hello

Greetings to each and everyone of you.


This section for English-speaking viewers –
and all those enjoying the culture –

has developed over the months and is now offering materials of all kinds:

texts, images, poems, videos, etc.

It will continue to provide you with rich contents week after week.

 

International Day of the Bible – 24 November

24 novembre 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: Bible, comfort, inspiration, prayer, Psalm 119:45, strength, World Day

 The First ‘International Day of the Bible’ was launched on November 24, 2014. Bible ministry groups across the country are asking people to read or promote scripture publicly or online at noon on Nov.24 in what’s been dubbed the first International Day of the Bible.

« This is a very simple act of faithfulness and honor to God about His word, » Richard Glickstein, president of the National Bible Association, told The Christian Post. « God’s word is meant to encourage us and bring us personal hope, but it is also meant to bring us together to realize that this is such a great gift… and trust that He can change our world through it. The words of God changed my life and continues to. It’s not our event, we hope it’s an event for the body of Christ and those who love God, come together and thank Him. »

The day is being sponsored by the National  Bible Association along with support from the American Bible Society and the YouVersion Bible app.

Source: Text: Amanda Casanova | Religion Today Contributing Writer | Friday, November 7, 2014.          Image: American Bible Society

November 24th has been set aside – internationally – as World Bible Day. One day a year assigned to the Word of God. Really ?
Is it not daily that we need to find there inspiration, strength, comfort, all that enables us to be and to live as we are meant to?

The Psalmist had understood this as he prayed with utter conviction: « Remember, Lord, the word you pledged your servant, on which you have built my hope. » « Your word is a lamp to my feet, Lord, a light on my path. »  (Ps.119:49,95)

Source: Text: The Editor

34th Sunday, Feast of Christ the King, Year B – 2024

22 novembre 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: answers, fake news, information, Jesus King?, Jewish leaders, John 18:33-37, John 8:32, Pilate, truth

We are flooded with information of all kinds about many topics.
We are given much detail about happenings in our surroundings and about events from around the world.
But we are sometimes wondering whether the description we are given corresponds to reality or if…
If it is not somehow ‘changed’ to suit the aims of the reporters and their sponsors!
We feel we are sometimes subjected to what is called ‘fake news’!

The text of today’s gospel (John 18:33-37) has something relevant to address this situation.
We see Jesus being questioned by Pilate, the Roman procurator.
Jesus has been brought to Pilate by the Jewish leaders with the accusation of claiming to be king.
Pilate asks Jesus:

“Are you the king of the Jews?”

As Jesus does not reply directly, Pilate asks again, or rather declares:
“You are a king, then!”

It is then that Jesus says openly what people had asked him about during his life.
They wanted to know why he had come into our world.
Now, he states clearly the purpose of his coming to us:

“I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth”.

Strangely enough, today’s gospel text stops short from giving the next verse where Pilate asks (verse 38):
“What is truth?”
But, it is noteworthy that Pilate did not wait for Jesus to answer!

In this day and age, perhaps many people do the same:
either, they do not dare to ask what truth is, and how it can be found;
or, they do not pay attention to the answers that are given to them.

To Pilate, Jesus said:
“Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
Do we?… Are we on his side?…

During his life, when teaching the crowds, Jesus had assured them:
“The truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

We cannot stand the very idea of not being free, yet…
We can ask ourselves: Is it the truth that shapes our ideas, our decisions, our interactions?…

 

Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/34e-dimanche-fete-du-christ-roi-annee-b-2024/

 

Source: Image: https://www.freebibleimages.org/photos/jesus-pilate/

World Children’s Day – 20 November

20 novembre 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: better world, future, global action, priorities, rights, self-expression

Listen to the future. Stand up for children’s rights.

World Children’s Day is UNICEF’s global day of action for children, by children, marking the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Child rights are human rights. They are non-negotiable and universal. But in too many places today children’s rights are being misunderstood, disregarded or even denied and attacked.

Upholding children’s rights is the compass to a better world – today, tomorrow and into the future.

This World Children’s Day, join us and listen to the future.

By listening to children we can fulfil their right to self-expression, understand their ideas for a better world and include their priorities in our actions today.

 

Source: Text & Image: https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-childrens-day

33rd Sunday of Year B – 2024

15 novembre 2024
Nicole Gregoire
2 Comments
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: Jesus' words, John 14:1, John 16:27, John 6:37, John 6:47, John 8:12, Luke 15:7, Mark 13:23-32, Matthew 11:28

The text of today’s gospel is somehow enigmatic (Mark 13:23-32).
Events to come are described in what is known as apocalyptic language which is mysterious.
It is the kind of language used by some of the prophets of the Old Testament.

