St. Bakhita’s Deep Prayer | Mission and Mercy in the Heart of Our Father
On Feb. 8, the Church celebrates St. Josephine Bakhita, the Sudanese woman who was able to forgive those who enslaved her
Introduction
The figure of St. Josephine Bakhita, born in Sudan in 1869, stands out not only for her extraordinary story of slavery and rebirth, but also for the depth of her faith, evident in her reflection on the Lord’s Prayer.
In this article, we will explore how Bakhita’s prayer embraces mission and mercy, opening a window into the spirituality of an extraordinary woman.
St. Bakhita’s Our Father Prayer
St. Bakhita, throughout her life, contemplated the meaning of the Lord’s Prayer in a way that goes beyond words. Her interpretation of the prayer reveals a deep understanding of mission and mercy, offering valuable spiritual teaching.
“Thy Will Be Done”: Bakhita’s Mission
The first petition of the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy Will Be Done,” was experienced by Bakhita as a mission. From the experience of slavery to the embrace of faith, her life reflected the journey of acceptance of the divine will.
Bakhita’s mission was rooted in service to others, embodying the Father’s will in the context of her daily life.
“As in Heaven, So on Earth”: Mercy in Bakhita’s Heart
The second petition, “As in heaven, so on earth,” found an echo in Bakhita’s heart through the practice of mercy. Her story of forgiveness toward those who enslaved her reflects the essence of this prayer. Mercy becomes the bridge between her earthly experience and the hope of a heavenly reality.
“Give Us Today Our Daily Bread”: Sharing as Mission
Bakhita, despite her painful experience of hunger and poverty, understood the deeper meaning of the third petition. The sharing of daily bread became for her a mission to help others. Her dedication to serve and share reflects her search for a broader meaning in daily life.
“Forgive Our Offenses as We Forgive Those Who Offend Us”: Bakhita’s Mercy
The ability to forgive is at the heart of the Lord’s Prayer, and, for Bakhita, this principle was embodied through forgiveness toward those who mistreated her. The fourth petition becomes a guiding light for her mission to spread mercy, demonstrating that love can overcome the deepest wounds.
“Lead us not into Temptation but Deliver us from Evil”: the Mission to Fight Injustice
The fifth petition becomes a call to Bakhita’s mission to fight injustice. Her life was a struggle against the dark forces of oppression and slavery. Her witness invites us to commit ourselves to the mission of liberating others from the evil that threatens human dignity.
Conclusions
The Lord’s Prayer, seen through the eyes and heart of St. Josephine Bakhita, becomes a journey of mission and mercy. Her life inspires us to live these petitions not just as recited words, but as a profound call to be agents of change and mercy in the world around us.
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