Jul 27, 2020
This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. Soon, many of us will face new beginnings as we continue stepping out into a new world. Schools and colleges will open with different rules and regulations. Work and travel routines have already changed with some only recently returning to the office environment. It reminds me of the time Jesus told Peter to step out onto the water. When Peter focused on Jesus, he walked on the turbulent water, but when he was overcome with fear and took his eye off Jesus, he sank. With trust in God and profound faith, we too can do what seems too challenging. As Saint John Paul II reminded us more than 40 years ago: “Be Not Afraid.” Be not afraid to embrace new beginnings; be not afraid to move forward in the face of fear; and, like Peter, be not afraid to take the hand of Jesus in stormy seas and step out into the deep.