Walk Humbly

Advent is a time of hope, joyful expectation, and most importantly, preparation. Amid the noise and busyness of the holiday season, Advent is a season "set apart", inviting us to slow down, reflect, and prepare our hearts.

It is easy to become distracted by lists, schedules, and social obligations, but true preparation begins with a focus on what truly matters: our spiritual lives and relationship with the Lord.

As we journey through the sacred season of Advent, take a few quiet moments each day to turn toward God in prayer. Consider asking him to create within you a pure heart and prepare you for the coming of his son at Christmas.

May this season fill you with renewed hope and true peace as we prepare to welcome the Light of the World into our hearts and homes.

As we gather around our tables at Thanksgiving, may our hearts be filled with gratitude—for the gift of life, for family and friends, and for the countless blessings we often take for granted. By asking God for the graces of humility and gratitude, we may see that even in challenging times, there is always reason to give thanks.

May we also remember those who are lonely, hungry, or struggling this season. A simple act of kindness, a word of encouragement, or a shared meal can bring light to another's life and reflect God's love in our world.

May this Thanksgiving be a joyful one, whatever our circumstances, and may our hearts overflow with a special thanks to God, the author of our lives and the source of every good gift.

On this episode of Walk Humbly, hear Bishop Burbidge share significant takeaways from his time with his brother bishops in Baltimore at the USCCB General Assembly. He elaborates on the USCCB's Special Message on Immigration, highlights the Church's consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in June 2026, and addresses new health care directives on gender issues.

Tune in also to learn of some of Bishop Burbidge's Thanksgiving traditions (including a tradition he encourages all the faithful to consider!) and hear about some of his favorite films.

What's upcoming: Prayer Service for Unity and Healing in the United States: Monday, November 24.

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.

Today's world offers all of us, and especially young people, so many paths and possibilities—but it also leaves many of us searching for deeper meaning and lasting peace. True contentment is found not in what we achieve or possess, but in genuine personal relationships that give life purpose—especially our relationship with God.

Every day presents a new opportunity for each of us to grow with God and grow in relationship with others. In our world of seemingly endless possibilities, true contentment may be found simply by learning to truly "see" and spend quality time with our family, our friends, our colleagues, and those we encounter throughout our days.

True personal relationships, when rooted in faith, hope, and love, can change our lives—and even the world—for the better.

Each November we mark Veterans Day, a special time to honor all the brave men and women who have served our nation in uniform—those who have sacrificed to protect our God-given freedoms.

To serve in America's Armed Forces, virtues like courage, faith, and perseverance are required, not optional. Our veterans visibly remind us that patriotic service to one's country is one of life's most noble callings.

To all our veterans and their families—thank you. Your dedication reminds us of the responsibility to use our freedoms always for good, and inspires us to grow in gratitude and a spirit of service in our own lives and in our communities, for the good of our country.

May God bless all who serve, and may he bless the United States of America.

On this episode of Walk Humbly, hear Bishop Burbidge share how our parishes and Catholic Charities are stepping up to support those in need during what has become the longest-ever federal government shutdown. Bishop Burbidge also calls the faithful to action and prayer for all newly elected officials, extends an invitation to celebrate the heroic witness of Black Catholics on the way to sainthood this Black Catholics History Month, and reflects on the Diocesan Week of Service and past memorable service projects in his own life.

What's upcoming: Diocesan Week of Service: November 9-16; United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Fall Plenary Assembly: November 10-13; Prayer Service for Unity and Healing in the United States: Monday, November 24; Virginia Pro-Life Day on Thursday, January 15, 2026

Walk Humbly welcomes listener questions for Bishop Burbidge. Call or text (703) 778-9100 anytime with your question. This week, Bishop answers: "Why do we pray for the dead when their time on earth is over? Wouldn't God have already given his judgment by the time we pray for the soul of a departed loved one or friend?"

Connect with Walk Humbly and Bishop Burbidge by texting WALKHUMBLY to 84576 for occasional alerts and updates.

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.