Walk Humbly

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. Throughout the Gospels, we often see that Jesus is approached by individuals who in faith ask him to heal them. One such person was cured after 38 years. What a powerful reminder! With the Lord’s grace and saving help, we can be healed, changed and transformed, even from the vices, habits and addictions that seem to have controlled us for so long. What seems to have a grip on us is never stronger than the Lord’s power. Avoid being deceived into thinking that there are just some things that cannot change. Instead: Never lose hope. Approach the Lord in faith asking him to heal and/or to transform you in whatever way you need. Trust in his power to make all things new and remember this often occurs when you least expect for God’s time is not our time!

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. This Sunday we will once again have the great privilege to celebrate Mother’s Day, honoring those women, both living and deceased, who have dedicated theirlives to making ours better. The nurturing and care that mothers represent have never been so important than during this past year. Mothers, as your families faced once-in-a-lifetime challenges, it was unsurprising that you retained a steadfast hand, a strong resolve and an uncompromising commitment to care for your loved ones. Whether it was helping your children transition to a virtual learning environment, maintaining the health and well-being of your family, or ensuring that the spiritual needs of your family were met, we humbly appreciate your devotion, love and sacrifice during these demanding days. Thank you for the witness of your beautiful vocation, and wishing you abundant blessings, may God bless you this Mother’s Day, and always.

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. As we close National Volunteer Month, it is the opportune time to do two things: One is to thank those who give so unselfishly of their time and talent. It is estimated that 25 percent of Americans volunteer in some capacity. The second is to challenge the remaining 75 percent to find the time and make the effort to help those less fortunate. For more than a year now, we have seen food pantries providing meals to hungry families, medical professionals facilitating vaccinations, and rescue crews helping victims of natural disasters from coast to coast. We see the best of our country in those who find joy in giving back—and it reflects our character as a nation. And we see it every day in those mentoring, serving and accompanying those who need help. May we all commit to finding the joy of giving back.

In this week’s episode of the Walk Humbly Podcast:

• Derek Chauvin is convicted on all 3 counts. What now?
• As “cancel culture” continues, how do we balance the need for justice with mercy?
• Mother’s Day is around the corner
• Bishop Burbidge addresses mental health and Catholic teaching

Bishop Burbidge answers these questions from the audience:

• How do you balance God’s will with free will?
• If you had no monetary restrictions, what would you do for the diocese?

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Tragically in 2019 alone there were more than 650,000 reported cases of child abuse. To resist this evil we must be vigilant and observant and recognize the warning signs, particularly unexplained injuries, depression and poor hygiene, among others. Following the Catholic Church's own scandal related to abuse, we connected with victims and learned more intensely what victims really need. We must be willing to accompany them on their journey of healing, and it must be done on their time. We can help victims find healing in Christ.

As we continue the joy of the Easter Season, Sacred Scripture reminds us of the story of "Doubting Thomas," who would not believe in the Resurrection until he saw for himself the nail marks in the hands and feet of Christ. We live in a time of great doubt, uncertainty and suspicion, and our society has changed. Yet spiritually nothing has changed. Jesus leaves no doubt - He is with us until the end of time.

The week following Easter is always a beautiful time, as we are refreshed, renewed and spiritually replenished following Easter. But will our Easter journey be an end or a beginning? It may be tempting to view Lent as a "mission accomplished," but we should vow to allow Easter simply to be a start.

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. As we enter the most solemn week in the Christian faith, we do so confident in the promise of what awaits us on Easter Sunday. No matter the conditions and situations we face, the Good News of Easter is constant and unchanged. We know, for certain, that Jesus turned darkness to light, suffering to glory, and even death to life. The Good News of Easter is that Jesus is alive and with us! We are not overwhelmed by our crosses but find strength in the Lord to carry them. We do not despair but find our hope in the newness of life that Jesus promises to all who follow Him. So, confidently let others see your love for God and your joy and serenity in following his ways. May Our Lord Jesus bless you and your families with his peace at Easter, and always.

In this week’s episode of the Walk Humbly Podcast:

• Bishop Burbidge reflects on the recent, tragic shootings in Atlanta and Boulder
• Va. Governor signs bill to officially repeal the death penalty
• Diocesan racism conference engages challenging realities
• Vatican answers question related to whether homosexual civil unions/marriages can be blessed
• Bishop Burbidge explains why the so-called “Equality Act” is so dangerous
• April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
• Exciting announcements regarding Holy Week and Easter COVID-19 protocols

Coming up:

March 27 – Mass for the Sick and Caregivers (livestream only)

• 11 a.m. at St. Ambrose Catholic Church
• LIVESTREAMED! stambroseva.org/Mass
• Due to COVID-19 restrictions, not open to the public

April 10 – Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate! (livestream only)

• 11 a.m. at Cathedral of St. Thomas More
• • Philip D. Briggs
  • Peter J. Clem
  • John F. O'Farrell
  • Robert C. Renner
  • Daniel S. Reuwer
  • Daniel A. Rice
  • Peter J. St. George
• LIVESTREAMED! YouTube.com/arlingtondiocese or on Facebook
• Due to COVID-19 restrictions, not open to the public

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. People of faith should see Holy Week as a pilgrimage, as a journey, as a blessed, solemn opportunity to walk with Jesus to Jerusalem as he takes up his cross, suffers, and dies for us and our salvation. Especially this year when we have witnessed a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic—when there has been so much sadness in seeing loved ones in pain, and unfortunately, in seeing too many die—surrender your crosses and burdens and entrust them to the Lord. There is nothing right now that we are experiencing that the Lord has not already endured for us. Know that when our pilgrimage ends Jesus is neither crushed nor defeated. Rather, he is triumphant and victorious. Most importantly, he promises that all who are united to him will receive the same gifts of triumph and victory.