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This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. In the midst of our current challenges it is my fervent hope that this week we all look for—and find—those gifts for which we can be most grateful. Our faith, our family, our friends. We give thanks to all those who continue to stand on the front lines in combating a pandemic, for all who have extended a hand in providing food for the poor and homeless, for those assisting the newly unemployed, for all those who put their lives on the line to defend the defenseless, and for those who are committed to the education of their children and our students no matter the model or the hurdles. For all these people we are so grateful. Above all, may we express our gratitude to God for his many gifts by sharing them and our resources with those in most need. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving next week, many adult children will return home to the loving embrace of parents. In these challenging times, parents undoubtedly worry about their sons and daughters, especially those who live far away from home. Some, for one reason or another, may have even wandered away from the faith upon which they were raised. Parents, if your child does not appear to have the religious convictions and faith you want for them, do not become discouraged. Rather, keep planting the seeds of faith. Never tire of asking God for the grace for your children to return to their spiritual home. Look for the opportunity for discussion, continue to love and encourage them, and perhaps extend an invitation to join you at church. But know this: If they see your love for them, they will know the doorway of faith is always open.

In this week’s episode of the Walk Humbly Podcast: Bishop Burbidge discusses the results of the 2020 Election and how Catholics should respond The “McCarrick Report” has been released. Bishop Burbidge discusses what this means and how we can comfort victims at this time.

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. This week marks the culmination of months of campaigning for national, state, and local offices, all of which are sure to affect our lives in ways big and small. Some will celebrate and feel relief. Others will feel frustrated and disappointed. Dear brothers and sisters, let us not revel or wallow over the results. Instead let us remember that our great nation should be unified in serving God, the King of all Kings. No matter the outcome, we should vow that this is the time to show unity, respect, and civility for our fellow citizens, as well as for those that are elected into office. Our country needs to heal. In order to move forward as a people and as a community, we must be committed to showing that despite our differences we remain now, and always will be, “One Nation Under God.”

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. As our nation counts down the days to the election, we are reminded that it is our constitutional right, privilege, and sacred duty to vote, especially with so much at stake. But we must do so asinformedcitizens who know the issues and the positions of the candidates. In addition, we must be faithful citizens who bring our beliefs and moral convictions into the public arena. Our vote is not the only decision we must make. We must also decide how we will contribute to the work of peace, after the election is over. Each of us can participate in unifying our fractured nation and contributing to the common good. Lastly, we must pray for our elected leaders, that God will give them sound judgment and the courage to do what is right in service to our great nation.  

In this week’s episode of the Walk Humbly Podcast: Uplift Arlington is back with the theme “One Nation, Under God” on Oct. 28 The Archbishop of Washington DC will be named a Cardinal by Pope Francis Pope Francis’ comments on civil unions Father Michael McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus, to be beatified on Oct. 31 National Vocations Awareness Week, Nov. 1-7 – what you need to know! Bishop Burbidge answers these questions from the audience: How was the Diocese able to reopen schools when public schools chose to remain closed? What factors will you consider when you decide to lift the dispensation from attending Sunday Mass?

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. So many individuals, including some in our families and communities, sadly, suffer from addiction and substance abuse. For some it all started with prescription drugs after a surgery or procedure. For others it may have been an escape from the harsh realities we deal with in life. God wants you to experience his healing love so you can leave behind the darkness of addiction and find new freedom. He has gifted us with the tools to overcome that darkness: professionals with expertise, hotlines, and addiction resources. Please know that if you have a substance abuse problem or you are a loved one of an individual with a substance abuse issue, you do not walk alone. God is there to accompany you through your trials and difficult times. Help awaits, both nearby and from above, and asking for that help is the first step to recovery.  

