Bro. Emiliano G. Gutierrez Jr.

, CRM
IMMIGRANT MISSION
Just before Jesus ascended to heaven, he gathered his disciples together one last time to

give them His final instruction. Jesus gave the most awesome yet humbling task for them to

perform. "Go into the entire world and preach the gospel to the whole creation" (Mark 16:15).

Because of this, the apostles and disciples went to travel the world and proclaimed the good

news and taught about Christ. While reflecting on the deeds of the apostles going everywhere,

baptizing peoples in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and spreading

the good news of Jesus Christ, I believe that if not for their dedication and commitment to the

call of Christ, the Christian faith would not have been known to much of the world today.

Today, this task is continued by missionaries and other religious organizations who

traveled to different nations to share the good news of Jesus Christ, building communities of

baptized Christians.

Christianity was introduced therefore to the whole world, and with God’s promised

protection; it will remain and continue in time. The Apostles have done their part in history, and

the practice of spreading the faith still continues through priests, religious, and even lay peoples

as they migrate to a different country. Immigrants in toady’s world have become missionaries

themselves. The Philippines is one of the countries that has a lot of immigrants all over the

world. Immigrants are seeking a better life and future in different countries. Yet they also

experience all sort of things as a result of moving in to a new country, loneliness, culture shock,

longing for their country, among other things in life. One notable aspect of their life is the faith, a

religious belief. Immigrants want to be connected to their faith, and their fellow countrymen by

joining religious organizations. Thus for Filipinos who are mostly Catholics, they would join
Catholic organizations and groups in parishes so as to get connected to the faith and fellowship

with fellow countrymen.

Faith and prayer certainly help in the life of an immigrant lighten the worries and burdens

they have in their hearts. Also this is the best way to share the love of God and his comfort and

strength in times of loneliness and sadness, therefore strengthening one’s faith in God.

The Philippines is known to be rich in culture and religious practices. Colorful religious

traditions are also brought by the immigrant Filipinos, notable of which is the strong devotion to

the Sto. Nino (Holy Child) whose feast day is spiced with traditional dances and Filipino food.

Remembering the Latin quote “Nemo dat quod non habet” which means one cannot give

what one does not have, As I participated with religious organizations in this country, when I go

back to my own country, I am now equipped with a fervent trust in God who will never abandon

those who believe in Him.

I have listened to other immigrants telling their stories who base their strength in God

who from the beginning taught them to be strong and carry on with their lives.

To be preachers for Christ ultimately is our great task. The preacher’s task is more

important than that of any other. The physician heals, but his healing of the physical body has

only temporal importance whereas preaching has spiritual and eternal significance. Jesus could

heal the sick better than any physician, but he has to preach as well about the Kingdom of God

(Mark 1:30-38). The lawyer’s task is to deal with the law, but a lawyer’s concern with law is

generally for time, not for eternity. Moreover, a lawyer’s concern pertains to the physical not the

spiritual realities of life. Law and medicine are two of the most honorable professions in any
society, but preaching is more worthy of the best of human talents and energy than either of

them, or of any other profession.

Name any other profession, such as being a school teacher, a counselor, a politician, a

business man or woman, or whatever other profession you wish, and preaching is more

significant because preaching turns sinners into saints, and gives guidance to life not only for

time, but also for eternity. Preaching is the work of bringing humanity and all human endeavors

into alignment with God and his word. What other work can be more important than that?

Immigrants also have to embrace the task of proclaiming the good news and build God’s

kingdom. Jesus gave this task to his apostles, and so to those who share in the wonderful gift of

baptism.