Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

My Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

The latest letter from Bishop John Noonan emphasizes the connection between freedom and love within the Christian faith. Citing Moses and Jesus, he highlights the call to return to God wholeheartedly and love one's neighbor as oneself. "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself," states Luke 10:27.

Bishop Noonan reflects on a dialogue between Jesus and a scholar about who is considered a neighbor. When discussing a Samaritan who aids an injured man while others ignore him, Jesus asks who acted as a neighbor. The scholar answers, "The one who treated him with mercy." Jesus responds by instructing to "Go and do likewise (Luke 10:37)."

The bishop describes this concept of freedom from God as essential for eternal life. He encourages choosing to love both God and neighbors through acts of mercy, forgiveness, and care. The Jubilee Year serves as a reminder of restoration—a time for joy where debts were forgiven in ancient Israel.

Bishop Noonan notes that contemporary society often expects loan repayment rather than forgiveness. However, he argues that Catholic faith challenges such norms by urging believers to extend mercy beyond familiar circles.

He calls upon individuals to reconcile differences within families or communities by initiating contact through simple gestures like handwritten notes or gifts. Additionally, he encourages prayer for those facing hardships or contributing donations to organizations like Catholic Charities of Central Florida.

Through these actions—prayerful intentions during Mass or charitable deeds—the bishop asserts that believers can offer sacrifices praising God's goodness while fulfilling His commandments during this Jubilee Year.

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