Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

On the Second Sunday of Easter, a letter from a Bishop resonates with the Acts of the Apostles, emphasizing the challenges of faith and the importance of love in action. The Bishop reflects on the disciples' struggles with isolation and doubt, drawing parallels to modern-day experiences of rejection and fear of persecution for one's beliefs.

In the letter, the Bishop highlights the significance of Jesus' Incarnation, emphasizing how He took on a human body to connect with humanity. Through His resurrection, Jesus offers a message of peace and forgiveness, urging believers to extend this forgiveness to others and strive for right relationships.

"Love is a noun and a verb; it moves us into action," the Bishop writes, underscoring the transformative power of love in driving positive change and combating injustices. The Mass is depicted as a unifying force that binds individuals together in love for God and prompts them to advocate for peace and justice in the world.

Drawing inspiration from Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM, the Bishop calls on believers to make their lives a gift of love and to embody the spirit of the Eucharist in their daily interactions. The letter challenges readers to see the presence of Jesus in themselves and in others, urging them to be agents of peace and bearers of God's love in their communities.

As the letter concludes, the Bishop calls on believers to live out their faith authentically, embodying the principles of peace, love, and forgiveness in their daily lives. By embracing these values and sharing them with others, individuals can truly experience the transformative power of faith and offer God's peace to those around them.