January is Poverty Awareness Month. So many of us are blessed to be emerging from a Christmas season enjoying a warm home and an abundance of good fellowship and celebration. Yet tragically, more than 37 million Americans live in poverty. More than 1.5 million children experience homelessness each year. We can do our part to alleviate poverty in our midst. We can commit to sharing our resources with those in need; support charitable organizations that help those in poverty; and pray daily for those without the necessities of life we take for granted. We can do better, starting with a concrete act of charity today. May we ask our Lord for the grace to be more aware, more vigilant, and more compassionate for the sake of all our brothers and sisters experiencing need.

Saint Teresa of Calcutta once said, "Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today." Each new day is a gift from God—an opportunity to do good, to grow in love, and to make a difference.

January is Poverty Awareness Month, a time when we are reminded that so many around us are in need of hope—a kind word, a helping hand, or simply someone who cares. Acts of compassion, no matter how small, have the power to lift others up and bring light where it is most needed.

May we resolve each day to search out someone in need, serving them in their spiritual and material needs alike, so that at the end of each day, we are able to say to God that we gave our very best.

A new year brings new opportunities, new ways of looking at things and, perhaps, new challenges. We make resolutions, promise ourselves that this will be the year we keep them, but we all know that in a week, a month, or if we are fortunate, maybe longer, we will often fall short of our goals. We may have good intentions, convinced we have learned from past years when our expectations seemed reasonable and in reach, yet were ultimately unattainable. But there may be an explanation. Many times the reason is because we are relying mostly on our own will, determination, and strength rather than God's grace and daily help. With him, all things are possible. Entrust your New Year's resolution to the Lord and do your best—day by day.

At Christmas, we hear the proclamation: "For unto us a Savior is born who is Christ and Lord." This good news of great joy is the reason for our renewed faith and hope. In a world experiencing so much unrest, a Savior is born who announces peace, brings glad tidings, and comforts his people. In a nation that is divided, a Savior is born who unites us as God's holy family, as brothers and sisters. In our lives, when we are overwhelmed by our crosses and sufferings, a Savior is born who embraces us in his love and mercy with the strength and grace we need. And for all these gifts, the Lord asks only our faithfulness. May the peace and joy that only Christ can give be yours at Christmas, and always.

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge:

• Shares his plans to visit the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center to celebrate an annual Mass for the incarcerated, affirming God's call to minister to those who are alone and may feel forgotten

• Previews two Christmas Eve Masses he will celebrate at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More at 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. — catch the 10 p.m. Mass on December 24 via livestream at this link

• Highlights the good news tucked inside this year's Annual Report — now available!
• Invites all to join him at the Opening Mass for the Holy Year 2025 on January 5, at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More

• Reminds us to register for Life Fest — a collaborative event of Life is VERY Good with the Sisters of Life and the Knights of Columbus preparing for the annual March of Life — beginning with the Night of Praise on January 23 and a Morning Rally on January 24

He also answers the following question from the faithful:

"I heard at Mass that Pope Francis declared 2025 as a jubilee year for the whole church. I remember the Jubilee in 2000 fondly and traveled to Rome that year on pilgrimage. But I cannot travel overseas this time, and I imagine there are others in my situation. How can I mark the year to come?"

Sacred Scripture invites us every year at this time to rejoice always! But even during the Advent season filled with many blessings we may ask: "how is it possible to rejoice always?" We are aware of war and violence throughout our world. We see division and unrest in our nation. Many people are dealing with emotional and mental health issues, including distress and anxiety. All of us carry some type of burden and cross. So how is it possible to rejoice always? We can rejoice because we know the Lord is in our midst. He is always there to provide us comfort and consolation, and to love, heal, and forgive us, for the One whose birth we celebrate anew is the One alone who can give us the peace for which we long. In him, we have every reason to rejoice!

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge:

• Comments on this weekend's reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

• Endorses a new video series on lectio divina led by Fr. Jonathan Smith and Fr. Jesus Muñoz

• Highlights the Church's Holy Year 2025 ahead and encourages us not only to be pilgrims but messengers of hope

• Shares his enthusiasm for the announcement of the 2025 canonizations of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio

• Previews Life Fest — a collaborative event of Life is VERY Good with the Sisters of Life and the Knights of Columbus — beginning with the Night of Praise on January 23 and a Morning Rally on January 24

He also answers the following question from the faithful:

"I will be traveling home for Christmas to visit family. I love my family, even though most of them are not practicing their Catholic faith or have become basically atheists. I want to be a good witness during our time together as a family but am unsure how to evangelize without causing family drama or being accused of pushing my beliefs. What should I do?"

As Christmas approaches we should remember to take a break; specifically, to think less of ourselves and what we want, and more about others. Look out for those you love and know who may be having some difficulties at this time of year, especially those who are may be overwhelmed or alone. Give them what they need most: your time and listening ear. We should also renew our promise to give quality time to the Lord. Be still, quiet, and restful in his presence, the One who longs to embrace us in his love and mercy. Making time for the Lord and others is the perfect way to prepare for the celebration of Christmas!

As we begin the Season of Advent, we are called to be awake, to be ready, and to be vigilant so we may be prepared on the day Jesus returns in glory. So, throughout Advent, slow down; be sincerely prayerful; seek God's mercy; forgive others; be charitable and help those in need. Keep your priorities in order and draw ever closer to the Lord. Advent also reminds us not to put things off or wait until tomorrow what you can do today. In these ways, you will truly prepare your heart for the celebration of Christmas.

Thanksgiving Day allows us to gather with family and friends to share a meal and reflect upon the many blessings in our lives. Hopefully your Thanksgiving will be one of true gratitude as you offer thanks to God, the source of all good gifts, including the gifts of life, faith, and freedom. We also remember those who are experiencing challenges or struggles. There are many who may not be able to enjoy a warm meal, or who may have an empty seat at their table. As we give thanks to God for his abundant graces, may we commit in some way to reach out to our brothers and sisters in need and share our time and resources with them. What a perfect way to reflect our Thanksgiving to the Lord for all he has done for us.