Young essayists reflect on the ‘call to discipleship’ – in 2022 and beyond

This spring, Brother Martin High School sponsored its second annual “Joy of the Resurrection” essay contest, open to Archdiocese of New Orleans boys and girls in grades 5-7, posing the following questions to the young writers: “Jesus’ death and resurrection transformed his disciples and renewed their commitment to sharing the Gospel message. How are we today, in 2022, called to discipleship? How can we spread the Good News of Jesus in our homes, schools and communities?”

Kids’ Clarion will present the six winners – one boy and one girl from each of the three eligible grade levels – over the next several days. (Please note that some essays were edited for style and length)

5th-grade winner (male division)
Sebastian Minehart, Holy Cross Middle School

In order to know how we are called to discipleship, we first have to know what disciple means. The Latin word discipulo means “student.” When I think of what it means to be a good student, I think that you need to follow the rules and be respectful.

When Jesus was living out his ministry, a Pharisee asked him, “What are the most important rules?” Jesus responded, saying, “You shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments” (Matthew 22: 34-40).

Since we are called to be students of Jesus, we need to follow these commandments by examining our conscience regularly and making sure that we are being good examples of what it means to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people stopped going to church and stopped experiencing Jesus in their lives. In 2022, we can share the Good News with others by inviting them to events, such as Youth Group, True Presence Nights and Mass. I started going to Youth Group this year, and it helped me overcome the isolation from COVID and socialize with friends while interacting with God. We are not supposed to live alone. We are meant to be with other people. The Catholic Church helps us turn into good disciples through the sacraments, and Mass gives us a chance to grow in our discipleship and faith each weekend.