On this episode of The Walk Humbly Podcast: What Bishop Burbidge learned by visiting our high schools What role should abortion play in our vote? Pope Francis’ new encyclical asks us to pause and reflect on concrete actions we can take to improve fraternal love and social friendship Questions from the faithful: How does an individual maintain optimism while trying to uphold one’s Catholic values in today’s political climate? Do pastors and parochial vicars receive training in financial and business matters?

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. In life, we all have regrets and worries. We regret things we did yesterday or in the past: the poor decisions, the failures, and the disappointment we have caused others. Our worries, however, are often rooted in days that have not yet come: the apprehension, the fear, and the unease about tomorrow and the future. Dear friends, when you sense sadness about something you cannot change, or anxiety over what has yet to occur, I invite you to remember the words of St. Alphonsus Liguori: “The past is no longer yours; the future is not yet in your power. You have only the present wherein to do good.” May we embrace this day as God’s gift to us and let nothing from the past or anything in the future take away from the blessings, peace and joy he wishes to give us at this present moment. 

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. Recently our diocese had the great privilege of celebrating an annual Mass for husbands and wives married for 25 or 50 years or even longer! Faithful married love, what a beautiful gift! Married love is a sign of the way that God loves us. Therefore, whenever we look at a married couple, we should be able to say: “Do you see how they love one another? That is the exact same way that God loves us.” So we pray for all married couples, that their love, like God’s love, will be permanent, faithful and life giving. Wepray that the love they share will grow stronger with the passing of each new day. So, married couples, why not use today to recallthe promises you have made to one another and never forget that at the heart of your vocation is the sacred duty to help each other get to heaven? 

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. So often we take the routine of daily life for granted. We wake up, thank God for the gift of a new day, then settle into our normal schedule. We often go about our obligations without thinking about what we are doing and for whom we are doing it. We even developed a saying for it: the “same old, same old.” But what if tomorrow you woke up and decided to let Our Lord know that whatever you did, no matter how routine, would be for his greater glory? This should also include the daily sacrifices you offer throughthe crosses you carry. Your day would be different, for sure. The mundane will suddenly have lasting value, and your work and tasks will be rooted in their true purpose. Therefore, make sure that everything you do this day and every day is for the greater glory of God.

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. This coming Sunday is the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, when we are called to remember those displaced by conflict, war, and persecution. Pope Francis has chosen the theme “Forced like Jesus Christ to Flee,” with a focus on the need to care for people who are displaced within their own country. The day is an occasion to express concern for the many different vulnerable individuals and families forced to move, and to pray that they overcome their immense obstacles and find support and help from all of us, their brothers and sisters.  The World Day of Migrants and Refugees provides a reminder that we can never forget: we are all members of God’s holy family. We are called to welcome the stranger in our midst and to protect those who are vulnerable.

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. If you are “anxious and worried about many things,” maybe the Lord is inviting you to slow down; to be reflective; to be still and to listen to his voice speaking to your heart. We cannot escape the daily responsibilities of life; nor the requirements that flow from the work that is expected of us; nor, most especially, our sacred obligations to be a good spouse, son, daughter or friend. It is true a great deal is expected of us. However, the Lord does not ask anything from us beyond our capabilities. For that reason, he tells us not to rely on our own resources, but, rather, on hisgrace. Before beginning the day or any task or obligation, first ask the Lord for his divine assistance and place your trust in him. Then, you will worry less, you will accomplish more, and you will be at peace.

In this week's episode... Bishop Burbidge publishes a new pastoral letter, "In Tongues All Can Hear" on effective ways to evangelize and communicate during these times Despite the challenges of the pandemic, engaged couples are still preparing for marriage. Bishop shares his message to them during a recent “Conference for the Engaged” Recently, Bishop Burbidge celebrated Mass for Military and First Responders, commending them for their service to their communities and our country Following a strong response to the “Uplift Arlington” Holy Hour, Bishop Burbidge speaks about the role of silence in our spiritual lives   Bishop Burbidge answers these questions from the audience:  Where is the McCarrick report?  What are your thoughts about NFL players staying in the locker room during the national anthem? Any predictions for the 2020 NFL season?

