Walk Humbly

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

• Reasons you should register for the Eucharistic Symposium on October 22 with Archbishop Emeritus Charles Chaput
• Prayers for those in the path of Hurricane Ian
• Position on the transgender education policy proposal by Governor Youngkin, which would require parents to be notified of their child’s sexual orientation or gender identity
• Click here to access Bishop’s pastoral letter on “A Catechesis on the Human Person and Gender Ideology”
• Read Governor Youngkin’s proposal and offer your voice to the public comment here
• Thoughts on the developing story of a Catholic speaker and author arrested by the FBI for an alleged assault of an abortion facility escort last year
• Appreciation for everyone who has contributed to the Bishop's Lenten Appeal (BLA), which received the Total Annual Appeal Award by the International Catholic Stewardship Conference this year
• Preview of Respect Life Month events taking place in October
• October 11: Holy Hour for post-abortion healing at St. Leo the Great
• October 30: Mass for Respect Life Month at St. William of York
• October 30: Blessing of Mary’s Shelter in Fredericksburg

Bishop Burbidge also answers the following questions from the faithful:

• What sort of training are future priests given in the seminary on both the content and delivery of their sermons?
• I have noticed a poster in my parish promoting the Seminarian Education Endowment Fund. Can you tell me a bit about that?

One of the great American traditions at this time of year is setting aside a few hours each week to watch our favorite college and pro sports football teams. It is a good time for family bonding, to take a rest from the stresses of daily life, and simply to unwind from a hectic work week. The proliferation and ease of sports wagering, however, encourages many to bet on the games. Unfortunately, young and old alike, may wager money they can ill afford to lose. It is estimated that a staggering 125 billion dollars has been wagered by U.S. citizens in the last four years. By all means, enjoy the games and the food and the friendship, but while the allure of a quick profit may be enticing, don’t bet on it.

Early on most of us learn the Golden Rule: “do unto others as you would have others do unto you”. To children the lesson may be as simple as sharing toys, being gracious to friends and parents, and to say “please” and “thank you”. As we grow older, the message should be no less important—it should help form our character. Ask yourself: Why criticize when we can offer a compliment? Why insult when we can praise? Why hurt when we can help? May the respect, compassion, and forgiveness we desire to receive be the same gifts we extend to others with whom we live and work, and to all persons, without exception. For if we live by God’s Golden Rule, we will be at peace with ourselves and with one another.

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge shares:

• His reflections on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and her legacy
• Some takeaways from the Mass Honoring Military and First Responders at St. Leo’s in Fairfax this past Sunday, September 11
• His experience celebrating the Mass of the Holy Spirit at the Catholic University of America earlier this month, using a 15th century Irish chalice
• Thoughts on Catholic responsibility to care for our common home, in the midst of this Season of Creation; register here for the September 17 Conference: Why Should I Care for Our Common Home?

Bishop Burbidge also answers the following question from the faithful:

• Why is Communion not given to a politician in one diocese, but that same person can receive Communion in another diocese?

This past weekend marked the 21st anniversary of the horrific attacks of 9/11. In this time of remembrance, we stand together as a country to mourn all who were killed or injured in these attacks, and for their families whose lives were changed forever. We also remember and honor the bravery and service of all the first responders, medical personnel, and so-called ordinary people who risked their lives to assist in any way they could. May we be united in prayer, especially this week, for all those who died in the attacks of 9/11 and for all those who served that day and ever since. We commend them to God’s infinite love and ask that he look after all those who protect our nation today and bless us with his peace.

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.