What do the following companies have in common: Dunkin’ Donuts, Google, and Apple?
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They all have mission statements.
For example, the mission of Dunkin’ Donuts is, “to make and serve the freshest, most delicious coffee and donuts quickly and courteously in modern, well-merchandised stores.”
The mission of Google is, “to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.”
The mission of Apple is, “to design the best personal computers in the world.”
I’d say they’re all pretty effective, no?
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In the Gospel, Jesus reveals his mission statement. “For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.”
And the truth Jesus is speaking about is his identity as the Son of God, “the way, the truth, and the life.” He is not one among many; he alone can lead us to heaven.
But in the face of many other religions, philosophies, and worldly distractions, we all must decide for ourselves whether or not we believe him.
Is Christ our King?
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This is a question everyone must answer, even Pilate.
As we hear in the Gospel, the religious authorities finally arrest Jesus and bring him to Pilate, demanding that he execute him.
Though this is the first time that Jesus and Pilate have met, Pilate has heard of him before.
He knows that Jesus has developed a following, particularly through his preaching, his love for the poor, his interaction with sinners, and his performance of miracles.
Pilate knows Jesus is not only unique – perhaps divine; he is also innocent.
Wanting nothing to do with killing an innocent man, Pilate says to the crowds, “You take this man and judge him according to your own laws.”
But they are relentless; they will not leave until Pilate makes his decision. Is he for Jesus or against him?
We know how the story develops from here. Pilate buckles under pressure and hands Jesus over to be crucified.
Imagine that – sentencing the Son of God to death.
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But strangely enough, Jesus turns these horrible circumstances into an opportunity to reveal the depths of his love.
As he draws his final breath, he gazes upon the men who’ve nailed him to a tree and prays, “Father, forgive them.”
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“Forgive them.”
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Jesus died to save us all, even the men who nailed him to a tree. “For this is the will of my heavenly Father,” he says, “that all men might not perish, but might have eternal life.”
God only asks two things of us in return – to love him with all of our heart, and our neighbor as our self.
A significant part of fulfilling that second commandment – loving our neighbor as our self – involves sharing the Good News of the Gospel with them in both word and deed.
Imagine yourself as the visible face of Christ.
The way you and I speak and live our lives influences the way others see Christianity. The more joyful, honest, humble, and compassionate we are, the more people want to know why.
And we know what some may not – Jesus is the source of everything that is good. He is the one who produces the joy in our hearts, the pep in our step, our hope for the future.
So how do we share our faith in Jesus with others?
Invite friends to Mass, forgive people when they hurt us, pray for those in desperate need, and above all, serve Jesus in the poor.
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Just as companies like Google, Apple, and Dunkin’ Donuts have mission statements, so does Jesus – “to testify to the truth.” And the truth is that he is the Son of God, “the way, the truth, and the life.”
He is not one among many; he alone can lead us to heaven.
As his disciples, we’re drawn into his mission of testifying to the truth by sharing our faith with others.
How might we do that this week?