Walk Humbly

This week, we honor all who served in the U.S. military who gave their lives to protect our freedoms. Memorial Day is more than a federal holiday. We are inspired by those who embodied honor, loyalty, and sacrifice — those who promised to defend and serve and fulfilled that commitment by laying down the gift of their own lives. With profound thanks, we pause and reflect upon those who made the ultimate sacrifice, who served alongside other heroes that lived to tell their stories. These fallen service men and women are a model of courage and devotion; a model we should emulate and praise. We pray also for their families, that their grief and mourning is entrusted to our loving God, and that they feel the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father.

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge:  

• Talks about what he is looking forward to at the Diocesan Jubilee Fest 

• Previews his upcoming message to 2024 diocesan high school graduates and highlights some of their accomplishments   

• Relays his thoughts on NFL kicker Harrison Butker’s recent commencement address that has garnered much media attention 

• Commends the Virginia Catholic Conference and thousands of parishioners who urged the Governor to veto legislation threatening religious liberty and parental rights  

• Shares what resonated with him in the recent “CBS 60 Minutes” interview with Pope Francis  

• Attributes this year’s increase in adult confirmations to the health of the parishes – and the Holy Spirit   

He also answers the following question from the faithful: 

• Can you offer tips for young adults who struggle when life throws unexpected curveballs? Is there an unexpected “curveball moment” you have personally experienced that you would like to share?  

This will be a very special weekend, as Pope Francis hosts the first World Children’s Day in Rome! As many as 100,000 children ages 6 - 12 from countries around the world are expected to attend events and Mass with our Holy Father. Pope Francis reminds us, “To be friends with God means to pray with simplicity, like children talking to their parents.” Every child is a precious and unrepeatable gift, and in the potential of their lives we are renewed with hope for the future. We celebrate the gift of all human life and the Lord’s call to imitate childlike trust. May we pray for all children throughout the world this weekend, and ask God to watch over and protect them always.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. We should commit this month to educating ourselves about mental health issues in order to gain a better understanding of these conditions. Mental illness can alter a person’s thinking, emotions, behavior, or mood. These conditions deeply impact daily living and may also influence the ability to relate to others or even to enjoy the good moments of life. They are far more common than we realize, with one in five U.S. adults experiencing episodes of mental illness each year. If you or a loved one has symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or destructive thoughts, know that you are not alone. Reach out to health professionals who can act as an extension of God’s healing love, the one who is with us always, especially in our time of need.

 On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge: 

• Addresses the disruptive protests on campuses across the country catalyzed by the ongoing war in the Holy Land, and urges the faithful to continue to pray for wisdom for world leaders and for peace
• Discusses how the diocese is helping parishioners deal with mental health challenges, and highlights the establishment of a diocesan mental health council 
• Relays messages he shared with — and received from — more than 1,400 middle schoolers at BASH, an annual event hosted by our Office of Youth Ministry
• Expresses some of his emotions in advance of receiving an honorary degree at the 2024 Concursus Ceremony at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary next week 
• Reflects on 40 years as a priest, an anniversary he will celebrate officially on May 19 
• Offers his prayer for moms in advance of Mother’s Day, invoking the intercession of Mary, the Queen of Peace 

He also answers the following questions from the faithful: 

• I have been told by a priest at my old parish that my son is not a child of God because he was conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF). I believe any child born is a gift from God. Can you respond to this? What does the Church teach about IVF?
• What metrics and feedback allow you to assess the health of parishes in the diocese?

This Sunday, we have the exceptional privilege of celebrating Mother’s Day. As Pope Francis reminds us, “Mothers always know how to show tenderness, devotion, and moral strength, even in the moments of greatest difficulty.” Within every mother is a unique and precious grace from God — she possesses the opportunity to give her child the gift of love for the very first time. The work of a mother is essential to society and should be respected! May we reflect this week, and always, on the great gift of motherhood, and may we honor those women who guide, mentor, and console their children on their earthly journeys. We honor and thank our mothers for the many ways they imitate our Lord’s selfless and sacrificial love. We also pray for our deceased mothers. May God give them eternal peace and joy.

At times, we can make the mistake of judging others with a lack of charity. We tend to form opinions based on first impressions. Yet sometimes our judgment lacks context, and we fail to realize that only God knows a person’s heart. We can see the faults and failures of others, but neglect to recognize our own shortcomings. When we humbly acknowledge our weaknesses, we become open to what needs to change in our lives. Yes, we can and should call out evil and help our friends make good decisions. But our first obligation is to work on our own flaws. This will lead us to seek our Lord’s mercy, to respect others, and to grow in humility and charity. With God’s grace, may both these virtues increase in our lives this day.

Every weekend, home improvement stores are filled with people braving long check-out lines, determined to tackle that project that will make their living space more attractive, pleasing, and perhaps increase its potential value. The “do-it-yourself” demographic features many who are accomplished carpenters or craftsmen. They simply follow directions or their own intuition to build something beautiful. But in our spiritual lives, going it alone does not work. Jesus reminds us that he is the vine — our strength — and we are the branches. Apart from him we can do nothing; but with him all things are possible. Our Lord asks only that we give him our best efforts, sacrifices, and hard work, and that we trust he will use these gifts in miraculous ways to bless and transform our lives — if only we stay attached to the vine.

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge: 

• Implores the faithful to unite in prayer with Pope Francis to pray unceasingly for peace in the Middle East
• Highlights some of the diocesan schools honored for their outstanding commitment to military families within this Month of the Military Child 
• Explains more about the recently released declaration by the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith on human dignity, Dignitas Infinita; click here to read Bishop’s statement and the document
• Speaks of Catholic Charities Christ House as one of the treasures of the diocese in its service to the poor in Alexandria for the last 50 years; read his April column on this great work here 
• Attributes the recent quality and quantity of vocations in our diocese to the grace of God, the prayers of the faithful, the leadership of Bishop Welsh, and the Poor Clares
• Offers encouragement for how to maintain Easter joy despite so much darkness in our world

He also answers the following question from the faithful:

• Can you comment on the oxymoron of “Christian nationalism”? Is it consistent with our faith?

How often when we pack for a trip do we add just one more item, then something else, and finally that last thing we must bring? We do the same in our daily lives. We run errands, shuttle from one appointment to the next, perhaps even eat lunch on the run. Soon our day becomes a whirlwind of activity, our task list becomes overburdened, and we accomplish little. In Sacred Scripture, Jesus told his apostles to leave anything behind that would weigh them down. We should do the same! What is the Lord asking you to surrender today? It could be fear, doubt, distress, or worldly possessions. Trust that, in Jesus, you have all you need. This will allow you to “travel lightly” throughout this day and always.