Each day, we enjoy the fruits of someone else’s labor. If you have a clean office, someone else may have cleaned it for you. If you drive on a smooth road, it is because somebody paved it for you. If your neighborhood is safe, it is because somebody kept watch over you. Similarly, all of the conveniences in our world were made possible because of a legacy of hard workers who brought us to this point in American history. The technologies, business models, feats of architecture, and medical care of our times have been passed down by those who labored before us. This selfless commitment of the American workforce has brought us stability, strength and prosperity. We are the beneficiaries of centuries of hard work. This Labor Day, may we be grateful and pray for those who came before us and made this wonderful way of life possible.

Have you ever noticed how many types of water are sold at the grocery store? Purified water, distilled water, spring water, flavored water. As we know, without water our health suffers and, eventually, we perish. Likewise, we need spiritual hydration to stay spiritually alive. Every day we thirst for Jesus. Each day we need the love and mercy that God alone can provide. Without the living water Jesus gives, we grow weary and tired, and we continue to thirst. But with it? We are alive, satisfied, and filled with hope. We are reminded in Sacred Scripture that “My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord.” Therefore, hydrate your soul. Pray, devote yourself to virtue, and help those in need. Let us improve our spiritual health by thirsting for the abundant blessings and graces provided by the wellspring that Jesus offers freely, and without cost.

Would Bishop Burbidge speak at a political convention? In this week’s episode of the Walk Humbly Podcast: Bishop Burbidge receives the “Fishers of Men Award” from the Guadalupe Radio Network Season of Creation from Sept 1 – Oct 4. What this is and why it matters. Schools are beginning to open. What that looks like across the Diocese. Bishop Burbidge’s message for those experiencing stress/anxiety during COVID-19   Bishop Burbidge answers these questions from the audience: What is the significance of the “headdress” the Bishop wears? Why does he take it off and put it back on at different times during the mass? A Catholic priest spoke at the Democratic National Convention. If Bishop Burbidge had been offered to speak at a political convention like that one, would he have done it?

We all enjoy stories of redemption and transformation; hearing of the once difficult student who became a dynamic teacher; or someone who was once in trouble with the law who later became an effective counselor and mentor; or someone who was once a non-believer who became a witness to the faith. There are other examples from Scripture. Saint. Peter denied Jesus three times in his loneliest hour. Saint Paul spent much of his life persecuting Christians. Yet, the Lord chose both as his apostles and they were redeemed by God’s grace and mercy. No matter our past sins and denials, the Lord never gives up on us and continually offers us opportunities to be transformed. So, never give up on yourself. Instead, allow God to work miraculously through you and remember: It is never too late!

One of the highlights for our diocese is a weeklong Work Camp where each summer hundreds of high schoolers gather together and partner with contractors to complete service projects for those in grave need throughout the region. This year, the circumstances kept the group from being centrally located. Instead of cancelling the week and enjoying free time, our campers insisted on adapting to the circumstances and ensuring those in need were helped to the best of their ability. So they transitioned to local projects with the same zeal and enthusiasm of previous years. In imitation of Jesus, they dedicated themselves to helping others and worked tirelessly, not for praise or money, but for the glory of God and out of love for others. May we model the dedication, witness, and compassion of these young people each and every day.

In a Bible parable, the Lord tells us that “wheat and weeds”/goodness and evil often co-exist. We know that to be true. We currently see the weeds in our nation in the form of racism, injustice, and violence. Yet, the wheat is also present in the Truth of God’s word calling us to revere life; to respect the dignity of all persons; and to serve those in need. We see weeds in our lives in the form of our sins and failures. Yet the wheat is also present in our goodness, in the virtues we practice and in the mercy God extends to us. Do not get discouraged when you see the weeds. God promises that truth and goodness will always triumph and that, because of his healing love, the power of the weeds to choke is not superior to the power of the wheat to grow and thrive.