Walk Humbly

One of the highlights for our diocese is a weeklong Work Camp where each summer hundreds of high schoolers gather together and partner with contractors to complete service projects for those in grave need throughout the region. This year, the circumstances kept the group from being centrally located. Instead of cancelling the week and enjoying free time, our campers insisted on adapting to the circumstances and ensuring those in need were helped to the best of their ability.

In a Bible parable, the Lord tells us that “wheat and weeds”/goodness and evil often co-exist. We know that to be true. We currently see the weeds in our nation in the form of racism, injustice, and violence. Yet, the wheat is also present in the Truth of God’s word calling us to revere life; to respect the dignity of all persons; and to serve those in need. We see weeds in our lives in the form of our sins and failures.

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. The delays, postponements, and cancellations caused by the coronavirus have caused disappointment, frustration, and even anger for many. Such frustration is to be expected when our lives are upended so dramatically. Ever so slightly we are adapting to a new normal, and regaining a sense of balance in our lives. But we learned a valuable lesson during these unsettling days.

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. Soon, many of us will face new beginnings as we continue stepping out into a new world. Schools and colleges will open with different rules and regulations. Work and travel routines have already changed with some only recently returning to the office environment. It reminds me of the time Jesus told Peter to step out onto the water.

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. One of the most comforting images we see after an unforeseen disaster or, more recently, a global pandemic, is that once we absorb the initial shock, we witness the loving presence of others to those in need. The result was a stronger sense of community and a generous desire to help our brothers and sisters. People contributed to their churches and charitable organizations so that essential outreach ministries could continue.

As many of us find our summer plans have changed, we have an opportune time for personal and family assessment. We continue to navigate many challenges, but it is self-defeating to allow pessimism and trepidation to control us. Instead, let us make it our summer goal to identify ways to face the future with optimism and hope. For instance, what can you do to be a better father or mother, brother or sister, son or daughter, and add joy to those around you?

In this week’s episode of the Walk Humbly Podcast, Bishop Burbidge discusses:

Black Lives Matter is both a statement and an organization. Do we have to support both?

Is the movement to tear down statues just?

Should police departments be defunded?

What will Catholic school education look like in 2020?

Bishop Burbidge also answers this question from a listener:

Does the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass apply if I visit another diocese?

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington.

Our celebration of Independence Day reminded us of our gratitude for the precious gift of freedom and of the sacrifices so many have made and continue to make to protect the freedom that is ours. Sadly, some think freedom means that we can do whatever we want; whenever we want. That is not the case.

This weekend is the Fourth of July, and it will no doubt feel differently than it ever has before. A day of parades, fireworks, and other activities will likely look much different. But in recent months, we've seen Americans supporting one another and taking drastic steps to be part of the solution. Clearly this nation still embodies the sense of sacrifice and grit necessary to uphold the common good.

Watch (or listen) to the Walk Humbly Podcast live from WorkCamp 2020. Many changes were made to ensure young people still had the opportunity to assist those in need, but WorkCamp is still happening. Bishop Burbidge speaks with 5 young people about their experience and why they decided to come, despite the challenging circumstances.