Walk Humbly

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. Recently our diocese had the great privilege of celebrating an annual Mass for husbands and wives married for 25 or 50 years or even longer! Faithful married love, what a beautiful gift! Married love is a sign of the way that God loves us. Therefore, whenever we look at a married couple, we should be able to say: “Do you see how they love one another? That is the exact same way that God loves us.” So we pray for all married couples, that their love, like God’s love, will be permanent, faithful and life giving. Wepray that the love they share will grow stronger with the passing of each new day. So, married couples, why not use today to recallthe promises you have made to one another and never forget that at the heart of your vocation is the sacred duty to help each other get to heaven? 

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

• Bishop Burbidge discusses yesterday’s presidential debate
• Former Catholic law professor is nominated to U.S. Supreme Court
• Bishop Burbidge met with refugees
• What the Chrism Mass is and why you should watch live on Monday
• A new Advisory Council on Racism is established by Bishop Burbidge. He shares how it will serve the Diocese of Arlington.

Bishop Burbidge answers these questions from the audience:

• How did you decide on your episcopal motto “Walk Humbly With Your God”?
• What is the significance of the steps a man takes before becoming a deacon or priest (candidacy, acolyte, lector, etc)?

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. So often we take the routine of daily life for granted. We wake up, thank God for the gift of a new day, then settle into our normal schedule. We often go about our obligations without thinking about what we are doing and for whom we are doing it. We even developed a saying for it: the “same old, same old.” But what if tomorrow you woke up and decided to let Our Lord know that whatever you did, no matter how routine, would be for his greater glory? This should also include the daily sacrifices you offer throughthe crosses you carry. Your day would be different, for sure. The mundane will suddenly have lasting value, and your work and tasks will be rooted in their true purpose. Therefore, make sure that everything you do this day and every day is for the greater glory of God.

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. This coming Sunday is the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, when we are called to remember those displaced by conflict, war, and persecution. Pope Francis has chosen the theme “Forced like Jesus Christ to Flee,” with a focus on the need to care for people who are displaced within their own country. The day is an occasion to express concern for the many different vulnerable individuals and families forced to move, and to pray that they overcome their immense obstacles and find support and help from all of us, their brothers and sisters.  The World Day of Migrants and Refugees provides a reminder that we can never forget: we are all members of God’s holy family. We are called to welcome the stranger in our midst and to protect those who are vulnerable.

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. If you are “anxious and worried about many things,” maybe the Lord is inviting you to slow down; to be reflective; to be still and to listen to his voice speaking to your heart. We cannot escape the daily responsibilities of life; nor the requirements that flow from the work that is expected of us; nor, most especially, our sacred obligations to be a good spouse, son, daughter or friend. It is true a great deal is expected of us. However, the Lord does not ask anything from us beyond our capabilities. For that reason, he tells us not to rely on our own resources, but, rather, on hisgrace. Before beginning the day or any task or obligation, first ask the Lord for his divine assistance and place your trust in him. Then, you will worry less, you will accomplish more, and you will be at peace.

In this week's episode...

• Bishop Burbidge publishes a new pastoral letter, "In Tongues All Can Hear" on effective ways to evangelize and communicate during these times
• Despite the challenges of the pandemic, engaged couples are still preparing for marriage. Bishop shares his message to them during a recent “Conference for the Engaged”
• Recently, Bishop Burbidge celebrated Mass for Military and First Responders, commending them for their service to their communities and our country
• Following a strong response to the “Uplift Arlington” Holy Hour, Bishop Burbidge speaks about the role of silence in our spiritual lives

Bishop Burbidge answers these questions from the audience: 

• Where is the McCarrick report? 
• What are your thoughts about NFL players staying in the locker room during the national anthem? Any predictions for the 2020 NFL season?

Each day, we enjoy the fruits of someone else’s labor. If you have a clean office, someone else may have cleaned it for you. If you drive on a smooth road, it is because somebody paved it for you. If your neighborhood is safe, it is because somebody kept watch over you. Similarly, all of the conveniences in our world were made possible because of a legacy of hard workers who brought us to this point in American history. The technologies, business models, feats of architecture, and medical care of our times have been passed down by those who labored before us. This selfless commitment of the American workforce has brought us stability, strength and prosperity. We are the beneficiaries of centuries of hard work. This Labor Day, may we be grateful and pray for those who came before us and made this wonderful way of life possible.

Have you ever noticed how many types of water are sold at the grocery store? Purified water, distilled water, spring water, flavored water. As we know, without water our health suffers and, eventually, we perish. Likewise, we need spiritual hydration to stay spiritually alive. Every day we thirst for Jesus. Each day we need the love and mercy that God alone can provide. Without the living water Jesus gives, we grow weary and tired, and we continue to thirst. But with it? We are alive, satisfied, and filled with hope. We are reminded in Sacred Scripture that “My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord.” Therefore, hydrate your soul. Pray, devote yourself to virtue, and help those in need. Let us improve our spiritual health by thirsting for the abundant blessings and graces provided by the wellspring that Jesus offers freely, and without cost.