God always hears us. His response may not come in the way we expect—or when we expect it—but it always comes from a loving Father who knows what is best for us.

Sometimes the answer is "yes," sometimes "not yet," and sometimes "I have something even better in mind." That is why we are called to persevere in prayer with the trust of a child—confident that our Father will provide all we truly need.

Pause and remember how God has already come to your aid in the past. Those graces are reminders that he is faithful to all he promises.

So, do not lose heart. Keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking. Remember: your prayers are never in vain, and God is always listening.

Our elected officials shape the future of our Commonwealth. Every election day reminds us of the importance of active and thoughtful participation in American democracy.

We each share the responsibility of forming our consciences in the truth so that we can not only vote wisely, but also live responsibly in service to the common good. This requires reflection on the issues, a willingness to listen to one another with respect, and the courage to uphold the dignity of every human person as a child of God and all that is right, just, and true.

While elections are always important, may we remember the deeper importance of civility, integrity, and the happiness that comes by building a society rooted in the virtues where all share a dedication to the common good.

On the latest episode of The Walk Humbly Podcast, Bishop Burbidge:

• Recaps the recent Mass for Marriage Jubilarians celebrating 25 and 50 years of marriage; access the media gallery here

• Previews annual liturgies in our diocese, including a Mass for homeschool families, All Saints Day, and All Souls' Day

• Speaks further on Pope Leo's XIV first apostolic exhortation, Dilexi te

• Shares what is at stake this election season with every seat in the House of Delegates on the ballot

• Highlights the upcoming National Vocation Awareness Week (November 2-8) and recalls the invaluable role one priest in his life served in his own discernment of the priesthood

• Answers a question from the faithful: "When God gives someone a special talent such as singing well or playing an instrument well, how do we use those talents for God and not get prideful when people tell us that we did really well?"

In the Gospel, Jesus tells us that even faith the size of a mustard seed – small and seemingly insignificant – can grow into something meaningful. With God's grace, the smallest acts of love and kindness can change lives in ways we may never fully see.

Holding the door. Offering a smile. Asking someone how they are really doing. These simple gestures, done with care, speak volumes. They remind others that they are seen, valued, and loved.

Never underestimate the impact of a small act done with great love. In a world that longs for compassion, your kindness can help plant seeds of hope, healing, and joy.

Even the smallest act can make a big difference. Ask God to work miraculously in and through you this day.

On Columbus Day, we reflect on the spirit of exploration that led Christopher Columbus to set sail more than 500 years ago. Arriving ashore in the Americas in 1492, he opened a passageway to a new world and carried with it a desire to share the Christian faith.

As Americans, we give thanks for the blessing of living in "one nation under God indivisible, with liberty and justice for all". Our national unity, under God's divine protection, is reflected in our nation's motto: e pluribus unum, "out of many, one".

Together, may we grow in shared loved for our national past and look with hopefulness toward our future. And may we reflect on how to deepen our unity as brothers and sisters who live together in harmony, forging a new and beautiful chapter in our national history.

Our latest episode of The Walk Humbly Podcast, Bishop Burbidge:

• Comments on Pope Leo's XIV anticipated first apostolic exhortation, Dilexi te ("I have loved you") on caring for the poor and encourages us to read the document in full

• Expands upon his column in the Arlington Catholic Herald what the Catholic Church teaches on migration: "We don't tire of doing the work of welcoming the stranger in our midst…. [for] in doing so we welcome Christ"

• Shares why news of the recent FDA approval of a new generic version of the chemical abortion drug, mifepristone, is deeply troubling and thus a call to prayer and action

• Recaps some of the central messages of his homily from the recent Mass for Domestic Violence Awareness Month at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

• Offers perspective on awards and honors for Catholic politicians; read his statement

• Celebrates the 230th anniversary of the Basilica of Saint Mary in Alexandria, inviting all parishioners to gratitude and renewal; see the coverage

• Explains why the message of Pope Francis' encyclical Fratelli tutti — published five years ago — remains relevant today; read his statement

• Encourages the faithful to renew their commitment to pray the Rosary daily this month for peace, echoing the invitation of the Holy Father; learn more

As autumn arrives, the air cools, the days shorten, and the leaves fall. The season is a reminder that life itself is always in motion. The question is: as the leaves change, will we?

God invites us to see change not with fear, but with hope. Each new season holds the promise of growth, renewal, and grace. Just as trees let go of their leaves, perhaps this is the time to release our burdens, forgive old hurts, or open ourselves to new possibilities.

Fall also invites us to gratitude—for harvest, for family, for the beauty all around us. And during change, we discover God's steady presence, guiding us forward.

May this season inspire you to embrace change with courage, trust, and the hope that God makes all things new.

Yes, it is still baseball season, and the playoffs are here!

The pursuit of victory and thrill of achievement are good things we all strive for—on the field, at work, and in life. Although winning rightly excites us, it is the way we play that defines who we are. The effort, discipline, teamwork, and even setbacks all play a role in helping us grow.

Life works the same way. Success is important, but the way we live each day—how we serve God, treat others, and live with integrity—matters even more.

So, as you cheer for your favorite team, take a moment to reflect on the daily "innings" of life that allow you to put forth your best self and to win what matters most: the favor of God!

On the latest episode of The Walk Humbly Podcast, Bishop Burbidge:

• Recaps what a blessing it was to attend the CALLED Conference and celebrate Mass for hundreds of young adults from throughout the diocese
• Summarizes key points of his statement for National Migration Week
• Reflects on the joyful occasion of meeting the Eastern Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew; read more about his recent apostolic visit to Falls Church

• Shares why October, when we observe both Respect Life Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, is a sacred—and especially critical—time to renew our commitment to the dignity of every human life
  • Bishop Burbidge will be the principal celebrant and homilist for a Mass in Observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the Upper Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on October 4 at 4:30pm

• Conveys gratitude to all catechists for their dedication to forming children, teens, and adults in the Catholic faith

• Announces the launch of a new online educational platform, Porta Fidei
  • Access the premiere course Finding Jesus in the Gospels with Fr. John Riley

At the heart of our faith is the truth that we belong to one another. We are not isolated individuals, but members of God's family—brothers and sisters in Christ. Each person is a gift, created in God's image, entrusted to us for love and care.

When we honor the dignity of others, celebrate their unique talents, and lift them up in faith, we make visible the unity that God desires for his people. Our diversity—within the unity of the human family—reflects God's creative love.

So today, may we be newly attentive to those around us: offering encouragement, extending compassion, and building one another up.

In doing so, we remind the world that true peace and joy are found when we live as one family, united in God's love.