Early in Mark’s gospel we get Jesus’ “mission statement.” It is very simple and serves as the mission statement for the church and for anyone who follows Christ. Of course, St. Matthew’s mission statement is a little different than that—“Joyful Service in God’ World”—but the idea is the same.

Neighbors: Who are they? Well, it could be your co-workers, the people who live next door, the people who live in the next town over, the other parents who drop their kids off at St. Matthew’s Pre-School. The children are our neighbors. People in Africa… Central America… or the opposing political party.

Proclaim the Message: What’s that? Jesus’ first public words in Mark’s gospel are: “The time is fulfilled and the Kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe in the good news.” What does that mean? No better time than the present! God’s “kingdom,” God’s reality, God’s vision for life and the world is near—is here! The Good News is the message that Jesus reveals and embodies God’s love, mercy, and acceptance. Jesus also reveals a way of living that is life-giving, that awakens us to God’s will for us and our world, a will that produces the fruits of joy and peace, strength and resilience, for our lives that we share with others.

That is what Jesus came out to do. To heal us, to free us from those ways of thinking and acting that hinder us from true life (that’s “repentance”). That is his purpose and mission. That is our purpose and mission. As a congregation I believe we know that in principle. How will we live it out concretely? Let’s follow Jesus and find out! That’s what we’ve been sent out to do.

Peace,

Pr. Christian