Bishop Burbidge
@BishopBurbidge
On October 4, 2016, Pope Francis named Bishop Burbidge the fourth Bishop of @arlingtonchurch. He was installed on December 6, 2016.
Mary Magdalene recognized our Risen Lord when he called her name. Jesus also knows us by name and accompanies us at every moment of our lives. He is calling us to an intimate friendship with him. So in your prayer, speak with him as One who loves and knows you by name.
We can often go through a day without noticing the countless signs of God’s presence in our midst nor listening to his voice speaking to our hearts. Let’s slow down today mindful of the words of Jesus: “Blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.”
Like Martha we are often “anxious and worried about many things.” So, we must imitate Mary who knew the importance of simply “being” and sitting at the feet of Jesus. Try to find a few moments to be still and quiet with the Lord today. It will relieve anxiety and bring serenity.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever” (Psalm 136). When we express contrition and the desire to begin anew, no sin is greater than God’s mercy. Maybe the Lord is inviting you to celebrate this precious gift today in the Sacrament of Penance.
We celebrate today St. Camillus, patron of the sick and nurses. In his honor, pray specifically for those who assist with your medical care and ask the Lord to keep them as instruments of his healing love. Also, take time today to call or visit someone you know who is suffering.
I am deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury caused by the military attack on the Holy Family Catholic Church in #Gaza. I assure the parish community of my spiritual closeness. I commend the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, and pray for…
We think of the crosses in our lives and may be confused when Jesus says: “My burden is light.” His point is that if we try to carry them alone, they will always be too heavy. United or “yoked” to him we will always find the strength we need. No wonder he says: “Come to me.”
As we call upon the intercession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel with special devotion today, may she help us in our daily climb to faithfulness, holiness, purity, and “childlike” trust in her Son’s love, mercy, and protection. Pray the rosary or at least a decade for this intention.
As you carry out your daily work, responsibilities and tasks, remember the encouraging words of Saint Bonaventure: “A constant fidelity in small things is a great and heroic virtue.” Give the Lord your best in all you do. Living in such a manner makes for an extraordinary day!
At a time when our world must heed the call to unity we seek the intercession of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American to be canonized a saint. Through her prayers, may all of us from every nation, tribe, and tongue magnify the Lord in a single hymn of praise.
The Good Samaritan parable reminds us that our busy lives and self-interest can cause us to miss seeing the person who needs our compassion and kindness. Often, that person is right in front of us at home, work, or community. Pray God, we see and respond to that person today.
Jesus says our faith is a gift to be shared. We must courageously and lovingly speak to others about the Lord and the truth of his Gospel. He conveys the eternal reward to follow: “Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my Heavenly Father.”
St. Benedict reminds us that living purely and chastely requires radical action on our part: “It is useless to subdue the flesh by abstinence, unless we give up our irregular life, and abandon vices which defile our soul.” We can only do so through prayer and with God’s grace.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus cures the sick, drives out demons, and brings new life to his people. He longs to do the same for us. For that reason, Pope Leo says: “Let us go to Jesus. He can heal us. He can revive us. Jesus is our hope!”
In summoning the Twelve, Jesus called them by name. This reality reminds us of words from St. John Paul II: “The human being is unique and unrepeatable, someone thought of and chosen from eternity, someone called and identified by name.” You are no stranger to the Lord!
Jesus invites us to seek his healing power by confessing our sins and showing him our wounds, hurts, fears, and distress. When we approach him in faith and trust, we experience a strength beyond our own and the love that heals, restores, and brings new life.
Jesus healed a woman who suffered for 12 years. God’s time is not our time. With faith and trust, always be ready for and open to the miraculous ways God will bring you healing and new life. It may even be today!
When Jesus sent his disciples to proclaim the Gospel, he told them not to take anything that would distract them with the assurance that his grace would be sufficient. Today, do not let fear, worry, or worldly concerns weigh you down. Instead, with God’s grace, travel lightly!
May we be united in prayer for the victims of the catastrophic flood in Texas, for those still missing, and for those involved with rescue attempts. May God bring comfort, healing, and strength to the entire community at this difficult time.