September 30, 2024
By Bishop John Noonan
On the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel and all the Angels, the Diocese of Orlando recognizes the service and sacrifice of our First Responders throughout Central Florda communities at this annual Blue Mass which we celebrate here at the Cathedral of St James.
Amid our natural disasters and crimes scenes you go about keeping our communities safe. We pray for you today, grateful for your service, and ask God to bless you. Today we celebrate you – the courageous men and women – who place your lives on the line every day to keep us safe. We must always pray for you and thank you.
The Blue Mass is named for the blue uniforms worn by firefighters, law enforcement and other first responders. Pope St. John Paul II said, “Who better than you, dear men and women, can testify to the violence and to the disruptive forces of evil present in the world? You fight against them every day: indeed, you are called to defend the weak, to protect the honest, to foster the peaceful coexistence of peoples.”
It is not easy to be a part of a first responder’s family, because of the hardships of the mission. Your family is the principal support of each one of you. One defends what one loves and where does one learn to love peace and defend life if not in the family? Therefore, dear families, you feel fully involved in this mission and collaborate in safeguarding justice and peace.
The work and sacrifice of all of you, help to ensure the peace and security of individuals and societies. I pray that you yourselves will always be kept safe as you fulfill your professional duties, and that the divine gifts of wisdom and strength will ever accompany you in the service of your fellow men and women.
In the first reading from Exodus, we hear the Lord say to the people, “See I am sending an angel to guard and protect you.” That is our prayer too; we ask God to always guide and protect you.
We sang from PSALM 91, “You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shade of the Almighty; Say to the LORD, my refuge and rock in whom I trust.”
In the Gospel of St. Matthew, we hear Jesus teach that the greatest in the kingdom of heaven are those who are humble themselves. This passage challenges the idea that status is based on power or prestige, but instead emphasizes the importance of virtues like peace and trust, courage, and humility.
Last week the Orlando Sentinel published an interview with Larry Little about the death of his teammate “Mercury” Morris. Both were members of the famous undefeated Miami Dolphins team of 1972. Little was asked if it was sad to hear about the passing of another member of the 72 Miami Dolphins. He said, “It’s sad because you’re losing someone that you really cared about. I loved him. Just like I know how he loved me.” He continued, “But then again you would think about some of the good times that we had together. And that helps take away the sadness, I guess.”
Today we remember in our prayers your friends and comrades who died in the line of duty and those who have passed away will be forever in our memories. All you First Responders form a bond to lead, guide, and support each of you in the challenges and difficulties of life.
In the Scripture proclaimed, Jesus emphasizes the virtues of trust and humility. Only when we humble ourselves can we see ourselves for who we really are. It is then you become a whole person who trusts and grows as a member of the team. O Lord, protect and guide all our First Responders with your care and keep them safe.