His Spirit Will Renew Us
The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send
you.” (John 20: 20-21)
This article is written weeks before my Installation
as the fifth bishop of Raleigh. As I approach this special day in the life of our
diocese, I am filled with profound gratitude to Almighty God for this call and deep
appreciation to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI for his confidence in me. I prepare
for this day with the conviction that my appointment is part of God’s divine plan.
Just as Jesus commissioned his disciples, I firmly believe it is He who calls and
sends me. Thus, I come to you to proclaim his Word, his truth and his saving love.
As you can imagine, the mission ahead could easily
seem overwhelming. I know that the spiritual obligations, pastoral responsibilities
and administrative duties are endless. Left on my own, I would simply be paralyzed.
But when the Lord sent forth his disciples He promised the gift of his Spirit and
the power and strength they would need. These gifts are also promised to us. I pray
daily for the grace to trust in the Lord’s abiding presence and in his words, “My
grace is sufficient for you.” (2 Cor. 12:9)
From the moment of my announcement as the next bishop
of Raleigh, many of my brother bishops told me how blessed I am to be sent to such
a wonderful diocese! I am already witnessing the meaning of their words. I am thankful
to Bishop Gossman for his example, his long-standing service and his assurance to
assist me in any way possible. I am grateful to my brother priests and to all those
who have extended such a warm welcome. I will depend greatly on your ongoing prayers
and help.
This historic moment in the Diocese of Raleigh is
an opportunity for us to praise and thank God for the many blessings He has showered
upon us in the past, to ask for his continued guidance in the life ahead and to
renew the promises we have made to Him, the Church and one another. With his divine
assistance, may we recognize that we have been called and sent by the Lord, and
may we strive each day to deepen our faith and trust completely that his grace is
sufficient for us. If we live in such a way, his peace will be in our hearts and
his Spirit will renew us, our diocese and the face of the earth.
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Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge is the Bishop
of Raleigh