From Rule-Keeping to Heart-Keeping

Bakhita’s Blessings Podcast – Season 3, Episode 3 📖 Matthew 5:17–37

What does it really mean to live a faithful life?

In this episode of Bakhita’s Blessings Podcast, Fr. Mitch and Dr. Alice Prince are joined by special guests Devon Alexander and Michael McCollum for a powerful and honest conversation rooted in Matthew 5:17–37. Jesus tells us He has not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it — and in doing so, He invites us to go deeper than surface-level obedience.

This Gospel challenges us to move from rule-keeping to heart-keeping. Jesus raises the bar, not to burden us, but to form us. He speaks directly to anger, relationships, integrity, truth-telling, and how our inner lives shape the way we treat others. Faith is not just about avoiding wrongdoing; it’s about becoming whole, living with integrity, and allowing God to transform our hearts.

Together, we reflect on what it means to live our faith authentically in today’s world — where words matter, relationships are fragile, and reconciliation is often harder than retaliation. This episode invites listeners to examine not just what they do, but who they are becoming.

If you’ve ever felt like faith was reduced to rules instead of relationship, this conversation is for you.

🎙️ New episodes drop every Monday on all podcast platforms

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Salt, Light, and the Courage to Be Seen Season 3, Episode 1 | Matthew 5:13–16

In this episode of Bakhita’s Blessings Podcast, Fr. Mitch and Dr. Alice Prince reflect on Jesus’ powerful words from Matthew 5:13–16, where he names us as the salt of the earth and the light of the world. This Gospel is not gentle encouragement. It is a clear call to live faith out loud.

What happens when salt loses its flavor? What happens when light is hidden because shining feels risky? Together, we explore how faith was never meant to stay private, quiet, or comfortable. Jesus calls ordinary people to preserve what is good, to bring healing where there is pain, and to shine in places that would rather remain dark.

This conversation gets real about courage, witness, and responsibility. We talk about what it means to show up as people of faith in our families, our communities, and a world that often pushes believers to dim their light. Being salt and light means being seen. And that takes courage.

If you have ever struggled with speaking up, standing firm, or letting your faith be visible, this episode is for you.

Listen. Reflect. And ask yourself where God is calling you to shine.

New episodes of Bakhita’s Blessings Podcast drop every Monday on audio platforms and every Tuesday on YouTube.

Scripture: Matthew 5:13–16

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Season 3 of Bakhita’s Blessings Podcast begins with a powerful Gospel and a necessary conversation.

In Matthew 4:12–23, Jesus begins His public ministry after John the Baptist is arrested. Instead of retreating, Jesus moves into Galilee, a place Scripture describes as living in darkness, and He brings light.

In this episode, Fr. Mitch and Dr. Alice Prince reflect on what it means for the light of Christ to enter places of vulnerability, silence, and exploitation. Together, they explore how this Gospel speaks directly to the reality of human trafficking, the dignity of every human person, and the responsibility of faith communities to see, speak, and act.

Rooted in the witness of St. Josephine Bakhita, this conversation invites listeners to reflect on where God is calling us to bring light today and how the Kingdom of God begins wherever dignity is restored.

📖 Gospel Reading: Matthew 4:12–23 🎙️ Hosts: Fr. Mitch & Dr. Alice Prince 📅 Season 3, Episode 1

Subscribe, share, and join us as we continue to open wide our doors and hearts to worship, evangelize, and serve.

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Martha, Mary, and Matthew 25 Finding Christ in Every Encounter Season 2 Episode 16Welcome to Season 2, Episode 16 of Bakhita’s Blessings, the weekly podcast of St. Josephine Bakhita Parish where we explore the life of the Church, share our parish mission, and seek the guidance of our patron saint, St. Josephine Bakhita, as we open wide our doors and hearts to worship, evangelize, and serve all God’s people.

In this episode, Fr. Mitch Doyen and Dr. Alice Prince dive deep into two powerful scripture passages: Matthew 25:31-46, known as the story of the Sheep and the Goats, and Luke 10:38-42, the story of Martha and Mary. Together, they reflect on how these Gospels invite us to live a life of faith that balances service and contemplation.

This week’s discussion also highlights the parish’s partnership with World Vision and the Matthew 25 Challenge, which connects us to the people of Lesotho, Africa. As a nation struggling with high poverty rates and limited access to medical care, Lesotho reminds us of our global responsibility as Christians to see Christ in those who are hungry, thirsty, sick, or imprisoned.

Listen as Fr. Mitch explains how Matthew 25 calls not only individuals but entire nations to act with justice and mercy. Dr. Alice brings a personal perspective as she explores how sacrificing daily comforts helps us reconnect with the presence of Christ. Together, they explore how Martha and Mary each model different forms of prayer—through action and stillness—and why both are essential in the Christian life.

Key topics include:

• What it means to recognize Christ in every person
  

• How the Matthew 25 Challenge invites us into solidarity with the poor
  

• The importance of balancing service with rest and contemplation
  

• Why God’s will, not our own, leads to true peace and purpose
  

• Lessons from Martha’s and Mary’s encounters with Jesus
  

This episode is a rich resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Christian discipleship, social justice, and personal spiritual growth.

