The Walk Humbly Podcast Catholic Diocese of Arlington

Every weekend, home improvement stores are filled with people braving long check-out lines, determined to tackle that project that will make their living space more attractive, pleasing, and perhaps increase its potential value. The “do-it-yourself” demographic features many who are accomplished carpenters or craftsmen. They simply follow directions or their own intuition to build something beautiful. But in our spiritual lives, going it alone does not work. Jesus reminds us that he is the vine — our strength — and we are the branches. Apart from him we can do nothing; but with him all things are possible. Our Lord asks only that we give him our best efforts, sacrifices, and hard work, and that we trust he will use these gifts in miraculous ways to bless and transform our lives — if only we stay attached to the vine.

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge: 
Implores the faithful to unite in prayer with Pope Francis to pray unceasingly for peace in the Middle East Highlights some of the diocesan schools honored for their outstanding commitment to military families within this Month of the Military Child  Explains more about the recently released declaration by the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith on human dignity, Dignitas Infinita; click here to read Bishop’s statement and the document Speaks of Catholic Charities Christ House as one of the treasures of the diocese in its service to the poor in Alexandria for the last 50 years; read his April column on this great work here 
Attributes the recent quality and quantity of vocations in our diocese to the grace of God, the prayers of the faithful, the leadership of Bishop Welsh, and the Poor Clares Offers encouragement for how to maintain Easter joy despite so much darkness in our world He also answers the following question from the faithful:
Can you comment on the oxymoron of “Christian nationalism”? Is it consistent with our faith?

How often when we pack for a trip do we add just one more item, then something else, and finally that last thing we must bring? We do the same in our daily lives. We run errands, shuttle from one appointment to the next, perhaps even eat lunch on the run. Soon our day becomes a whirlwind of activity, our task list becomes overburdened, and we accomplish little. In Sacred Scripture, Jesus told his apostles to leave anything behind that would weigh them down. We should do the same! What is the Lord asking you to surrender today? It could be fear, doubt, distress, or worldly possessions. Trust that, in Jesus, you have all you need. This will allow you to “travel lightly” throughout this day and always.

In April, our nation observes National Child Abuse Prevention Month —a time when we acknowledge, discuss, and find solutions for unimaginable crimes against children. It is estimated that more than 600,000 children are mistreated in the United States each year, either sexually, physically, emotionally, or by neglect, with neglect being the most prevalent. We must be diligent in our observations, looking for signs such as unexplainable injuries, disruptive behavior, fear of going home, or malnourishment. We must be vigilant, having heightened awareness and, most importantly, the courage to inform authorities immediately if we have a suspicion or knowledge of abuse or neglect. All of God’s children are infinitely valuable, and are to be loved, respected and treasured.

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge: 

 

Recaps Holy Week and the Triduum and shares how we can live as disciples of our Risen Lord this Easter season 
 
Invites all to continue to pray for victims and those affected by the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore 
 
Shares what we can learn about sacrifice from Pope Francis and Father Stephen Schultz, who served as chaplain of Saint Paul VI High School before suffering a stroke last year 
 
Expresses his deep disappointment at the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and White House proclaiming March 31 – Easter Sunday – as “Transgender Visibility Day” 
 
Explains why the president and all Catholics must reject a “cafeteria” approach to faith and be “all in” for the Lord, echoing Cardinal Wilton Gregory’s recent “Face the Nation” interview  
 
Previews Saturday’s Mass, where he will ordain 12 seminarians to the transitional diaconate 
 
Provides an update about an upcoming change to the Walk Humbly podcast

The celebration has just begun! This week we are filled with overwhelming elation and awe after hearing of the Resurrection of Our Lord. Jesus has transformed sadness into joy, darkness into light, and suffering into triumph. Filled with renewed spirit, we continue the Easter season, lifted up in joy, and always with the promise of eternal peace. Pledge to make the flame we lit at Easter continue to burn brightly; to embrace this season as an opportunity to make permanent changes in your life; to make prayer, penance, and almsgiving not just a Lenten experience but a life-long commitment to Jesus, the One who rose from the dead and gives us new life and invites us to be His light in the world.