This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. As we plan for this year, many of us will face a budget crisis, whether it be in our personal finances, our family finances, or perhaps for a group or organization to which we belong. In addition, we continue to face a pandemic affecting family, friends, and loved ones, some of whom who may have succumbed to the virus, heightening our stress and anxiety. At times, we may develop a sense of loss and loneliness. Often the demands, pressures, and responsibilities of life can seem overwhelming, and they always will be, if we rely solely on our own resources. Let us pray for the grace, the courage and the confidence to take our concerns and crosses to Our Heavenly Father, the source of consolation, so that we can say with renewed faith and confidence, “I have the strength for everything through Him who empowers me.”