Springtime in our area is filled with moderate temperatures, warm breezes, schoolyard games and leisurely walks. But have we ever allowed our days to simply blend into one another without ever pausing to appreciate or rejoice in the beauty around us? Too often, we take God’s creation and our surroundings for granted. Sacred Scripture reminds that “this is the day the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice.” So, before spring fades and a sweltering summer commences, take a daily moment to rejoice in the beauty that surrounds us. From the historical monuments of D.C. to Skyline Drive, revel in the fresh air and the water that gives us life. Celebrate the dawn of each new sunrise, which offers God’s promises and possibilities, and rejoice in the gifts from Our Risen Lord!

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. Every day, we interact with many people just like us — perhaps at the coffee shop, at work or at the hardware store. However, we may not realize that, according to experts, one in five people experience mental illness, and many are reluctant to seek help. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It is the perfect time to educate ourselves so we can be prepared to encourage those who struggle to seek available help. Excessive worrying and fear, feeling sad, mood changes, irritability and anger are just a few signs that something may be wrong. Reach out for assistance if you or someone you know needs help. May we commit this month to learn all we can about mental health and pray that the Lord sends his healing love to those most in need.

This Sunday, we have the great privilege of celebrating Mother’s Day. From our Blessed Mother, who by her example of love and humility was the perfect role model, to all mothers who raise children today, we acknowledge with gratitude and affection your daily commitment. There are no set hours for the important work you do, only sleepless nights and round-the-clock devotion to your sons, daughters and families. We also honor and remember those mothers who have passed on to eternal life and who will always live in our hearts. Setting aside a single day seems so insignificant. Because as Pope Francis reminds us: “mothers are witnesses of tenderness, dedication and moral strength. A mother’s embrace is essential.” Happy Mother’s Day!

We all have crosses to bear, whether it be illness, financial worries, addiction or perhaps the need for reconciliation with a relative or friend. We may develop a tendency to feel sorry for ourselves; to become distressed or disillusioned. So often, we feel the weight of the world is upon our shoulders. Seek to look at the trials of life in another way. The particular cross the Lord is asking you to carry is your path to a deeper holiness and intimacy with him. Do not resist it but embrace it with the strength God will provide. Have faith that Our Lord will never give us anything we are unable to handle. Remind yourself that “the cross is the way to paradise, but only when it is borne willingly.”

How often do we make plans, look at a calendar, and mislead ourselves into thinking we have plenty of time? Parents send their children off to college and in the blink of an eye they are attending graduation. A family wedding seems like a year away, and it is…until it is here! The same is true of our spiritual lives. Avoid the temptation of the Evil One who wants us to think there is always tomorrow with no sense of urgency. Sacred Scripture reminds us to stay awake and not delay. Walking with Christ is not a future date on a calendar. It is todayand every day. May we make the commitment, then, to add a sense of spiritual urgency to our daily lives!

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge:

• Shares his message to the two men ordained to the transitional diaconate on April 15
• Addresses recent court rulings related to the use of the abortion drug mifepristone and its harmful effect on women
• Expresses concern for the new special zoning status that abortion facilities will have in the city of Alexandria
• Highlights the dedication Mass of the new Christ the King Chapel at Christendom College
• Reacts to the growth of his Instagram channel – follow him at @bishopmichaelburbidge 

Our Lord tells he that he came not to be served, but to serve. We find true happiness in following his example. Sure, our days our busy and our lives are hectic but, like Jesus, we can never lose sight of the person in front of us who is seeking compassion. During this National Volunteer Week, identify some ways to help others in need and put them into practice. For instance, commit to working a few hours at a food bank; visit a nursing home and the sick; sit a few hours with an elderly neighbor or help someone with groceries. Being of service to others can change lives! When we give of our time and our talents to those who are struggling, our conversion of heart becomes more complete.

This week, we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. It reminds us of our constant need to ask for mercy and to be merciful. When we fall and stumble, the Lord is always there to pick us up so that we may begin anew. For those who are contrite, no sin or failure are greater than his mercy.  In turn, our gratitude is reflected in our willingness to be merciful to others. When we are at odds with others, when we are divided, when we are bitter, we cannot be at peace. It is not the way God created us. So, take the initiative and offer forgiveness to someone who has hurt or offended you in imitation of the Lord who has pardoned us without ceasing. May we ask for divine mercy and be merciful today, and always.  

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge shares:

•     Previews one of his favorite Masses of the liturgical year — the Chrism Mass
•     Relays news of action by the City of Alexandria planning commission to ease zoning measures for abortion facilities
•     Requests continued prayers for the lives taken in the recent shooting in Nashville
•     Announces his latest social media venture: Instagram! Follow him: @bishopmichaelburbidge.
•   Discusses the synodal process in Germany
•   Shares the message he gave to the 1,300 eighth grade students at the annual vocations Mass last month

•   Provides ways to spiritually prepare for Holy Week; view the full schedule of Masses and liturgies

• Answers questions from the faithful regarding fasting and treatment of sacramentals

As we celebrate the holiest of weeks, we receive a reminder and an invitation. The reminder is that there is one constant through the joys and sorrows of life: the Lord, who took up his cross and proved victorious, dwells in our midst and never abandons us, especially in our time of need. The invitation is to draw closer to him; to be more consistent in living our faith; to obey his commands; to take up our cross, no matter the cost; to pick ourselves up when we fall; to forgive those who hurt us; and to share the joy of our faith with others. May Holy Week and the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection be sources of abundant spiritual blessings for you and all those you love.