Bishop Michael F. Burbidge

On October 4, 2016, Pope Francis named Bishop Burbidge the fourth Bishop of @ArlingtonChurch. He was installed on December 6, 2016.

[Bishop Michael F. Burbidge @BishopBurbidge]

Think of all the time you have spent worrying, only to discover the Lord was there to help you. No wonder he says: “Do not worry about tomorrow.” God will never abandon us. So, with renewed faith, put aside all worries today and rejoice in knowing the nearness of the Lord!

[Bishop Michael F. Burbidge @BishopBurbidge]

On Juneteenth, in which we celebrate the freedom of those who were previously enslaved, we pray that all forms of oppression and racism be eradicated in our country and that the inherent dignity of the human person be protected in our nation and throughout the world.

[Bishop Michael F. Burbidge @BishopBurbidge]

Jesus says: “For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” Examine how you spend your time and energy today and reflect upon where your heart truly lies. Are any adjustments necessary so your priorities are in order, especially in your relationship with the Lord?

[Bishop Michael F. Burbidge @BishopBurbidge]

Jesus tells us if we forgive others, our Heavenly Father will forgive us. It is not always easy to offer pardon, but it is possible! So, pray for the grace to let go of grudges and bitterness and to extend forgiveness. Then, you will know the Lord’s mercy and peace.

[Bishop Michael F. Burbidge @BishopBurbidge]

Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are not reserved for Lent. Jesus teaches us that they are time-tested disciplines that work! If we practice them on a daily basis, ever dependent upon God‘s grace, we will experience spiritual transformation and growth in holiness.

[Bishop Michael F. Burbidge @BishopBurbidge]

Surely, we pray for those we love and who are closest to us. Jesus tells us to add others to our list: those who have hurt, offended, and persecuted us. When we do, we reflect our love for God who desires our unity. May no one be excluded from our love and prayers this day.

[Bishop Michael F. Burbidge @BishopBurbidge]

When someone betrays or hurts us, the world tells us “to fight back.” Jesus tells us “to turn the other cheek.” Jesus does not ask the impossible and gives us the grace to forgive others as he has forgiven us. If we do as he says, we will know his peace.

[Bishop Michael F. Burbidge @BishopBurbidge]

As he did with the Twelve, Jesus calls you by name. Do not think of yourself as a stranger to the Lord. Speak to him heart to heart, friend to friend. Rejoice in his great love for you; strive daily to deepen this intimate relationship; and to live as his faithful disciple.

[Bishop Michael F. Burbidge @BishopBurbidge]

We find comfort in knowing that Mary’s Immaculate Heart is ever open to those who seek her help and intercession. So, entrust your burdens and concerns to her today and be assured that she will respond as a loving Mother in whom we find strength, protection, and consolation.

[Bishop Michael F. Burbidge @BishopBurbidge]

At times, our hearts are heavy, broken, and restless. But, that changes when we unite our hearts to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Then, we are reminded of his infinite love and divine mercy and experience an abundance of graces. “Within your heart, Jesus, I place my every care.”

[Bishop Michael F. Burbidge @BishopBurbidge]

Please be united in prayer today with the Bishops of the United States as we consecrate our nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. May we rely more deeply on his infinite love and divine mercy as we strive to bring his peace and the Truth of his Gospel to our world.

[Bishop Michael F. Burbidge @BishopBurbidge]

St. Barnabas encouraged others “to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart.” We may meet people today who are experiencing anxiety, stress, and even despair. Let’s encourage one another to rely on the Lord’s healing love and to stay strong in the faith we profess.

[Bishop Michael F. Burbidge @BishopBurbidge]

Jesus calls us to teach and to obey God’s commandments. Pause for a moment today and thank the Lord for the special people throughout your life who taught you the ways of God. Honor them by renewing your promise to follow the Lord and to obey his commands.

[Bishop Michael F. Burbidge @BishopBurbidge]

In a world experiencing much darkness, Jesus sends us forth to radiate his “Light.” We do so when we proudly live our faith; treat all persons with respect; forgive others; and reach out to those who need our compassion. Let your light “brighten” the lives of others this day.

[Bishop Michael F. Burbidge @BishopBurbidge]

We can often forget that our ultimate destination is eternal life with God and the saints. Read the Beatitudes (Mt. 5:1-12) to see if you are on the right path. Pray you may hear these words when God calls you home: “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”

[Bishop Michael F. Burbidge @BishopBurbidge]

As we celebrate Corpus Christi and always, may we make sure that we never casually or passively approach the altar to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus. Instead, may we be filled with “Eucharistic wonder and awe” and express profound thanks for this most precious gift.

[Bishop Michael F. Burbidge @BishopBurbidge]

Please pray for the seven men who will be ordained our newest priests today. Also, take a few moments to reflect on the vocation God has given you and examine your response. Pray daily for the grace “to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received.”

[Bishop Michael F. Burbidge @BishopBurbidge]

St. Boniface: “In her voyage across the ocean of this world, the church is like a great ship being pounded by the waves of life’s different stresses. Our duty is not to abandon ship but to keep her on her course.” May we do so by living, teaching, and defending her teachings.

[Bishop Michael F. Burbidge @BishopBurbidge]

Our nation will only know peace and unity if we renew our promise to follow the greatest of the commandments: to love God with all our heart and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves. With the Lord’s grace, may we love today as he commands.

[Bishop Michael F. Burbidge @BishopBurbidge]

Live your faith proudly and do not be fearful or intimidated. Allow your example of love and spiritual discipline to inspire others. St. Paul says all this is possible because “God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but of power, love, and self-control.” Let these gifts shine!