Walk Humbly

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.

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.

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.

September is Suicide Prevention Month—a time to remind each other: you are not alone. If you are struggling, please know there is help, there is hope, and there are people who care. Don't delay, Reach out soon. To friends and families: be present, listen without judgment, and notice when someone is hurting. A simple act of kindness can be life-saving. Scripture tells us to "bear one another's burdens"—because none of us are meant to walk alone. We are called to lift each other up, especially those who are suffering physically, mentally, and emotionally. May we be a community that surrounds one another with compassion, hope, love and celebrate together the precious gift of life.

On the latest episode of The Walk Humbly Podcast, Bishop Burbidge:    Reflects on the one-year anniversary of the dedication of the new altar at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More; watch this brief recap   Shares how we can look to Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati for inspiration—and now intercession—as their canonizations near; learn more about the traits that unite the first two saints to be canonized by Pope Leo XIV   Reinforces why we can and should never underestimate the power of prayer in time of tragedy, while at the same time remaining ever vigilant in our approach to the security of our diocesan parishes and schools    Previews the 10th Annual Mass Honoring Military and First Responders taking place September 14 at 11 a.m. at Saint Leo the Great Catholic Church   Reminds us of our unity in the one Body of Christ as we soon observe National Migration Week (September 22-28)   Promotes the release of the 2025 election resources from the Virginia Catholic Conference offering Catholics key information for the election season ahead

On Labor Day, we honor the dignity of work and the dignity of every worker. Whether in offices, fields, homes, or hospitals—the labor of every man and woman matters. Earnest labor builds families, strengthens communities, and shapes our world. May Labor Day be more than a time of rest—may it also be a time for gratitude. Gratitude for those who work quietly behind the scenes. The Lord worked with his hands, walked among the weary, and lifted up the burdened. He reminds us that every job done with love has immeasurable value in the eyes of God. May we strive for fairness, justice, and respect in every workplace— and hold in prayer those who are unemployed or underemployed, that they may find meaningful opportunities and renewed hope. Happy Labor Day.

Jesus says, "Give to the one who asks of you." Our Lord challenges us to be loving and responsive to our brothers and sisters.   What our brothers and sisters ask of us are not usually material things. What others really ask of us are friendship and spiritual companionship. We owe one another our attention, compassion, forgiveness, respect, and quality time. When we give of ourselves selflessly and sacrificially we give the most special gift of all.  Ask God to transform our hearts and equip us to respond with love to those who need us. And when we give of ourselves to others, our Lord will use what we offer to them in miraculous ways.