Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Bishop John Noonan of the Diocese of Orlando has issued a letter to the Catholic community reflecting on the meaning of spiritual treasure and the importance of relationships rooted in faith. In his message, Bishop Noonan emphasizes that Jesus calls people to seek divine love rather than material possessions.

“Jesus speaks to us of treasure, but it is not treasure of earthly things. He speaks to us of the treasure of divine love; the love which He offers us in the gift of the Eucharist. The Eucharist, His Real Presence, is a salvific gift for our flourishing all our days. In the course of time, we may desire earthly treasure,” Bishop Noonan wrote.

He encouraged members of the diocese to value one another above material goods, reminding them that each person is created in God’s image. “We may want an ‘upgrade,’ whether it be a phone or other instrument of technology, an automobile, a home, clothes or other things. Jesus tells us that the treasure of this earth is one another. Each one made in the image of God, marvelously made! — and there can be no other. We cannot be in relationship with God if we are not also in relationship with one another because of our relationship with God. Jesus tells us our upgrade is holiness to breathe upon the entire world.”

Bishop Noonan also called for compassion and service within families and communities: “I pray that people matter more to you than things because each one of you is born of God for God. If we live through, with and in God, then the treasure which Jesus describes will fill our heart until it might burst, so great is God’s love for each one. Jesus leaves Himself for us in the Eucharist that we might be His Presence to one another. St. Philip Neri is known to have said that the love of God was more than ‘he could bear, or his heart would burst with love.’”

He noted that throughout history there have been times when people turned away from faith but urged reflection and reconciliation: “In every age, there is a turning away from God. When we read Scripture, from the Old to the New Testaments, we know of the sinfulness of the people. As we read, we might reflect upon our participation in turning away from God and how our situations may not be that different. Turn to the Sacrament of Reconciliation to mark your path toward God’s treasure.”

The bishop highlighted upcoming events important for local Catholics including back-to-school season and religious observances: “In a few days, August 11, our young people will begin a new school year. Parents, grandparents, guardians, siblings, teachers, staff, administrators, volunteers, clergy, and religious become united as one family... As we open the doors of our schools, we open our heart to the treasure of these precious young people.”

He also referenced preparations for celebrating Mary’s Assumption on August 15: “On August 15, we observe the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary... She walks with us as we are vigilant in doing the Lord’s work.”

The letter concluded by invoking Pope Leo XIV: “In the words of Pope Leo XIV, ‘Let us ask God, by the intercession of His Mother, to bless all of you...and to help us all to walk together in Church.’”

The Diocese of Orlando was established in 1968 and currently includes 79 parishes and 43 Catholic schools across nine counties under Bishop John Noonan's leadership.