Walk Humbly

As we near the mid-point of summer we should ask ourselves: have we allowed for rest, refreshment, and quality time with family, or are we still drawn to excessive cellphone use, text messaging, and non-stop days, perhaps even while on vacation? It is a challenge to step away. Find a healthy balance before summer fades. In fact, now is also the time to commit to a spiritual renewal and to make that our highest priority. Set aside some time each day - it could be 10 minutes for some or an hour for others - to find a quiet place and sit in silence with the Lord. In the midst of the noise, you will find solitude to be the perfect chance to recharge, refresh, and renew your relationship with God and one another.

Most of us have experienced a time when our interest grows from mild or moderate to fully engaged. It could be when our hometown sports team is suddenly on a winning streak; or when we finally have the time and desire to pursue a hobby we started long ago. Jesus offers us a life-changing opportunity to become fully engaged in our relationship with him: He invites us to move from casual interest to going “all in.” He asks of us only three things: to remain in his love, to follow his commands, and to serve one another. If we do, we will not merely exist, but live! We will no longer be strangers but counted among his friends. We will not be sad but know the joy he desires for us. May all these gifts be yours this day.

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge:   

• Introduces his new co-host and Chief Communications Officer for the diocese, Tom Shakely; read the announcement of his appointment here  

• Recaps his time with the youth of the diocese at WorkCamp 2024  

• Shares what he is most looking forward to while on pilgrimage to Catholic England this month with the St. Paul Leadership Forum  

• Previews the National Eucharistic Congress — the first of its kind in 83 years 

He also answers the following questions from the faithful:   

• With the Fourth of July holiday weekend upon us, do you have any favorite Independence Day traditions? 

• What advice do you have for families, particularly fathers and mothers, on enjoying summer vacation time well? As Catholics, how can we spend vacation time together in a way that truly recharges us? 

This week, as we celebrate Independence Day, we are reminded that it was unity, resilience, courage, and sacrifice for the common good that formed the basis of our great nation nearly 250 years ago. During this period, we have reached unforeseen heights, and have witnessed unfortunate depths. Through it all, the United States has persevered, as citizens strive to put aside their differences in times of trouble and revel in their victories in times of achievement. Make no mistake, we still face immense challenges, both at home among ourselves and abroad with others. This week, set aside a moment during the cookouts, parades, and fireworks to observe and reflect upon our flag in all its glory, and give thanks for all that we have. May God Bless America.

 On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge: 

• Emphasizes the importance of Religious Freedom Week and calls us to prayer, reflection, and action  

• • Watch a replay of his homily from the Mass for Religious Liberty  

• Speaks to the second anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision and how Jesus truly present in the Eucharist inspires the many ways we support moms and their families  

• • Read his statement as chairman of the USCCB committee on pro-life activities   

• Discusses how WorkCamp 2024 continues to engage teens and serve the community with Kevin Bohli, director of youth, campus, and young adult ministries for the diocese   

• Asks five teens at WorkCamp about their experience so far this week  

• • Follow the action via daily slideshows and recap videos 

We are amid Religious Freedom Week, a week that gains importance each year because, unfortunately, the very rights that our Constitution guarantees are increasingly under attack. The theme for this week is “Called to the Fullness of Dignity.” Religious freedom means allowing people of faith and religious communities to live out their deeply held convictions in public and to serve the good of all. This right is so important that our founders included it in the First Amendment. Yet, with the existing polarization in our country, this freedom faces challenges from many sides. In these troubled times, we must be unafraid to bring our faith into the public square, to uphold conscience protections, and to safeguard our schools, hospitals, and child welfare service providers, among others, so they may carry out their missions with integrity.

So often, we hear someone speaking out of our sight, yet we are nearly certain who is speaking because the voice is familiar and distinguishable from others we know. Surely, by the tone, pitch, or cadence we realize it is a friend or family member with whom we converse every day. Those who follow Jesus recognize his voice, but this familiarity requires spiritual discipline and daily practice. We must allow ourselves silence – declare a cell phone and social media freeze – for a few moments each day so the Lord can speak to our hearts. The more we listen, the more we recognize his voice. It is a voice of grace, mercy, and compassion, a soothing voice of the one who loves us and who will guide us through our daily lives.

This Sunday we will celebrate Father’s Day. St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, is the perfect role model. He was the epitome of a faithful father: loving, kind, obedient and generous, a pillar of strength and support. As we remember all fathers, living and deceased, may we also be mindful of the courage, and stability they bring to families, in both good times and in those times which prove challenging. Fathers have an instinctive ability to offer direction when needed, correction when warranted, and instruction when required. Pope Francis reminds us that every family needs a father – a father who shares his family’s joys and pains, hands down wisdom to his children, and offers them firm guidance and love. Happy Father’s Day!

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge:  

• Reflects on the 80th anniversary of D-Day and invites the faithful to pray for those who gave their lives for our freedom and for an end to wars throughout the world  

• Gives a final preview of the Diocesan Jubilee Fest — only two days away from the time of this recording! 

• Proudly recaps the recent ordinations of Father James R. Joseph and Father Sean Nypaver to the priesthood  

• Encourages everyone to attend the upcoming Mass for Victims/Survivors of Sexual Abuse on Monday, June 17, at 6:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Arlington  

• Expresses grave concern about social media platform X announcing it has formalized its policy allowing adult content   

• Shares the good news of the hire of a new Chief Communications Officer for the diocese   

He also answers the following questions from the faithful: 

• How are you working within the administration of your diocese to ensure that the voices the LGBTQ community are heard, given a place at the table, and not being left at the margins?  

• “In the aftermath of the Dobbs decision, what is the strategy of the bishops' conference and of the Diocese of Arlington for the next phase of the pro-life effort in the States? How can we double our affirmation of life commitment to support young children in our diocese after birth?” - Charles, St. James 

We live in unsettling times. Our hearts are often restless, and we wonder where we can find peace. Only Jesus can give us the peace for which we long. It is ours when we live in a right relationship with ourselves by taking care of our spiritual, physical, and emotional needs – for we are temples of the Holy Spirit. It is ours when we live in harmony with others, letting go of grudges and bitterness, willing ourselves to forgive and to serve. And it is ours when we seek a trusting relationship with the Lord, being faithful to his ways and commands and relying on him completely. There is no need to look elsewhere for the peace you desire. It is found in Jesus alone. Be at peace this day.