Walk Humbly

This Sunday, we will again have the great privilege of celebrating Father’s Day, a day set aside to honor those men who have had a profound impact on our lives in ways both small and large. Many are fortunate to have a father who is an indispensable resource of strength and support. There is no greater role model than St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. He is also our spiritual father, protector, provider and companion on the path to heaven and our earthly fathers are called to imitate his generosity, humility, self-sacrifice, faith and obedience. By their examples, fathers show us each day that we are immersed in God’s protection. May Our Risen Lord bless our fathers, living and deceased, on this day, and always.

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge:  

• Recaps the joyful ordinations of nine men to the priesthood 

• Shares his support for the Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act of 2023 

(H.R. 3662) which increases opportunities for children to be adopted 

• Expresses deep concerns over the mockery of the Catholic faith recently endorsed by L.A. Dodgers  

• Read how a local Catholic MLB pitcher spoke out against these actions  

• Relays his hopes for what the faithful will glean from the new diocesan docu-series entitled Mary, Explained   

• Gives advice to college students on living well at home during the summer months   

 Bishop also answers the following questions from the faithful:  Why does the annulment process take so long? 

What qualities do you look for during the hiring process for your staff? 

We see it every day. Actors, CEOs and coaches who make huge salaries working to ensure one thing: success. They strive for success at the box office, for shareholders, or to win the championship. Anything short of that means failure. Thankfully, God judges our spiritual lives very differently. He does not demand success. He only asks that we give our best efforts and trust that he will use them in miraculous ways. Therefore, we should attempt to lead holy lives, with virtue, kindness and compassion as the pillars. We will not always succeed, but we must be unafraid to try, confident that God will always welcome us back into the fold when we accept his forgiveness and try again. What a comfort it is to realize we are assured of God’s great confidence in us!

Many consider Memorial Day the unofficial start of summer.  Unfortunately, this can cause its real meaning to be lost. Those men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military around the globe belong to a family, but they are also brothers and sisters to each of us. Their legacy does not end when a flag is presented to their grieving spouse, or their name is read at a sporting event. This week, pause to remember all who gave their lives for our nation. They kept us safe and secure from those who would wish us harm. For all the men and women who succumbed in the service of our country we pray: “Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.”

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge: 

• Reacts to the story of the body of Sr. Wilhelmina Lancaster, the foundress of the 

Benedictine Sisters of Mary, Queen of the Apostles in Missouri, which is thought to be incorrupt  

• Shares more about the conversations he has been having around Mental Health Awareness Month and the help available to those dealing with mental health challenges  

• Congratulates graduating seniors and gives them an encouraging message    

Bishop also answers the following questions from the faithful: 

How do we bring our brothers and sisters who have experienced clergy sexual abuse or trauma back to the Church? 

 What is the policy and procedure for a priest’s retirement?

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!