Walk Humbly

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.

Sometimes, when we have been away for an extended period, it is difficult to come home. Things may seem different and for whatever reason we may not feel comfortable right away. It is also true in our spiritual lives. For some, there may be a sense of trepidation as we near Holy Week and Easter. Many want to be in communion with God, have anxiety because they have been away too long. Friends, fear not! You are God’s beloved sons and daughters, and he stands ready to embrace you in his divine love and mercy. In fact, he Lord rejoices in your return and so will the community that awaits you. Scripture says, “With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption.”  Welcome home!

Due to the constant demands and pressures in our lives and the many distractions that come our way, we can easily fail to see God’s countless gifts in our midst. It is important, at times, that we acknowledge our spiritual blindness and, then in faith, ask the Lord to heal us so we may walk in the Light that brightly shines all around us. Perhaps you can pray daily: “Lord, open my eyes to see your divine plan in my life, the countless blessings you have showered upon me, the beauty of your creation, the goodness within myself and others; those who are calling out for my time, attention and support, and the path that leads to joy and peace both now and forever. Lord, open my eyes, help me to see!

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge shares:  

• His thoughts on the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ election to the papacy and suggestions on how to pray for the Holy Father 

• What inspires him most from the stories of catechumens entering the Church this year at Easter 

• Experiences from his recent visit to the 14 seminarians at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary as chief formator; please continue to pray for the 48 seminarians from our diocese  

• Takeaways from the Peace & Justice Conference on The Dignity of Life: Combatting Human Trafficking

• Why you still need to offer a comparable penance Friday, March 17, despite the St. Patrick’s Day dispensation given for abstinence from meat

• His Final Four predictions for March Madness  

When a child begins to take his or her first steps, parents rush to film the significant moment. It is sure to be replayed many times over the years, likely to hearty laughs and happy memories. We can draw parallels between a child’s first steps and our own spiritual path. Like a child, we sometimes stumble and fall while trying to walk the path of a good and holy life. But Jesus does not want us to stay down. Thus, he lifts us up in his mercy and says the words he spoke to the paralytic: “Rise, and walk.” As we draw ever nearer to the glory of the Resurrection and the blessings of Easter, may we prepare ourselves to rise and walk in God’s love and mercy this day, and always.

In conversations, in the media, perhaps even in our own homes, we find ourselves focusing on the negative, rather than the positive, and highlighting things being done wrong, not right. We tend to target the deficiencies of others, choosing complaint and criticism over compliment and courtesy. But Jesus teaches us not to use our energy focusing on the faults of others. Instead, we must acknowledge our own weaknesses which could require a change in our lives. This process of looking inward, with humility, should be at the center of our Lenten journey, as we recognize our need for the mercy, grace and forgiveness of God. May we ask Our Lord to develop our instinct to see the good in others and strive daily to grow in holiness.