Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

My Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

This Lenten season, the focus is on self-examination and the relationship with God and others. The prophet Joel's call to return to God entirely is reiterated, emphasizing how distractions and personal grievances can detract from spiritual focus. The importance of setting aside personal desires in order to embrace God's Spirit is highlighted.

The Fifth Sunday of Lent is a time for reflection and self-assessment of one's love for God and others. The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as the Sacrament of Confession or Penance, is suggested as a path to healing and renewal. This sacrament allows individuals to reconcile with God and start anew. Jesus' actions of forgiveness, as recounted in St. John's Gospel, serve as an example of extending God's love to others.

Pope Francis underscores the significance of repentance and reconciliation, viewing them as expressions of God's infinite mercy. He states, “This primacy animates every other love: for men and creation, because he who loves God loves his brother and seeks his good, always, in justice and peace.”

Reconciliation is presented not as an individual effort towards God but as receiving God’s embrace. Pope Francis describes this as "the joy of forgiveness," and refers to the Sacrament as "the Sacrament of joy." This perspective suggests that acknowledging one's sins becomes an opportunity to experience God's forgiveness.

The community is encouraged to seek reconciliation and return to God wholeheartedly. This act of renewal is seen as a way to transform not just oneself but also the wider faith community.

In conclusion, the message emphasizes the power of reconciliation to reinvigorate one’s faith and to extend God's love and service to others.