The Witness to Truth

And it was written in Hebrew, in Greek and in Latin. John 19:20

That is the summary of the Person and Life of Jesus Christ, according to His own testimony.

It is in the dialogue during his trial with Pontius Pilate. He declares that the reason his followers did not fight for Him not to be delivered to the Jews is that His kingdom is not of this world, thereby implying that He is a king. Pilate therefore asks whether He is a king, and He answers that Pilate says He is a king: "Thou sayest it; I am a king. This is why I was born, and why I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice." Pilate said to him, 'What is truth?'" John 18:36-38

Christ's purpose on the earth is to answer the question regarding truth. He came to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears His voice.

It is interesting to note in this regard how Pilate hears the voice of Christ, the truth, in composing the sentence for the cross: "Jesus the Nazarene, the Jews' King" (Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudæorum). A king, yes, and yet not just a king, but the King. The King of the one true God. The King from heaven. God Himself in the flesh. The Truth. "Quod scripsi scripsi!" John 19:22

That continues to be Christ's purpose on the earth, to witness to the truth. He does it supremely through the sacramental ministry of the Church: the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

Laudetur Jesus Christus!

Cf. Deus caritas est, Benedict XVI, 2005.