and tribulations of life, Christians look forward in hope to an ultimate future of freedom and peace.
"Scripture describes this future as 'the new heavens and a new earth' (2 Pt 3:13).
"That new creation has already begun with the resurrection of Christ, who is the new first fruits of the transfiguration to which we are destined.
"Consequently, as Christians, we know that the Kingdom of God is already in our midst.
"With full respect for human freedom God works patiently and silently with us, as we cooperate in his plan for the salvation of man and indeed of the whole of creation.
"With confidence in God's help, Christians must work courageously to spread Christ's message of truth, justice and peace, and in so doing to fill and perfect temporal realities with the Gospel spirit."