Walk Humbly

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?

This Sunday we celebrate the second World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly with the theme: “In Old Age They Will Still Bear Fruit” to emphasize how grandparents and the elderly are a precious gift to their families and all of society. Pope Francis reminds us that Sacred Scripture refers to the elderly as “filled with days” and have wisdom to offer us. May we consider two things this weekend: first, remember your grandparents, with a visit, if living, and with prayers if deceased; and second, seek out those elderly persons who feel alone. While youth and energy are good things, some wisdom only matures in time. May our grandparents and elderly friends know how much we love them and may they continue to bear abundant fruit in our midst.

We can often feel that we exist in a silo, that our lives lack impact, that what we do on a daily basis is unimportant. We convince ourselves that miracles and unforeseen events happen to others, not us. Not true! With the power of God, St. Paul healed a man who was crippled at birth. Which reminds us that miracles take place in God’s time, not ours. With faith in the Lord, it is never too late for us and those for whom we pray to be healed, changed and transformed. In addition, remember that, like St. Paul, the Lord will use you and your compassion, kindness and generosity to work miracles in the lives of others, so they can walk in the newness of life of our Risen Lord, the new life he offers us each day.

This week marking the Fourth of July is traditionally celebrated with family events, picnics and fireworks. After a two-year hiatus in which these events were either canceled or curtailed due to COVID, we realized that for too long we took for granted the celebration of Independence Day—and the reason it exists. This week, reflect on why we have the freedoms that are at the heart of our nation and be thankful for them. We enjoy these rights because, nearly 250 years ago, citizens stood arm-in-arm, united in their desire to forge their own destiny as One Nation Under God. The journey has been imperfect, but we continue still, with God’s grace, on the road to a fairer, more just country. The Founding Fathers’ message still resonates: Let Freedom Ring! May God bless you, and God bless America!

Did you ever say to yourself, “If I could just have one more thing, I would be satisfied and fulfilled”? It could have been something small you wanted, like another helping at dinner—or it could have been something larger: a better job or a bigger house that you thought would do the trick. But after you received that one thing you wanted, you discovered you were not satisfied after all. Something was still missing. That yearning for something more may be a sign of your spiritual hunger and thirst—a yearning that can only be met by Jesus, the One alone who satisfies our spiritual hunger and thirst.  Today, open yourself up to the One who understands the deepest longings of your heart: Jesus, who knows you by name and whose love for you is without end!

This week we celebrate Religious Freedom Week, when we thank God for our great country and its protections for people of all faiths to worship and follow their consciences without fear. The theme for the week is “Life and Dignity for All”. Religious freedom grants us the ability to live our faith in public, especially in service of all people—ensuring that their lives and dignity as children of God are upheld. When we love the Lord, we are inspired to help the poor and protect the most vulnerable. So, when threats to religious freedom arise, the ability of people of faith and of countless religious charities to serve people in need is threatened. Therefore, may we pray and act to safeguard our first freedom and the greatest of liberties: religious freedom.