As we gather to celebrate the Optional Memorial of an extraordinary woman, Saint Josephine Bakhita, a loving servant of the Lord who consecrated herself entirely to him, we are inspired to live a life dedicated to God. Saint Josephine, a former slave who found freedom in the Lord, had a special devotion to our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary. She saw in Mary a model of obedience, humility, and trust in God's providence. As we honor Saint Josephine's memory, let us also remember to call upon the aid of our Lady, the Mother of God, on this Saturday, a day which as we know is traditionally dedicated to her.
Saint Josephine was born in Sudan, in 1869 and died in Italy in 1947. She survived kidnapping and a torturous enslavement. She is not only the Patron Saint of Sudan, but also of victims of human trafficking. Her story is one which can inspire us to always seek to treat each other with the charity Christ continually extends to each of us.
In today's readings, Saint Paul reminds us that our time on this earth is short, and we must prioritize our relationship with the Lord. He encourages us to live a life free from anxieties, focused on pleasing God, and not being distracted by the things of the world. This is a message that resonates deeply with Saint Josephine's own experience. Despite facing extreme hardship and slavery, she remained faithful to God and trusted in His plan for her life.
The Gospel parable of the ten virgins serves as a powerful reminder to us to be prepared to meet the Lord at all times. The wise virgins, who brought oil for their lamps, represent those who are spiritually prepared, who have cultivated a deep relationship with God through prayer, fasting, and service to others. The foolish virgins, on the other hand, who did not bring oil, represent those who are complacent, who take their faith for granted, and who are not prepared to face the challenges of life.
As conservative Catholics, we are called to live a life of traditional values, rooted in the teachings of the Church. We are called to be faithful to the Magisterium, to uphold the dignity of human life, and to promote the values of family, marriage, and chastity. We are called to be countercultural, to stand up for what is right, even when it is unpopular, and to be a beacon of hope in a world that often seems to have lost its way.
Saint Josephine Bakhita's life is a testament to the power of faith and perseverance amidst the persecutions that may come. She was a slave
who became a saint, a woman who was wounded by the sins of others, but who never lost her trust in God. Her story inspires us to be faithful, to trust in God's providence, and to never give up hope.
As we reflect on Saint Josephine's life and legacy, let us ask ourselves: Are we prepared to meet the Lord? Are we living a life of faith, hope, and charity? Are we trusting in God's plan for our lives, even when the road ahead seems uncertain? What are we doing with the freedom we enjoy? Let us be inspired by Saint Josephine and strive to live a life of radical faith, a life that is centered on God, and not on the things of the world.
Let us turn to our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and ask for her intercession. May she guide us on our journey, may she inspire us to live a life of virtue, and may she help us to remain faithful to God's will. As we pray the rosary, let us remember Saint Josephine's love for our Lady, and let us ask for her assistance in our own spiritual journey.
In conclusion, my dear brothers and sisters, let us strive to live a life of faith, hope, and charity, and let us remain faithful to God's will. May our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary, watch over us and guide us on our journey, and may we one day join Saint Josephine in the eternal wedding feast of heaven there to praise and love God and his (and our) precious Mother forever. Amen.
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God bless you.