Walk Humbly

We begin a new year full of promise and potential. We are certain to experience hardships and challenges, joys and heartaches—at least to some degree. Many of these things will be out of our control. But what will be in our control is how we choose to live each day. We should choose to let go and surrender ourselves to God’s will. We are reminded in Sacred Scripture “not to worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will take care of itself.” Let this year be a year for less anxiety, a year of surrender, a year of “letting go” of fear and trepidation. When you feel overwhelmed, recall the words of Saint Teresa of Kolkata: “Yesterday is gone; tomorrow has not yet come; we have only today. Let us begin.”

We have every reason to rejoice as good news of great joy is proclaimed at Christmas: For unto us a Savior is born who is Christ and Lord.  In a world experiencing so much unrest a Savior is born who announces peace, brings glad tidings, comforts his people, and unites us as God’s holy family. A Savior is born who is Emmanuel, God with us! He knows us and loves us, and is the source of our courage, strength, and consolation, especially amid our burdens and trials. And for all these gifts, the Lord asks so little in return. He simply wants us to be faithful; to trust him; to be reconciled with him and one another; and to continue our acts of goodness charity so prevalent at this time of year. May the peace of our Lord and Savior be yours at Christmas and always.

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge:  

• Offers commentary on the Vatican document regarding blessings, including those of same-sex couples  

• Shares some of his favorite moments of 2023   

• Addresses why we should embrace the work of the New Evangelization, one of the primary focuses of our Golden Jubilee year  

• Highlights the impactful items summarized within the 2023 Annual Report

As we near that glorious morning when we welcome the Christ child, the excitement builds, and our time is consumed by ensuring all is in order for ourselves and our loved ones. But, dear friends, what will truly warm our heart and draw us closer to our newborn King will be a gift of charity to our neighbors in need. Dinners, parties and gifts are good things—but they are not what is most important. This week, commit to seeking out our brothers and sisters who are lonely and desolate and to providing for their well-being in this season of kindness. May we take the initiative and embrace opportunities to serve and accompany the poor and those suffering emotionally and physically, not just during this time, but every day of the year.

As we prepare for the birth of Christ at Christmas, we long and pray for the peace which he alone can give, especially in our world at this turbulent time. In addition, we pray for that peace within our own lives. This gift will be ours when: first, we slow down and do not allow the busyness of this season to overwhelm us; second, when we find time for prayer each day, including silence so we can hear the Lord speaking to our heart; third, making sure our priorities are in order with a proper balance of work and recreation in our life; and finally, to be reconciled with God, family, and friends. With these steps, we will know the peace of Christ and be prepared for that joyous day!

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge:

• Offers gratitude to God as he celebrates his seventh anniversary as bishop of Arlington;

• Recaps his recent visit to Saint John Paul II Seminary and shares the message he gave to the six seminarians actively in formation;

• Asks the faithful to pray for those impacted by the bombing at a Mass in the Philippines;

• Shares his hopes for the diocese in this Golden Jubilee year, themed “Renew”  

Bishop Burbidge also answers the following questions from the faithful: 

• Can you share with us some of your most memorable experiences here in Northern Virginia in your seven years as bishop of Arlington?

• Why do some priests celebrating the Mass in English say certain parts in Greek and Latin?

We are now in Advent, a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to the birth of Our Lord at Christmas and, ultimately, the second coming of Christ at the end of time. Therefore, be vigilant, watchful, and alert as you become ready and prepared to meet him. Use these next weeks to focus on what lies ahead. Tune out the noise. Spend extra time in prayer and silence. Do not allow yourself to be weighed down and distracted by the cares of this world. Each day is one step closer to welcoming Jesus into our hearts as we celebrate his birth at Christmas. We will do so with joy if we are ready and prepared to embrace him. Dear friends, the time is near!

As we are in the midst of yet another hectic holiday, I hope that all of you will experience the joy, the excitement and the elation of this time of year. This season offers us two invitations that are far more important than shopping and social gatherings: the invitation to forgive others, and to serve others. This is the perfect time to reconcile with friends, family and loved ones. If you are struggling to forgive someone who has offended you, recall the countless times God embraced you in his divine mercy. It is also an opportune time to extend a helping hand in service to our brothers and sisters in need. Be assured that as you forgive and serve others you will bring joy and peace to them and be found pleasing in the sight of God.

This week, as we either travel or welcome family and friends to our homes for Thanksgiving, we must remind ourselves that this special day is much more than dinner and dialogue. To truly appreciate the warmth this season brings, commit to doing three things: First, set aside time each day this week to pray, giving thanks to God for his abundant blessings in your life; second, seek opportunities to help those less fortunate, those who may not have the benefit of a hot meal or who lack basic necessities; third, make a pledge that the gratefulness you experience this Thanksgiving will last, not just for one day, but will continue during the holiday season and, indeed, throughout the year. I pray that each of you enjoy Christ’s blessings on this holiday and always. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! 

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge:  

- Recaps the USCCB plenary assembly and what he found most memorable from hearing about his brother bishops’ participation in the Synod - Entrusts the removal of Bishop Strickland as bishop of Tyler, Texas to the Holy Spirit and invites us to pray for him - Explains why the threat of abortion remains the "preeminent" priority of the United States bishops (see "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship," p. 6) 

- Reacts to the recently announced theme of the January 19, 2024 March for Life: With Every Woman, For Every Child 

• Join thousands at Life is VERY Good events on January 18 and 19, 2024   

- Describes what Solemn Vespers is and previews what is in store at the November 26 event inaugurating the diocesan Golden Jubilee year   - Offers clarity on the recent Vatican document discussing sacraments and gender dysphoria  

• Read or listen to Bishop Burbidge’s pastoral document on Gender Ideology

- Affirms why catechists are essential teachers of the Faith, second to parents

- Talks about his Thanksgiving plans and reminds us of what this holiday is all about