11 AM Sunday Mass Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Times - Dying to Self is New Life in Christ

DYING TO SELF IS NEW LIFE IN CHRIST Jesus asks us to love Christ more than father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, or even our own life. Jesus promises us that our true life in Christ, our eternal life in the heart of God, is more joyful, peaceful, and connected to our brothers and sisters, moms and dads, and children than we can experience on our own without being first devoted to Christ. This is a difficult teaching because it invites us to let go of everything we love, trusting that more will be given on the other side of the letting go. Intuitively, I believe we have all experienced this in a variety of ways. Each letting go connects us more deeply to the Spirit of Christ, yet each letting go remains hard to do. My desire to protect my soul sometimes, or most times, competes with my desire to participate in the communion of saints, where everything is one in Christ. While my unique soul will always be recognized in the Body of Christ, it seems to be disappearing in the act of surrender. A practical way for us to practice losing ourselves to discover our true selves is by practicing unconditional love. This can be an unsolicited act of kindness, a generous tip for a hard worker, seeking forgiveness, offering forgiveness, or simply a prayer from the heart for our neighbor. Let us intend to let go of ourselves this week and see what happens to our soul and our spirit. God bless you. Saint Josephine Bakhita, you are with us. Fr. Mitch St. Josephine Bakhita Live Stream Welcome to the live stream of St. Josephine Bakhita Parish! Join us as we open wide our doors and hearts to worship, evangelize, and serve all God's people. Experience uplifting liturgies, inspiring homilies, and a welcoming community rooted in faith and love. Whether you're here to celebrate Mass, reflect on the Gospel, or find a moment of peace and prayer, we are blessed to have you with us. Let us come together in unity, embracing the spirit of St. Josephine Bakhita, as we grow as family through worship, service, and sharing the Good News. Thank you for being part of our online faith community! Stay connected, share your intentions, and let the love of Christ guide us all. "St. Josephine Bakhita, you are with us." Learn more about us at stbakhitastl.org Follow us on social media: @stbakhitastl