This week we celebrate Labor Day, a holiday to honor the hard work and determination of those who built, and continue to build, our country. There is goodness, value, and dignity in work: from the contributions of those who toiled during the infancy of our nation to the men and women of today who add to our comfort and quality of life. May no one be without employment, may all be paid fairly, and may each person receive respect in their workplace. As Pope Francis says: “work is more than a mere doing; it is, above all, a mission. Jesus invites us to follow in his footsteps through work.” May we always value the dignity of work and never forget its ultimate purpose: to praise God and to serve one another!

Our normal day is likely consumed by heavy schedules, ringing cell phones, errands, meetings, work, and a seemingly never-ending task list. Even with all that we have going on, and as the day flies by, there could be two things missing: listening and silence!

Jesus warns that we can be “anxious and worried about many things.” Such concern, especially over the events out of our control, serves no useful purpose. Which is why we must sit daily at the feet of Jesus and listen to him, in silence, if even for a few minutes. Instead of just “doing” things, running from one place to another and without regard for our own well-being, try to give more time to “being” with the Lord. Jesus will ease our anxiety and increase our serenity!

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge offers his:

• • Reaction to the recent article from The Atlantic connecting the rosary to fringe political efforts
     
    • “The Rosary of the Virgin Mary…is a prayer of great significance, destined to bring forth a harvest of holiness.” - Saint John Paul II
       
  • Comments on the one-year anniversary of evacuation of Afghanistan; how Catholic Charities Migration and Refugee Services re-settled 1,300 Afghan men, women and children
     
    • Save the date! National Migration Week is Sept. 20-25
       
  • Reflection on his 20th Anniversary of episcopacy, including a Q&A:
     
    • His overall experience of being a bishop
       
    • Who called to let him know the Holy Father chose him to be an auxiliary bishop in Philadelphia; his reaction to being chosen by the Holy Father to serve as a bishop
       
    • Why he chose “to walk humbly with your God” as his motto
       
    • His fondest memories as a Bishop of Arlington

Jesus says: “As you enter a house, wish it peace.” Despite our best intentions, our homes at times can become places of tension between family members and relatives. It could be a conflict between siblings or a gentle disagreement between parents and children over something inconsequential. Hopefully the issue is short-lived. Just as parents are the first teachers of their children, the home is a snapshot of our culture. We can choose to inspire others in our family by respecting and treating them with kindness, or we can cause dissension by being selfish, petty and unforgiving. Society will benefit greatly from homes when loved ones encourage and lift up each other in faith and live together in harmony.  So do your part to make for a peaceful home.

We often appreciate invitations: to family gatherings, concerts, ball games and events that give us joy and fun memories. During his ministry, Jesus offered people an invitation to follow him. Many were willing to follow Our Lord, at least until they learned it included the path to Jerusalem, where Christ would suffer ridicule, hostility, and even death on a cross for our salvation. If Jesus invites you to accept a share in his sufferings, see this as a privileged moment to be united even more deeply to him and an opportunity to grow in holiness. At the same time, take courage! He will also give you the strength and grace you need to carry your cross and, in doing so, you will be walking with him on the path that leads to heaven.

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge offers his:

• Hope for students, parents and families as they prepare for another school year
• Thoughts on the announcement of his local instruction in implementation of Pope Francis’ motu proprio, Traditionis Custodes, and his Responsa ad Dubia
• Reaction to Nicaraguan police raiding Catholic radio stations and placing bishop and priests on house arrest

Bishop Burbidge also answers the following questions from the faithful:

• Did you see any good movies this summer?
  
  
• Have you ever gone on pilgrimages, and, if so, what were the highlights?

Throughout Sacred Scripture and in the lives of the saints, we see many individuals who at some point in their lives turned far away from God and his ways, even for many years. Yet, with his grace, their hearts were transformed and they experienced a radical conversion. Then, the Lord entrusted them with leadership; significant work; and the task of preaching his Gospel. How important it is for us to remember that, with God’s help, it is never too late for us to change! The Lord will never give up on us and, once we accept his invitation to return to him with all our hearts, he will embrace us in his love and mercy and use us as his powerful instruments to touch the lives of others.

In Sacred Scripture the followers of Jesus saw over five thousand people who were hungry and the disciples were overwhelmed as to how to feed them. Jesus told them to give him what they had---fives loaves and two fish. Then he miraculously multiplied what was offered and there was more than enough food for everyone. When we see so much need in our midst, the Evil One wants us to be deceived into thinking there is nothing we can do. Jesus says the exact opposite: just give me what you have: your time, efforts, sacrifices, resources and simply watch how I will use them in miraculous way to satisfy the hunger and thirst of my people. There is nothing to small we can give to the Lord---he just asks for our very best.

We often have a tendency to worry—especially in these challenging times! It is natural to experience a sense of anxiety over work, family, home, and the countless issues we are facing throughout our nation. We may panic and pace and invite distress and unease to dominate our day. But why?Jesus tells us not “to worry” about our life or about tomorrow. And he conveys why: his Father will never abandon us; his love is stronger than any force in this world; and, in our time of need, He grants us strength and holds us in his loving embrace. So, relax in the Lord’s presence. Enjoy the gift of this new day…and every day…and do not worry!

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge offers:

• Unity with the Holy Father on the Vatican warning to Germany's "Synodal Way"
• Congratulations to Ann Augherton, managing editor of the Arlington Catholic Herald, for winning the 2022 St. Francis de Sales Award from the Catholic Media Association
• Perspective on why we should celebrate the annual World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly with the universal Church this weekend
• Context the two vocations summer camps for teens — Quo Vadisand FIAT— held at Mount Saint Mary's Seminary this month
• Commentary on the new apostolic letter from Pope Francis: “On the Liturgical Formation of the People of God”
• Preview of the upcoming Eucharistic Symposium with Archbishop Charles Chaput held at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More this fall
• Thoughts on pro-life efforts since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, along with pregnancy resources despite the current status of abortion access in Virginia 
• A recap of his A Catechesis on the Human Personamong transgender ideology in the news
  
  

Bishop Burbidge also answers the following question from the faithful:

• What is your guidance to the Catholics in the diocese regarding whether or not we should be giving our patronage to companies publicly declaring their support for abortion rights?
  
  
• Do you have any suggestions for my first year of teaching CCD and religious education?
  
  
• In the aftermath of the Roe v. Wade overturning, what is the strategy of the bishops' conference and of our diocese as the pro-life effort continues in the States?
  
  
• What can be done to harden the target of every school and homeschool co-op throughout the diocese to keep children and teachers safe from harm?