Walk Humbly

On this episode of Walk Humbly, Bishop Burbidge reflects on the importance of prayer and fasting during Respect Life Month and encourages Catholics to unite in prayer as Virginians prepare to vote on Ballot Questions 1 and 2.

Bishop also discusses Mental Health Sunday, addressing the importance of overcoming stigma, supporting those who struggle, and finding hope and healing in Jesus Christ, the Divine Physician. Watch a replay of "Grounded in Jesus' Truth: Lifestyles for Mental Health" by Deacon Brad Watkins from the 2026 Mental Health Day of Prayer.

Looking ahead, Bishop spotlights the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday and the Church's call to support missionaries worldwide. He also shares his excitement for RALLY 2026, an opportunity for young people to grow in faith and fellowship, and the upcoming Marriage Jubilee Mass honoring couples celebrating 25 and 50 years of marriage.

Plus, Bishop reflects on recent diocesan celebrations, offers prayers for Pope Leo XIV, and answers a listener's question about praying the Stations of the Cross outside of Lent.

A great spiritual writer once said: "To be always united with Jesus we must do everything calmly, without worrying about the difficulties that may arise. God does not live in troubled hearts." [St. Alphonsus]

Jesus wants us to be confident and joyful in our daily lives! How much time have we spent worrying about tomorrow, only to discover that the Lord was there all along, guiding us through every challenge? Looking back, we can often see that even in our moments of uncertainty, God never abandoned us.

So, with renewed faith, put aside your worries today and rejoice in knowing the nearness of the Lord. God does not live in troubled hearts: his presence brings hope and strength in every moment of our lives. It is the Lord who provides true peace, always.

It is easy to become bitter or hold a grudge after being treated poorly, or simply misunderstood. And sometimes, long after the moment has passed, we may be tempted to dwell on our past hurts. The Lord shows us another way: the freedom that comes through forgiveness.

Jesus tells us that if we forgive others, our Heavenly Father will forgive us. It is not always easy to offer pardon, but it is possible! With God's grace, even the deepest wounds can begin to heal.

So, pray for the grace to let go of grudges and bitterness and to extend forgiveness. It may not change the past, but it will transform the future. Then, you will know the Lord's mercy and peace, and experience the freedom that comes from a heart renewed by His love.

Prayer is one of the most important habits we can cultivate, yet practicing this habit often tests our patience and resolve. Even those who fervently pray day after day may sometimes wonder: does God hear my prayers?

Jesus teaches that perseverance, trust, and humility are essential for a strong prayer life. Do not be disheartened when you fail to see immediate responses. God will respond in his time and provide exactly what you need even if it is not what you expect. Trust him!

Pray with confidence. Approach the Lord with an open heart, ready to accept whatever he permits and to receive whatever he may choose to give. As you grow in humility and trust, you will experience deeper peace and a stronger faith. Stay faithful in prayer today—God is already at work.

On this episode of Walk Humbly, Bishop Burbidge explains the meaning and significance of beatification as the Church beatifies Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. Read about when Blessed Archbishop Sheen came to the diocese and tune into the livestream of the Beatification Mass celebrated in St. Louis.

Bishop expresses his hope to defeat the dangerous amendments threatening our state constitution and continues to encourage all to get out and vote early. Learn more and pledge to Vote no catholicsvoteno.com.

Read or replay his recent message to all the faithful of the diocese.

He also reflects on National Migration Week, Hispanic Heritage Month, and a diocesan retreat for persons facing serious illness. Join us for the Hispanic Heritage Mass and Festival on October 4.

Tune in until the end when he answers a listener's question about fostering greater engagement in faith formation at home.

Find a media gallery from the CALLED Conference for young adults held this month.

Walk Humbly welcomes listener questions for Bishop Burbidge. Call or text (703) 778-9100 anytime with your question. Connect with Walk Humbly and Bishop Burbidge by texting WALKHUMBLY to 84576 for occasional alerts and updates.

One of the great American traditions every autumn is time spent with friends and family reveling in the achievements of our favorite college and pro sports teams.

We all naturally admire the excellence of a star athlete or the potential for a promising team to go "all the way" and win a championship.

Sports betting, however, increasingly threatens to ruin the pure enjoyment of our games. Young and old alike often wager money they can ill afford to lose. One in four adults maintain a sports betting account of some kind. Nearly half of bettors admit wagering more than they should, and more than half lose their wagers.

By all means, enjoy the games—enjoy them for what they are!—but while the allure of a quick profit may be enticing, don't bet on it.

In every family and in every community, grandparents and the elderly are precious gifts.

Our world moves quickly and looks toward what is new, but our grandparents and the elderly remind us of what endures: wisdom, patience, faithfulness, and love. Through their stories, sacrifices, and examples, they connect us to where we have been and guide the generations that follow.

We must make time for our grandparents and our elders. Call them. Visit them. Listen to their stories. Pray with them and for them. Above all, remind them that they are loved, cherished, and always remembered.

As we celebrate our grandparents and the elderly this week, may God abundantly bless them may we always honor their dignity, cherish their presence, and give thanks for the ways they enrich our families and communities.

On this episode of Walk Humbly, Bishop Burbidge highlights the USCCB prayer, education, and advocacy campaign on abortion pills, the most prominent method of abortion in the United States.

He reflects on the solemn anniversary of September 11, 2001, and what is being done in the diocese to remember the lives lost and lives affected from the tragedy of 9/11. Watch God, at the Pentagon, 10-minute diocesan documentary produced for the 20th anniversary.

In 2017, Pope Francis opened a path to beatification for a Christian who freely offers his life out of love. Today, Bishop is promulgating an edict inviting the faithful to make known any useful information they may have regarding the Cause for Mr. Thomas Vander Woude. Learn more about Thomas Vander Woude and his cause for beatification and canonization.

On Tuesday, September 15 at 10:00 a.m., Bishop will lead a Holy Hour at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More to pray for guidance of the Holy Spirit this election season. Early voting begins on September 18. Can't join in-person? Be united in prayer via livestream.

Pledge to Vote no on Ballot Question 1 and Ballot Question 2 at catholicsvoteno.com.

He also previews Mental Health Sunday on October 11, a day designated by U.S. bishops inviting Catholics to pause and reflect on healing and hope around mental health in their local parish community.

Tune in until the end when he answers a listener's question on scrupulosity.

Walk Humbly welcomes listener questions for Bishop Burbidge. Call or text (703) 778-9100 anytime with your question. Connect with Walk Humbly and Bishop Burbidge by texting WALKHUMBLY to 84576 for occasional alerts and updates.

Labor Day honors all whose daily work contributes to healthy families and a stronger nation. All who labor participate in God's plan for our happiness.

This is because "work" is more than "a job." In God's design, the true purpose of our daily work is to praise him and serve one another. By God's grace, we can see how our "work" can become a "calling"—an invitation to do all things with excellence and a spirit of service.

We also remember those who are unemployed or underemployed and pray that God grants them meaningful work and fair family wages.

May we all find renewed purpose this Labor Day, recognizing that by our daily work we labor with the God who created and sustains our world, day by day.

We live in a world that often encourages us to measure our worth by our appearance, accomplishments, or possessions. It is easy to become preoccupied with how others see us rather than who we truly are.

Yet the most important question we can ask is: Who am I in the sight of God?

The greatest truth about our lives has nothing to do with what we own or how successful we are. The greatest truth is that we are beloved sons and daughters of God, created in his image and redeemed by his love.

When we remember who we are in Christ, we can experience true confidence and peace. May we live each day rooted in God's love, grateful for the one who calls us his own beloved sons and daughters.