Walk Humbly

This week, Christians around the world enter the sacred days of Holy Week.

On Good Friday, we remember the Cross—where Jesus gave His life out of love for each one of us. Unite your sufferings to his and you will find the strength you need to carry your cross.

But the story doesn't end there.

Easter Sunday bursts forth with light and life—celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the victory over sin, suffering and even death, a life of hope over despair. It's a new beginning for each of us!

This Holy Week, may you come and rediscover the gift of faith, the peace of Christ, and the joy of Easter.

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge:

• Congratulates Brian from Nativity Parish in Burke for completing the Holy Year Tour

• Reflects on the inspiring unity seen at the Virginia March for Life in Richmond on April 2; hear from him and other members of the diocesan faithful in this recap video

• Highlights the importance of the Project Rachel ministry in our diocese, offering support to women and men healing from the deep wounds of abortion

• Encourages intentional reflection and deep prayer to better enter Holy Week, accompanying Christ in his Passion, death, and Resurrection

• Acknowledges Child Abuse Prevention Month by reaffirming the diocese's commitment to protecting all God's children

What is the reason for your hope? Leave a voicemail for Bishop Burbidge. Some messages will be shared on an upcoming podcast: 703-778-9100

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a time of deep reflection as we journey toward Easter. On this sacred day, we recall Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where crowds welcomed Him with palm branches, proclaiming, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"

As we hold our palms, we remember that Christ's path to glory was one of humility, sacrifice, and love. Holy Week invites us to walk with Him, embracing His call to faith and renewal.

With the grace of God, do all that you can to make this the holiest of weeks. Slow down. Pray fervently. Re-read the Passion. Attend the Holy Thursday and Good Friday liturgies. Anticipate Easter with joy. Leave the crowd and walk with Jesus. In all these ways, you will have a holy week.

May God's blessings be upon you these sacred days and always.

Lent is a sacred season of penance, sacrifice, and renewal—a time to grow in virtue as we draw closer to Christ. The four cardinal virtues—prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude—guide our Lenten journey and daily lives.

Prudence calls us to make wise choices, discerning God's will in every moment. Justiceleads us to act with fairness, love, and mercy toward others. Temperance teaches self-discipline, helping us fast from excess and grow in spiritual strength. Fortitude gives us courage to carry our crosses, trusting in God's grace.

By embracing these virtues, God transforms our hearts and deepens our faith. Through these virtues, we prepare for the joy of Easter and the fullness of Christ our Lord!

The Evil One wants us to feel overwhelmed by the immense suffering and need around us, tempting us to believe that our efforts are too small to make a difference. But Jesus assures us that he will transform, even the smallest offering—our "loaves and fish"—in miraculous ways.

Every act of charity, no matter how small, has the power to uplift a heart, restore faith, and bring healing. A kind word, a simple prayer, or a helping hand can change someone's day—or even their life. When we entrust our prayers, sacrifices, and generosity to the Lord, He multiplies them beyond what we could imagine.

Instead of despairing at the great need in the world, let us place our trust in Jesus, who takes what we offer and makes it enough. Through His grace, our kindness becomes an instrument of hope, spreading love and healing in our communities and beyond.

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge:

• Updates on the Holy Father's continued healing from pneumonia, including his concelebration of Mass in the hospital's chapel

• Explains how the diocesan-wide Light Is On initiative invites all to confession and why reconciliation is essential for deepening our faith

• Celebrates 25 years of Theology on Tap – highlighting a quarter-century of faith-filled discussions, fellowship, and even a special anniversary beverage!

• Emphasizes why stepping away from screens for a day can help us refocus on prayer, fasting, and meaningful connections though the Diocesan Day of Unplugging

• Discusses how different dioceses choose varying ages for Confirmation and what it means for faith formation

• Highlights the significance of consecrating a new altar at Bishop Ireton and its spiritual impact on students and the wider diocese

• Answers listeners' question about where to find God during times of uncertainty and challenges

Tune in for insights, reflections, and updates from Bishop Burbidge and Tom!

• What is the reason for your hope? Leave a voicemail for Bishop Burbidge. Some messages will be shared on an upcoming podcast: 703-778-9100

During the season Lent, we take a moment to honor the life of St. Joseph—a man of integrity, humility, and steadfast faith. As the earthly father of Jesus, he embraced his role with love and trust, guiding and protecting his family with quiet strength while surrendering to a plan greater than his own.

His example inspires all of us—no matter our journey—to move forward with courage and trust in God's plan for our lives.

During this week, may we reflect on the virtues St. Joseph embraced, including his deep faith, humility, and great strength. In a special way, may all fathers seek his protection and renew their promise to imitate his example. The world needs holy fathers!

When Jesus healed the woman who suffered for twelve years, He showed us that God's timing is often different from our own. God's time is not our time. Yet, His answer always comes at what seems the perfect moment, when we least expect it, and in ways beyond our understanding.

Prayer requires patience and perseverance. At times, we may feel unheard or discouraged, but God is always at work in our lives. He calls us to persevere in faith, to trust even in the waiting, and to remain steadfast in hope. His love never fails, and His plans for us are always for our best.

May we continue lifting our hearts in prayer, confident that God hears us and will answer in His perfect time in accordance with his holy will.

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge:

• Reflects on the Walk Humbly episode #150 and its journey

• Encourages the faithful to continue praying for Pope Francis

• Reflects on the installation of Cardinal Robert McElroy as the eighth Archbishop of Washington

• Highlights the 2025 Peace and Justice Conference, which will explore the intersection of faith, public safety, and gun ownership—offering insights on how Catholics can uphold both the right to self-defense and the call to be peacemakers in today's society

• Previews A Holy People: Living the Scriptural and Social Teaching of Our Faith, a five-week Lenten formation series designed to help participants deepen their journey

• Emphasizes the Church's mission to foster true belonging, ensuring every person is valued and supported—highlighting the From Inclusion to Belonging conference, which focuses on transition planning for individuals with disabilities

• Offers words of encouragement in response to a heartfelt question about struggling with faith

Share your message of hope with Bishop Burbidge by leaving a voicemail: 703-778-9100

Lent is here— a time to prepare as we embark on a sacred season of repentance, renewal, and spiritual growth. It is a time to draw closer to God, deepen our relationship with him, and strive to become the people he calls us to be. Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, Lent invites us to realign our hearts with God's will. Prayer strengthens our relationship with him. Fasting reminds us of our dependency on him. And almsgiving opens our hearts to the needs of others, fostering a spirit of compassion. Slow down throughout these sacred days. Order your priorities with your spiritual life as the most important. Make this Lenten journey day by day and allow the Lord to renew and transform you with his saving grace.