WASHINGTON — Noting that in today’s society, “the justice and peace for which we long are seriously threatened,” Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Va., told those involved in the administration of justice that such societal ills could be healed “by listening to God’s word and allowing it to reign in our hearts.”
“Imagine the darkness and evils that would be eradicated, if we heard the word of God and followed it,” Bishop Burbidge said, adding, “There is a natural law written in every human heart by God the Creator, and from this, all human laws must flow.”
Bishop Burbidge was the homilist Oct. 4 at the 68th annual Red Mass offered at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington to invoke God’s blessing and guidance on justices, judges, diplomats, attorneys and senior government officials.
“When we open our hearts to God’s word, the Spirit sets us on fire,” the bishop said. “We become witnesses to Christ’s saving work in the world. Only with and through Him can we face the divisions, anger and violence in our communities with sure hope for true and lasting peace.”
Washington Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory was the principal celebrant of the Mass. In addition to Bishop Burbidge, the concelebrants included Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the United States. Because of the safety measures in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance at the cathedral was limited and the Mass was livestreamed. In addition to those at the cathedral, more than 800 people followed the Mass via the internet.
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