Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, reflected on the ongoing federal government shutdown and the recent Virginia elections in his latest podcast episode, urging elected officials to work together and Catholics to stay engaged in serving the common good.
In his “Walk Humbly” podcast released Nov. 5, Bishop Burbidge said the shutdown — now the longest in history — is “so sad,” saying elected officials “have the sacred duty to serve the people and to work together.”
“A shutdown is just a result of one side holding strong and the other side doing the same and not coming together,” the bishop continued. “And so we pray for our elected officials, that they find that path in service to the people, and we can’t shut down like this.”
He noted that many in his diocese and community are struggling as the shutdown drags on.
“It has so many negative consequences and impacts people without pay, without being able to get food,” he said.
Thanking Catholic Charities and local parishes for stepping up to help those in need, Bishop Burbidge noted that diocesan food pantries are now operating at full capacity.
“We want to make sure we’re in a position where we can at least provide people with the basic necessities of life,” he said, “including food and clothing and housing.”
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Turning to Virginia’s Nov. 4 elections, Bishop Burbidge lamented the harsh tone of this year’s political campaigns.
“Instead of speaking about policy and what we can do to help people, we saw so many negative attack ads on both sides,” he said. “And I just think there’s just no place in politics for that, and it’s very disheartening.”
Still, he reminded Catholics to give thanks for the gift of freedom that allows them to participate in the political process and to pray to those who were elected.
“Our catechism often reminds us that it’s necessary that we all participate in the democratic process of electing leaders,” Bishop Burbidge said. “And it’s necessary — the catechism says — that all participate each according to his position and role in promoting the common good.”
He added that even if “the people we voted for did not win,” “we all have the duty the day after the election to pray for those who did win, because now they’re in these roles of service.”
“We pray that the Holy Spirit will grant them wisdom, enlighten them, and lead them and guide them in all their decisions to support the common good, the sanctity of life, the dignity that belongs to each and every person, and look out for those in most need,” he said.
As CatholicVote reported, Democrat Abigail Spanberger defeated Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears in Virginia’s gubernatorial race Nov. 4, and Democrat Jay Jones unseated Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares in his bid for re-election.
Bishop Burbidge also urged continued engagement as Virginia faces key moral battles, including efforts to enshrine abortion in the state constitution and to legalize physician-assisted suicide.
“As Election Day is over, I just remind our faithful: our duty is not over,” he said. “We pray, but we also have to engage actively in our advocacy, stay in contact with our officials, participate in the March for Life, visit our officials.”
In the episode, Bishop Burbidge also highlighted upcoming diocesan initiatives, including the upcoming Week of Service (Nov. 9-16) and the celebration of Black Catholic History Month. He said black Catholic leaders “continue to speak to us in this day and age of having the courage to speak out, to do our part to eradicate racism, bigotry, and any lack of unity.”
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