# You are my witnesses
*2017-03-06*

> Bill Young reflects on the missionary nature of the Church using a Lenten reflection from Pope Francis and leads the community in the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary.

## The Call to be Witnesses

Today is Monday of the first week of Lent. We are reading from 'Lent, A Time of Grace,' daily Lenten reflections by Pope Francis. The reading for today is Acts 1:8: 'You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all of Judah and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.'

Pope Francis reflects that every Christian community is called to go out of itself and engage in the life of the greater society, especially among the poor and those who are far away. The Church is missionary by her very nature; she is not self-enclosed but sent out to every nation and people. Her mission is to bear patient witness to the One who desires to draw all creatures and every person to God, bringing a love which cannot remain silent. We must see every neighbor as a brother or sister for whom Christ died and rose again. Pope Francis expresses a great desire that our parishes and communities become islands of mercy in a sea of indifference.

## Sharing the Joy of Christ

The thought for the day from Pope Francis is: 'How might I share with others the joy of my experience of God in Christ?' I believe that this podcast and radio show are how I bring Christ to the world, but it is not about me—it is about Christ. I invite anyone who would like to be part of this program to share prayers with us, especially those who speak different languages. I will certainly be praying for you.

## The Joyful Mysteries

We move now into the Rosary, meditating on the Joyful Mysteries. We begin with the Annunciation, focusing on the fruit of humility. We continue with the Visitation, reflecting on the love of neighbor, and the Birth of Jesus, meditating on poverty of spirit. The fourth mystery is the Presentation, focusing on obedience, and we conclude with the Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple, reflecting on the joy of finding Jesus.

## Intercessions and Saints

We offer prayers for the beatification of the servant of God Frank Duff and the venerable Adele Quinn. In the spirit of Pope Francis' message to be witnesses, we pray that the holiness of Frank Duff's life may be acknowledged by the Church. We also pray through the intercession of Adele Quinn for the return of prodigal sons to the Church.

Additionally, today is the feast day of Saint Mary Ann of Jesus of Paredes, who lived in the 17th century in Ecuador. We pray specifically for the people of Ecuador and for those from Ecuador who are in need, asking Saint Mary Ann of Jesus to pray for them.

*We are called to move beyond our own circles to be islands of mercy and witnesses to the joy of Christ for all people.*