# Missionary Disciples and God’s Newness in the Fifth Week of Lent
*2017-04-07*

> Bill Young reflects on Pope Francis’ Lenten meditation on missionary disciples, explores the challenge of embracing God’s newness, honors St. John Baptist de La Salle, and leads the Friday Sorrowful Mysteries rosary.

## Welcome and Lenten Context

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. It’s Friday of the fifth week of Lent, with Good Friday just a week away. We’re back in Florida, the internet is working, and we’re preparing to start the 33‑day “Morning Glory” devotion on Monday.

## Missionary Disciples – Pope Francis’ Reflection

Yesterday’s reading was 1 Cor 9:16: “If I proclaim the gospel, I have no cause for boasting; for I am under obligation. Woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel.” Pope Francis reminds us that, by virtue of baptism, every member of the People of God is called to be a missionary disciple. No special training is required; anyone who has truly experienced God’s saving love is already equipped to bear witness. We are no longer merely “disciples” or “missionaries” – we are always missionary disciples, called to communicate Jesus wherever we are.

## God’s Newness in Our Lives

Today’s meditation, drawn from Isaiah 43:19, invites us to welcome the newness God brings. Newness can be frightening because we like to feel in control, but true discipleship asks us to surrender completely to the Holy Spirit. Throughout salvation history, God’s revelations have always demanded trust, yet they bring true joy, truth, and sanctity. Let us ask ourselves: are we open to God’s surprises, or are we closed off by fear?

## Feast of St. John Baptist de La Salle

April 7th is the feast of St. John Baptist de La Salle, founder of the Christian Brothers and a pioneer of Catholic education. Though he came from a wealthy family, he devoted his life to educating poor children and is the patron of many Christian Brothers schools. The Gospel reading for the day is John 10:40, recalling Jesus’ ministry across the Jordan where John the Baptist first baptized.

## The Sorrowful Mysteries Rosary

We prayed the Sorrowful Mysteries, meditating on Christ’s Agony in the Garden, the Scourging, the Crowning with Thorns, the Carrying of the Cross, and the Crucifixion. Each mystery concluded with the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the concluding prayer, asking for God’s mercy for the dying, the suffering, and especially for those most in need of His grace.

## Closing Prayer and Announcements

We concluded with a prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary and a special intention for the beatification of Fr. Frank Duff, founder of the Legion of Mary, and for the soul of “the Queen” (a beloved member of our community). I reminded listeners that next week is Good Friday, the following Sunday is Easter, and on Monday, April 10th, we begin the 33‑day Morning Glory devotion at St. David’s Church in Florida.

*Every baptized Christian is called to be a missionary disciple, trusting God’s newness and sharing Christ’s love wherever we are.*