Praise the Lord for His Goodness
“Praise the Lord for His goodness.” These words from the Book of Tobit (13:10) provide the guidance most helpful to us as we reflect this month on the theme “goodness.” Our hearts and minds must focus essentially on the goodness the Lord perpetually bestows upon us. We must also reflect on and give thanks for the countless blessings He gives us each and every day. Most especially, we must be forever grateful for His abiding love and mercy revealed so perfectly in Word and Sacrament. We must realize that we are not deserving of these gifts. We do not have to earn them or work for them. They are pure gifts from a generous and loving God. Our only response can be that of constant praise and thanksgiving.
In the midst of our challenges, sufferings and crosses, we witness God’s goodness in our lives at every moment. He carries us through these trying times by providing us with the grace and strength to endure. Remember the Lord’s faithfulness to you throughout the years. Trust in His promise that He will be with you always. Be thankful for the special people He has placed in your life as instruments of His love. A grateful heart must always be reflected in word and deed. Daily, “Praise the Lord for His goodness.”
I write this article near the occasion of the first anniversary of my installation as the Bishop of Raleigh. I have prayerfully reflected on the events and experiences of this past year and my heart is filled with wonder and praise as I celebrate the goodness I have experienced. Above all, I renew my thanks to God for having called me to be the Bishop of this wonderful Diocese that has such a rich history and bright future. I have deep appreciation for the goodness extended to me by my predecessor, Bishop Gossman, and thank him for his ongoing support. I have been overwhelmed by the goodness of my brother-priests, both to me and to all the faithful entrusted to their pastoral care. The deacons, consecrated Religious, pastoral administrators, seminarians, staff at the Catholic Center, educators, catechists, youth ministers, Catholic Charities workers and volunteers and all those involved in so many ministries throughout our Diocese reflect the goodness of the Lord through acts of generous and faithful service. I express renewed gratitude to them and all the faithful in the Diocese, including the rich and diverse communities that contribute greatly to our mission.
As followers of the Lord, we are asked to imitate His goodness. In the Gospel of Matthew, we are told how to respond to that call: “Your light must shine before men so that they may see goodness in your acts and give praise to your heavenly Father” (5:16) and “A good man produces good from his store of goodness” (12:35). In the course of our daily living, we see so much darkness in our midst. Yet we do not despair, for we know the Light always conquers the darkness. The holiness, integrity and goodness of your life, as well as your countless sacrifices, help to reveal that Light! The gifts we have received are not meant to be stored for ourselves. They are given to us to share with one another. Please continue to offer your time, talent and material resources in support of the Diocese, your parish and most especially to the least of our sisters and brothers.
May all of us in the Diocese of Raleigh be filled with profound gratitude for the gift of our faith and abundant blessings, and renew our commitment each and every day to “Praise the Lord for His goodness.”
Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge