When we speak of a brand, we don’t just mean a favourite product with a popular tag, we also imply that such a trademark serves and satisfies our needs. It is not only useful, it is also important to us and we are proud to relate to it in a special way.
Often we go for special brands because the positive image they represent assures us of their standard quality and serviceability. Everyone is looking for a popular brand, not just for name’s sake, but because it serves them well. I remember visiting my parents with my siblings to celebrate the Christmas season together as family. I noticed that my little nephew Emeka, who lives with my aged parents, was the most popular person in the house, because his name was on everybody’s lips. He was literally at everyone’s beck and call, running errands for the entire family. Everyone was always looking for him. His name became a brand we all were identified with, because people would rather call me Emeka’s uncle instead of my name. His service made him a special brand in the family, for he was all things to all members of the family. When a person’s role in life serves others, he is an essential worker and everyone will be looking for him.
In today’s gospel, Jesus serves as an essential worker who ministers to peoples’ needs. Like a special brand, everyone was looking for him. He recognised that His mission can only be fulfilled through service. That is why he invites us to embrace this mission of service in order to be all things to all men. Our faith is therefore our own special brand that commissions us to serve God and others without fame or shame. By so doing, we are not only useful, we are important to everyone. Our faith makes us recognise that our brand is in our service, for what is faith if it cannot serve? We are often identified by the service we render. Whenever our faith serves others, everyone will be looking for us. But the big question remains, will everyone find Jesus in your service?
