Walk Humbly

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. As we settle into winter, we have a tendency to self-isolate. When the temperature drops, we raise the thermostat inside. This year, sadly due to the pandemic, it is not merely the season that pushes us to social distance. Hopefully we can make ourselves comfortable and safe, but this can also make us complacent. Jesus warns against complacency in our spiritual life. So how do we guard against it? There are three ways. One, increase the time we pray. Two, reach out to those who are alone, afraid and in need. Three, take care of yourself physically and emotionally, in body and in spirit. Do not allow yourself to “coast”, rather commit to keeping yourself spiritually energized, not only this winter but throughout the year. By avoiding spiritual complacency, we will remain connected to God and one another, experience growth in our own lives.

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. This week we remember and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a civil rights leader. Last year during a summer of racial tension in our country, we were forced, once again, to face the evil of racism and reflect on its tragic impact on our communities. We have much work to do, and it will take a commitment from all of us. One of the lights on the path of racial justice is Dr. King’s call for us to work peacefully and diligently for cultural, social, and governmental change. These efforts remain essential to our Christian work and witness in the world. Working together to eradicate racism with the help of God is an ongoing process rooted in faith, hope, and love. For as Dr. King himself reminded us, “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.”

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

• What does the Capitol Hill riot indicate about our country, and what is the path forward?
• How to be witnesses of Christ in today’s culture
• Advice on how to approach the presidential inauguration
• Several dangerous bills introduced in the Va. legislature
• Holy Father changes canon law related to instituted lectors and acolytes
• Bishop Burbidge reflects on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and how his message can help us today

Bishop Burbidge answers this question from the audience:

• How do I know if I am qualified to teach religious education to young people?

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. As we plan for this year, many of us will face a budget crisis, whether it be in our personal finances, our family finances, or perhaps for a group or organization to which we belong. In addition, we continue to face a pandemic affecting family, friends, and loved ones, some of whom who may have succumbed to the virus, heightening our stress and anxiety. At times, we may develop a sense of loss and loneliness. Often the demands, pressures, and responsibilities of life can seem overwhelming, and they always will be, if we rely solely on our own resources. Let us pray for the grace, the courage and the confidence to take our concerns and crosses to Our Heavenly Father, the source of consolation, so that we can say with renewed faith and confidence, “I have the strength for everything through Him who empowers me.”

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. January is Poverty Awareness Month. While poverty has always been in our midst, perhaps we have never been so aware of that reality as we witnessed first-hand during the pandemic. Food banks became strained, people had trouble paying utility bills, some faced eviction, and those who never had to ask for assistance suddenly found themselves in long lines to secure groceries in order to feed their families. Sacred Scripture tells us: “stretch forth your hand to the poor (Sir 7:32).” Pope Francis reminds us that our generosity should be one that “supports the weak, consoles the afflicted, relieves suffering, and restores dignity to those stripped of it.” This responsibility to serve our neighbor is essential to who we are as people of faith. For we all know that when we extend our hand to help the poor, we, in fact, serve the Lord himself, and grow rich in His sight.  

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. Even in the midst of the darkness we are experiencing in our world, I pray that you are filled with joyful hope. After all, unto us is born a Savior—Christ the Lord, the Light of the world. He has dispelled the power of darkness. We pray that those in need will experience the radiance of the love of God in and through our faithfulness, goodness, and sacrifices. May we be instruments of His peace and compassion in a world that desperately needs the witness of our faith and unity. Our Lord’s birth renews us in the hope and peace that comes from Him alone. Dear friends, no matter the burdens and crosses you may be carrying, know that His Light shines bright, and forever. May Our Lord fill you with the gift of his peace, this Christmas and always.

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

• Bishop Burbidge is serving on a committee to advise President-elect Biden on what the Church believes on key moral issues
• The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops clarifies whether you can morally receive COVID vaccines
• Pope Francis announced a Year of St. Joseph
• Bishop Burbidge reflects on what Christmas is all about

Bishop Burbidge answers these questions from the audience:

• Which changes in technology, what will the Church look like in 20 years?
• Joe Biden is publicly Catholic, as well as pro-abortion. How should Church leaders respond?
• Va. Governor Northam said, “You don't have to sit in the church pew for God to hear your prayers.” What is your reaction?

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. As Christmas nears, many of us will overload the internet with online shopping or take that last trip to the store. We too will be appreciative of any gifts we receive in less than two weeks. Maybe we will get that electronic device we wanted, the team jersey we hoped for, or the gift certificate to our favorite retailer. However, we have to be vigilant with how much we accumulate, for when the time comes to leave this world, Our Lord will not judge us according to the things we have. He will judge us by our faith, and what we shared and gave away to others, especially those in need. Jesus said that when we serve the poor, we also serve him. So spend these last days of Advent enjoying the season, but most importantly, by trying to grow “rich” in what matters to God.

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. Think of how many times in our lives things change in an instant. During our lifetime, we will receive good news and bad news. We will experience times of great joy and immense sorrow. But when we commit to remaining strong, spiritually and emotionally, say yes to God’s will, and realize everything is in His plan, it is then that we can trust and surrender. Fear subsides and strength prevails. As Advent concludes in a few weeks, we will soon hear the story of the three wise men, perhaps the ultimate tale of trust. Setting out to pay homage to Our Lord, they had only a star as their compass. Say yes to the Lord’s will every day, so that in times of light and darkness and indecision, we can trust and surrender, leaving any outcome in God’s providential hands.

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. This week we begin our journey to the glorious morning of Christmas! Yet how easy it will be to allow ourselves to become sidetracked, to become distracted, to find our attention waning with all that goes into planning for the holidays. But Sacred Scripture tells us to “Be Watchful! Be Alert!” So dear brothers and sisters, over these next four weeks, be on guard. Advent reminds us that nowis the time to transform our lives, to be more consistent with prayer, to spend quality time with loved ones, and to help the poor and needy. Remember that no sin is greater than God’s mercy. Gently and lovingly pray for those who have wandered from the Church to return home for Christmas. Do not put off until tomorrow what needs to be done today.