Scripture focus: Matthew 25:31-46 and Luke 10:38-42 Discover more about our mission and community at stbakhitastl.org

If this episode resonates with you, like, comment, and subscribe for more faith-filled conversations. Share it with a friend or family member who needs encouragement to see Christ in the ordinary moments of their life.

Love Your Neighbor and Yourself The Good Samaritan Reimagined

In Episode 15 of Bakhita’s Blessings Fr Mitch and Dr Alice Prince dive deep into Luke 10 25-37 and the timeless parable of the Good Samaritan But this isn’t your typical take on loving your neighbor Together they explore the challenging truth that we cannot pour from an empty cup—and sometimes the downtrodden one in need of compassion is ourselves This heartfelt conversation moves from biblical scholarship to real-life application as Dr Prince invites Fr Mitch and all of us to reflect on how we show up for others and whether we allow others to show up for us Along the way they reflect on current tragedies the interconnectedness of all creation and how Black Catholic spirituality can reignite our sense of belonging in God’s love Tune in for laughter conviction and a call to live fully into Christ’s command Love your neighbor as yourself Luke 10 27 This episode will inspire you to see the Good Samaritan story in a whole new way and maybe even change how you care for yourself and your community #BakhitasBlessings #GoodSamaritan #LoveYourNeighbor #CatholicPodcast #FaithInAction #BlackCatholicVoices #HealingAndHope #SelfCareIsHoly #LukeGospel #DigitalEvangelization #CatholicLife #StJosephineBakhita #PodcastForTheSoul #TrendingFaith #ChristianYouTube

Peace in the Midst of Chaos | Season 2 Episode 14

Season 2 Episode 14 of Bakhita’s Blessings dives deep into faith during turbulent times. 🌎💔 As wars escalate globally, Fr. Mitch Doyen and Dr. Alice Prince reflect on the pain, fear, and uncertainty in the world and how the Gospel calls us to choose mercy, compassion, and radical love—even for our enemies.

This powerful conversation reminds us that Christ’s death and resurrection remain at the center of our lives, offering hope and light even in the darkest moments. Together they unpack Isaiah’s prophecy of Jerusalem, Paul’s proclamation of the cross, and Jesus’ call to bring the Kingdom of God to others.

In these times of heartbreak, this episode challenges us to examine our hearts, pray deeply, and live as peacemakers in our families, communities, and the world. 🕊️

🙏 Scripture Focus: Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 – “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

#BakhitasBlessings #CatholicPodcast #FaithInAction #PrayersForPeace #StJosephineBakhita #BlackCatholics #RadicalLove #KingdomOfGod #Luke10 #HopeAndHealing #MercyOverJudgment #DigitalEvangelization

Chosen to Serve: Answering God’s Call | Season 2 Episode 13

Season 2 Episode 13 of Bakhita’s Blessings brings a heartfelt conversation about living faith beyond borders. Fr. Mitch Doyen and Dr. Alice Prince welcome special guest Joycelynn Barnes from World Vision. Together, they explore how faith inspires action—feeding the hungry, bringing clean water to villages, and sharing the Gospel in powerful ways.

As we celebrate the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, Fr. Mitch reflects on their transformation from brokenness to bold discipleship. How can we, too, let God use us to serve others and spread His love? This episode will leave you inspired to embrace your own mission and see how God might be choosing YOU to serve.

Scripture Focus: Matthew 25:35-40 – “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

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Season 2, Episode 12 – Spirit-Filled Joy: Pentecost, Provision, and Radical Faith (Luke 9:11-17)

Welcome to Bakhita’s Blessings, our weekly podcast where we explore life in the Church, share the mission of St. Josephine Bakhita Parish, and seek the guidance of our patron saint as she leads us to open wide our doors and hearts to worship, evangelize, and serve all God’s people.

In this episode, Dr. Alice Prince and Fr. Mitch Doyen reflect on the incredible outpouring of the Holy Spirit during Pentecost at St. Josephine Bakhita Parish, celebrating the historic moment when so many children and families said “yes” to the Catholic faith. They discuss the power of provision in times of uncertainty and how Jesus reminds us through the Gospel (Luke 9:11-17) that He alone is enough.

💛 You’ll hear stories of transformation, radical faith, and the work of healing wounds in our community through initiatives like We Build Together. From baptisms to bold acts of love in North St. Louis, this episode is a testimony that God is truly moving.

🙏 What does it mean to bring your loaves and fish to Jesus? How is God calling you to trust Him fully this week?

✨ Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode with someone who needs encouragement to keep saying “yes” to God.

#BakhitasBlessingsPodcast #CatholicPodcast #PentecostJoy #Luke91117 #RadicalFaith #StJosephineBakhita #HolySpirit #WeBuildTogether #FaithInAction #HealingAndHope #LoveYourNeighbor