improves their own lives but also has an impact on the communities in which they live.
It extends beyond personal dedication to embrace a greater responsibility for the development
of society. Embracing Kingdom values means committing to establishing a kind, loving, and equal
community that reflects the divine principles advocated by Jesus. The transforming path of living
the Beatitudes is a collaborative and worldwide effort. It inspires people to actively participate in
social activities, advocate for positive change, and contribute to the construction of a society in
which the ideals of love, mercy, and justice are not only aspirational but practical realities. The
call to build God's Kingdom on Earth is thus not only a spiritual order, but also an urgent call for
individuals to actively participate in the collective construction of a more compassionate, just,
and harmonious world.
2. The miracles of Jesus were marvels, acts of power and signs. Through them, Jesus
demonstrated the nature of the Kingdom of God and revealed His identity.
This thesis asserts that the miracles of Jesus served a dual purpose: as powerful demonstrations
showcasing the nature of the Kingdom of God and as revelations of Jesus' divine identity. These
miraculous events, described as marvels, acts of power, and signs, were not simply displays of
supernatural ability, but deliberate expressions that offered glimpses into the compassionate,
transformative nature of God's kingdom while also revealing Jesus as the embodiment of divine
authority and the promised Messiah. Furthermore, each miracle, whether it was healing those
who were sick, feeding the multitudes, or calming the storm, represented different aspects of the
Kingdom's nature. These intentional representations were, in essence, concrete examples of the
divine principles that support God's Kingdom. The miracles served as significant indicators
exposing Jesus' identity as well as demonstrating the nature of the Kingdom. In general, this thesis
affirms that Jesus' miracles were significant and deliberate actions, acting as dynamic expressions
that emphasized the transformational character of God's Kingdom while also revealing Jesus as
the incarnation of divine power and the promised Messiah. Through these miraculous events,
Jesus not only displayed supernatural power but also provided significant insights into the
character of God's dominion and his own unique role within it.
3. Jesus continues to work miracles today. God is revealed not only in special dramatic events
in our history, but also in the ordinary events of our lives.
Everyday miracles in contemporary society may be found in the seemingly ordinary events that
carry profound significance. Acts of kindness and compassion, where individuals selflessly help
others in times of need, can be considered modern-day miracles that reveal the presence of God's
love. The mending of broken relationships, the resilience and healing observed in individuals
facing adversity, and the countless instances of forgiveness and reconciliation are everyday
miracles that showcase the transformative power of grace. Recognizing these ordinary miracles
encourages an appreciation for the divine presence in the midst of our daily experiences,
affirming that God's work extends beyond historical events to permeate the fabric of our everyday
lives.