Walk Humbly

On November 3, 2026 a majority of Virginians voted to enshrine ballot questions 1 and 2 in our state's Constitution, eliminating important health and safety regulations surrounding abortion and striking the good and true language affirming the sacred institution of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Despite this tragic outcome, faithful Catholics can rejoice in knowing that God will not allow our efforts to be in vain.

Full statement can be found here : https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/2026/11/04/statement-of-bishop-michael-f-burbidge-on-the-virginia-constitutional-referendums-concerning-abortion-and-marriage/

Whatever your profession, your work has dignity—for the Lord has entrusted it to you as a means to offer praise to his Heavenly Father and service to others.

God is always creating and caring for the world he made. Whether our work is done at a desk or on a job site, work is more than a way to "get through" the week. We are not merely earning a living; we are co-laboring with God at our side.

Jesus understood this. Before He taught the crowds, He worked with his hands. He showed us how pleasing it is to God to approach our daily work with commitment and humility.

This week, approach your work with greater confidence and commitment and offer your work as a gift to God. Surely, he is already at work beside you.

Bishop Burbidge opens this week's episode of Walk Humbly by giving thanks to God for the good news concerning Pope Leo XIV's health.

As we enter the final days of election season, he also reinforces our baptismal call to participate in public life and contribute to upholding the common good! Pray the "Rosary for Virginia" on Friday, October 30 in-person at All Saints in Manassas or via livestream.

As we approach National Vocation Awareness Week (November 1-7), consider inviting young men and women to the upcoming Quo Vadis and FIAT days taking place next month! Also consider joining the St. Therese Vocations Society to pray daily for vocations in our diocese.

Join Bishop Burbidge on Monday, November 2, as he celebrates the annual Mass in Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls' Day) at 11am at Fairfax Memorial Park. Be sure to also come to venerate the relics of St. Bernadette at her namesake parish in Springfield, November 5-6.

November is National Black Catholic History Month, an opportunity to thank God for the vibrant Black and African American Catholic community. Celebrate with us for a special Mass on November 22 at 9:30 AM at St. John Neumann in Reston.

The second annual Diocesan Week of Service is also nearly upon us! Reach out to your local parish to learn how you can get involved November 9-15.

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.

Election Day is November 3rd. As Virginians, we should not vote out of mere habit, but rather always remember that casting our ballot is a sacred duty and something not to be taken lightly.

Faithful citizenship begins before we reach the polls. We take time to learn what is at stake. We pray to God for wisdom. We consider all our neighbors, our brothers and sisters, who will be affected by the outcome.

Then we vote with a view to what is truly good, right, and just—not what seems good only for us, but what serves the common good of all.

So, bring your faith and your conscience to your polling station and ask God to help you choose well. Our Commonwealth needs citizens who take their sacred duty to heart.

The signs of fall are arriving. Mornings are cooler, and the light fades earlier. After the long days of summer, many of us feel the year shifting.

Change can cause us to feel unsettled. Yet God does not change with the weather. He is the same in the heat of summer and the slight chill of autumn. He is the same when life is difficult and when it is calm. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

The more we know God, the more settled we will feel in every season. And because God remains consistent and faithful, his abiding presence with us—and the infinitive love and divine mercy which he pours out onto each one of us—can be the source of our confidence, serenity, and peace amidst the changes and challenges of life.

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.