A missionary in thought, work, and deed

by Fr. Phil Schotzko

It is April 14th and I write this from the library of a seminary in Guatemala City, the Capital of Guatemala. I have a friend here on the faculty and I also met with a priest who is coming up to do mission appeals in the New Ulm diocese this summer. This relates to my role as Director of the Mission Office for the Diocese of New Ulm. In that capacity I select certain missionary groups to come to our parishes to share the story of their ministry and to ask for support. This Missionary Co-op Plan brings a different perspective and a heightened awareness of the cross-cultural missionary activity going on in the name of Christ and the church.

As members of a large, world-wide organization (recently made clear by the news coverage surrounding the death of Pope John Paul II and the election of Benedict XVI) we share in this work of the mission of Christ. It is the work of, not only, bringing the "Good News" to people, but also, of bringing various races, cultures and ways of life into contact with one another in a way that will be mutually uplifting and enriching.

I believe this work is essential to the very survival of the human family on this planet. You may consider this a bit melodramatic, but we need to consider the existence of various nations who possess nuclear and other kinds of weapons that are capable of destruction. Also, there is a polarization of peoples going on that is often based in our fears and ignorance of other cultures and fueled by national and religious extremists. Add to that the growing disparity between the rich and poor and we have the potential for disaster.

However, I am not a pessimist. There are also a whole list of factors that are working to neutralize and reverse the ones mentioned above. The number one, and most powerful, is the presence and action of the power of the Risen Christ in our midst. Therefore, it is according to his mission, with his power of love and in his name that we seek to know all people as true brothers and sisters and to share with them honorably and equitably the blessings of this good earth.

Do you see how essential it is, that we all be missionaries in thought, work and deed? It is an expression of who we are as Christians and a living out of our dream of not merely avoiding self-destruction but of thriving as multi-colored members of the family of God.

Fr. Phil Schotzko is Director of Missions for the Diocese of New Ulm.