Walk Humbly

We often find ourselves admiring the special talents we see in others yet sometimes we fail to see our own unique abilities. Perhaps your friend is a passionate musician, your sibling has a special skill, or your colleague is the most outgoing person in any room. Occasionally, admiration can turn into envy and discontentment. It is useless to spend time wishing we had the talents that others possess. For every gift you see in another, a different one shines through you! Therefore, take joy in your unique personality and the gifts God has bestowed upon you. Because it is your uniqueness that makes you the person who God meant you to be and allows you to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

The Bible tells us that when we ask the Lord for help, he answers. Sometimes, he does so by using others as his instruments. So, when you go through a difficult time in life, know that you are never alone. Do not be afraid to reach out and ask for help from those you trust. The Lord has placed people in your life to stand by your side through any hardship. In turn, be generous with providing help and support to your loved ones and friends—whatever you have to offer! Ask the Lord for the courage and humility to ask for assistance when you need it, for the strength and compassion to support others when they are struggling, and the wisdom to know your faith will guide you through any trial or tribulation.

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge:

• Commends the Virginia Department of Education on issuing updated model policies for public schools
  •  Read his joint statement with Bishop Knestout and find a link to the full policy document 
• Summarizes his keynote address to pro-life leaders from across the country at a recent leadership conference in Toledo, OH
• Describes the beauty of a new church for the St. Ambrose community, dedicated last weekend 
• Expounds upon the upcoming Synod on Synodality following the announcement of Vatican-appointed participants 
  • Find a link to the full list of voting delegates and learn more about the Synod of Bishops

 Bishop also answers the following questions from the faithful: 

• Have you had any surprises during your time as chairman of pro-life activities at the USCCB? 

• What would you consider to be the main impetus for lapsed Catholics returning to the Church? 

With the help of GPS and other modern tracking systems, it is almost hard to get lost. If we make a wrong turn, get off at the wrong exit or take the wrong path, we can be re-routed in an instant. It is also true in our spiritual lives. When you wander off and turn away from God’s ways, will likely find yourself in a spiritual “wilderness”. However, there is a “landmark” that gets you on the right road. When you are lost in life, confused, and distressed, remember that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. As you draw closer to him, the road becomes clearer and you will find yourself on the right path leading to the joy, the direction, the guidance, the peace, for which we all long. 

We live in a culture inundated with advertising that implies that if we use a certain product, our lives will suddenly become so much better and we will finally be fulfilled. Yet we often learn quickly that the purchase was a mirage, or an illusion. It brought happiness for a moment, and then we realized we are the same as before. Rather than wasting our time looking for the thing that will make our lives better, look for the person who can fulfill every longing of our hearts: Jesus. Invest your time in growing closer to him through silent prayer and by reading Sacred Scripture. It will cost you no money, and yet its value is infinite. You will no longer search for joy—you will have found it, discovered it in him.

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge:

• Highlights some of the various ways the Diocese supports discernment among youth during the summer and throughout the year, including Quo Vadis and FIAT summer camps, WorkCamp and World Youth Day
• Expounds upon the corrective statement he and fellow U.S. bishops wrote in response to a public letter from Catholic members of Congress who defended their support for abortion by falsely invoking teachings of the Church
• Discusses the recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings on affirmative action and free speech
• Shares his decision to expand the diocesan paid family and medical leave policy for employees working for the Diocese.

Bishop also answers the following question from the faithful:

• Will the distribution of the Precious Blood resume formally at Mass here in the Diocese, or will its distribution remain up to a pastor’s discretion?

As we celebrate the 4th of July this week, we remember that momentous day in 1776 when America forged a new path as a young country—one with so much promise, so much potential and so much unity. While current times may be challenging on many fronts, the fact remains that for nearly 250 years, we have succeeded as a democracy by our resolve, our perseverance and by our ability to sacrifice for the common good. We must do our part for the sake of others. May we commit this week to identifying anything that might be causing division and disharmony in our families, our neighborhoods, and in our country, and pledge to be an instrument of peace and harmony, just as we also pledge allegiance to our nation with liberty and justice for all, under God.

This week we celebrate Religious Freedom Week: Embracing the Divine Gift of Freedom. Religious freedom allows communities to live out their faith in public and to serve the good of all. Unfortunately, these freedoms, enshrined in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, have increasingly come under attack. We have witnessed violence against individuals and houses of worship, defacement of property and buildings, mockery and condescending comments on social media. Now, more than ever, we must stand strong and be unafraid to bring our faith into the public arena. But we must do so respectful of others, with compassion and courage, and with prayers that religious freedom will be safeguarded in our country and throughout the world. 

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge:

• Shares about his experience at the recent spring meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in Orlando, FL
• Highlights the importance of observing Religious Freedom Week
• Invites Kevin Bohli, director of youth, campus and young adult ministries for the Diocese, to share more about the annual diocesan WorkCamp
• Talks with five teens participating in this year’s WorkCamp 

Bishop also answers the following questions from other WorkCampers:

• What do you do in your free time?
• What does the Diocese have in store for its 50th anniversary next year? 
• When do you sleep?
• What is your biggest obstacle to getting closer to God?

For one week each summer, hundreds of young people assemble to take on serious and difficult construction projects that make the homes of some of the poorest Virginians warmer, safer and drier. They walk away describing the week as rewarding, and they are so excited to come back the following summer. And many do! This long-standing tradition is called WorkCamp. Faithful young Catholics serve their brothers and sisters in need while going deeper in their faith and uniting their good work to God. What a wonderful witness to the virtues of sacrifice, commitment and selflessness! These young people teach us a lesson we can all learn: When we put our desires aside and work together to serve the most vulnerable and needy members of our community, God will transform our hearts and our lives as well.