Walk Humbly

The commandment is clear: "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain." This is not merely a rule, but an invitation to deeper love and respect.

God's name must never be expressed in anger, become a habit of casual speech, or a careless word. God's name is holy. It deserves our awe, gratitude, and reverence.

I invite you to promise anew to honor God's Holy Name and the name of his son—speaking it only in prayer, praise, and thanksgiving, in your home, workplace and wherever you may be. Be faithful today and always to the command: "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain."

On this episode of Walk Humbly, Bishop Burbidge introduces his latest pastoral letter, "The Divine Physician and a Christian Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing." He shares what inspired him to write this pastoral letter now and what he wants people who are struggling—or caring for someone who is struggling—to hear today.

Bishop Burbidge also expounds upon his statement on Human Dignity and the Threat of a Virginia Constitutional Amendment to the Human Right to Life, in which he asks us to renew our commitment to the Gospel of life and the protection of every human life—from conception to natural death.

In advance of Catholic Schools Week, celebrated January 25-31, Bishop invites us to give thanks for the great gift of Catholic education in our diocese.

Discover the latest Porta Fidei course: The Human Person with Fr. Paul Scalia. Stream today!

Walk Humbly welcomes listener questions for Bishop Burbidge. Call or text (703) 778-9100 anytime with your question. Connect with Walk Humbly and Bishop Burbidge by texting WALKHUMBLY to 84576 for occasional alerts and updates.

Daily news media, whether on television or social media, is often troubling and unsettling, particularly because the media seems to focus excessively on the tragic and even dehumanizing stories of conflict, violence, or war. Why not take a moment to consider some good news?

Life is a gift. Every human person is a masterpiece of God's creative love, endowed—as our Declaration of Independence states, with "certain inalienable rights" that include "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness".

May we commit ourselves to public witness to these truths, respecting the gift of our own life and the lives of others. In the eyes of God, all possess an infinite dignity as Temples of the Holy Spirit.

And may we come together to ensure the sanctity of life is defended, protected, and celebrated—always.

As America commemorates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, it is fitting to recall that Dr. King's Christian faith inspired his public advocacy for civil rights.

Dr. King famously proclaimed that "darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." Dr. King confronted the darkness in sin in his generation, which took the form of racial injustice—and his witness helped to transform society for the better because his vision of justice was rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ.

As we reflect on his witness, may we renew our commitment to non-violent advocacy for justice, a spirit of love that overcomes division, and a desire for all to know our Lord, the light who conquers the darkness.

Each January, many of us make resolutions—perhaps promising to eat better, exercise more, or distinguish ourselves in our careers. We can be confident that resolutions like these are good things, even as we consider how our resolutions might serve others.

As we consider resolutions that may define this year ahead, may we resolve to daily keep our eyes open to the person God wants us to serve.

Scripture reminds us of the "Lazarus" at our doorstep—the person in need of our time, compassion, or simple kindness. That person may be a loved one longing for our attention, a coworker carrying unseen burdens, or a neighbor who feels forgotten.

May the graces of this new year strengthen your resolve to do good and to always respond generously and selflessly to the needs of others.

At Christmas, we celebrate the most wonderful gift—God's love made visible in the birth of his son, our Savior. The Lord's coming reminds us that no matter where we are in life, we are never alone. God enters our world to bring peace, joy, and hope to every heart.

Amid the celebrations and festivity, may we take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of this holy season: the gift of love that inspires us to care for one another, to heal broken relationships, and to share generously with those around us and in need.

In whatever way you celebrate Christmas, may the light of Christ fill your heart with lasting peace and joy.

May the graces of the Christmas season renew you in faith, keep you joyful in hope and constant in your love of God and one another.

On this episode of Walk Humbly, hear Bishop Burbidge call to the faithful to prayer for the victims of the recent tragic shootings in Australia and Rhode Island.

Tune in to also hear him comment on the presidential message on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the other news out of Australia: the country's total social media ban for children under the age of 16.

With gratitude to the faithful, Bishop also shares some impact data from the diocesan Week of Service last month.

Please pray for Bishop Paul Loverde as he celebrates 60 years of the priesthood on December 18!

Enroll in the latest course on Porta Fidei — The Heart of Prayer with Mary Stanford.

And hear Bishop Burbidge's answer to this listener question: "Do you have any advice for making the most of the Christmas season, and does he make New Years resolutions?"

Walk Humbly welcomes listener questions for Bishop Burbidge. Call or text (703) 778-9100 anytime with your question. Connect with Walk Humbly and Bishop Burbidge by texting WALKHUMBLY to 84576 for occasional alerts and updates.

As winter begins and the air grows colder, we naturally seek the warmth of home and the company of friends and family whose company and love are encouragements amid the cold darkness of the season.

Yet, if we carefully reflect, we may see that the truest friend we have is God himself, the true and lasting source of every blessing. When we invite him to come into our lives, he offers a light that brightens even the darkest days.

When we ask God to come to us, and when we resolve to stay close to him, his presence inspires us to bring light and hope to others, especially those in greatest need.

As we prepare for Christmas, may we all draw closer together in the light of God, filling our hearts and homes with lasting joy.

Jesus calls us to practice the virtue of humility. In a world that often celebrates self-promotion and financial or material success, humility reminds us that every gift we have—our achievements, our careers, our talents, even our very breath—comes from God. Humility leads us to rely on God and his grace and let go of pride and vanity.

When we walk humbly, we become more compassionate, more aware of the needs of others, and more patient. Humility liberates us from our ego and helps us to forgive and to serve—especially those who may be forgotten or are struggling. Humility transforms our hearts and allows God's peace to take root within us.

May you walk humbly with your God as we prepare for Christmas, finding strength and peace in his loving presence.

On this episode of Walk Humbly, hear Bishop Burbidge share his thoughts on Pope Leo XIV's remarks to the youth of America attending the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) and to the people of Turkey and Lebanon on his first apostolic visit as Holy Father. In case you missed it: watch youth from our own diocese share their experience with ETWN.

How has the nation and our Church grown in awareness and support for persons with disabilities? Bishop weighs in. Be sure to check out the recent release of Indispensable: A Catholic Guide to Welcoming Persons with Intellectual and Development Disabilities, written by Mark Bradford with a foreword by Bishop Burbidge.

Watch the Virginia Trappist Monks (celebrating 75 years!) in action.

View the media gallery of the recent Prayer Service for Unity and Healing in the United States.

Become a member of the new Assembly of Catholic Professionals.

What's upcoming:

Novena for Couples Struggling with Infertility, Miscarriage & Infant Death begins December 4; Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Monday, December 8 (a holy day of obligation)

Finally, Bishop Burbidge answers the listener question: "Every Advent I tell myself that I will be more peaceful and more prayerful, but before I know it I am feeling anxiety and uncertainty about all things Christmas, what gifts to buy, the concerns and logistics of family at Christmas itself, the dinner, you name it. Can you please offer some practical advice on how I can just have a calm day and be at peace…"

Walk Humbly welcomes listener questions for Bishop Burbidge. Call or text (703) 778-9100 anytime with your question. Connect with Walk Humbly and Bishop Burbidge by texting WALKHUMBLY to 84576 for occasional alerts and updates.