Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

On May 2, 2024, a message of love and reflection was shared by a Bishop with the opening words, "My Sisters and Brothers in Christ." The Bishop delved into the story of Peter denying his love for Jesus, highlighting the human aspect of fear and the ability to overcome it with love and forgiveness.

The Bishop emphasized the importance of communal love, stating, "For our love cannot reach its fullness, cannot attain its completion, until it becomes reciprocal." The message of God's unconditional love was reiterated, with the Bishop acknowledging that God loves each individual without measure.

The significance of receiving Jesus through the Eucharist was also touched upon, with the Bishop describing it as a Sacred Mystery that allows individuals to embody and spread God's love to one another. The celebration of First Holy Communion and the ordination of two seminarians to the priesthood were highlighted as moments of great joy and dedication to God's will.

The Bishop called upon individuals to reflect on their daily actions and interactions, questioning whether they have lived up to the example set by Jesus in showing love, forgiveness, and care for one another. The message of hope and dedication to God's love during Eastertide was conveyed, urging individuals to be beacons of hope for each other and to spread the message of love as a reflection of God's own love.

In closing, the Bishop's words resonated with a call to action, "May we be the offering of hope for one another. May we live as a Eucharist to make Jesus known, to proclaim the Gospel to every creature. May we love because love is of God."