Some Scripture scholars mention that this text refers to Jesus’ return and to the end of the world.
Jesus words – in terms not familiar to us – are an answer to the question that the apostles had asked him earlier on:
“Tell us, when will these things happen?” (Verse 4).

We are not to try and figure out how many years and decades will pass as we expect the glorious return of Jesus.
We should rather focus on the heart of his message as it is given to us in this text:

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away”.

His words… we have heard them, we ponder them…

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

“Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

“There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner than over ninety-one virtuous men who have no need of repentance” (Luke 15:7).

“I will never drive away the one who comes to me” (John 6:37).

“The Father himself loves you” (John 16:27).

« I tell you most solemnly: ‘Everybody who believes has eternal life’ «  (John 6:47).

Indeed, these and so many other words of Jesus are a promise, repeated in different ways, which confirm the core of today’s gospel:

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away”.

This should be enough for us to live from day to day without fear and relying on the one who tells us:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.
Trust in God still and trust in me” (John 14:1).

 

Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/33e-dimanche-de-lannee-b-2024/

 

Source: Image: https://www.scripture-images.com/bible-verse/kjv/mark-13-31-kjv.php

International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) – 15 November 2024

15 novembre 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: challenges, cybercrime, global solidarity, human trafficking, law enforcement, organized crime, security, strategies, threat

                     

On 15 November 2024, the world marks the first International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime (TOC), established by General Assembly resolution 78/267. This day highlights the urgent need for global solidarity to counter the rising threat of organized crime, which undermines peace, security and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Criminal networks are exploiting global vulnerabilities on a vast scale—from human trafficking to environmental destruction and cybercrime. Organized crime operates across borders, posing serious challenges that no country can tackle alone.

Why now?

TOC Day calls for united global action. The devastating impact of organized crime threatens lives, destabilizes communities and hinders economic and social development. But despite these challenges, there is hope. This day serves as a rallying point for action, demonstrating that collective efforts — by governments, the private sector, civil society and individuals — can achieve real change.

Led by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), this campaign showcases success stories where cooperation has led to meaningful progress, from dismantling trafficking networks to promoting sustainable alternatives to illicit economies. Together, we can push back against organized crime and build safer, more resilient communities worldwide.

High-level Event to Commemorate the first International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime

Theme 2024: Organized crime steals, corrupts and kills. It’s time we pull together to push back.

This year’s TOC Day is a call to:

 

  • Raise Awareness: Shine a light on the far-reaching impacts of organized crime on communities, economies and governance systems across the globe.
  • Foster Global Collaboration: Encourage stronger partnerships between governments, civil society and the private sector to address the cross-border nature of organized crime and develop joint solutions.
  • Empower Communities: Highlight grassroots efforts and community-led initiatives that build resilience against organized crime. Focus on prevention strategies to tackle the root causes of organized crime and empower local responses.
  • Promote Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building: Share innovative tools, strategies and best practices to combat organized crime while strengthening the capacity of law enforcement, the justice sector and communities.
  • Support Policy Development: Advocate for policies that address the root causes and consequences of organized crime, reinforcing governance, the rule of law and human rights.
  • Leverage Technology for Change: Acknowledge both the threats and opportunities posed by technology in the fight against organized crime, from the rise of cybercrime to the use of tech in more effective detection, prevention and responses.

 

Source: Text, Images, Video: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/TOCday

World Science Day for Peace and Development – 10 November

10 novembre 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: climate crisis, development, epidemics, global challenges, peace, science, sustainable solutions

Celebrated every 10 November, World Science Day for Peace and Development highlights the important role of science in society and the need to engage the wider public in debates on emerging scientific issues. It also underlines the importance and relevance of science in our daily lives.

By linking science more closely with society, World Science Day for Peace and Development aims to ensure that citizens are kept informed of developments in science. It also underscores the role scientists play in broadening our understanding of the remarkable, fragile planet we call home and in making our societies more sustainable.

2024 theme: Why Science Matters: Engaging Minds and Empowering Futures 

Message from Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO UNESCO. Director-General, 2017- (Azoulay, A.) 2024

« Science is essential to peace-building because it offers practical, sustainable solutions to contemporary global challenges. By seeking responses to climate crises, epidemics and resource shortages, science helps to mitigate the root causes of many conflicts. »

 

Source: Text: https://www.unesco.org/en/days/science-peace-development     Image: https://www.peaceandcooperation.org/

32nd Sunday of Year B – 2024

8 novembre 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: 1 Kings 17:10-16, certainty, death, doubt, fear, God's faithfulness, poor widow, prophet, trust

Today’s 1st reading presents us a scene that is very human and… very inspiring too (1 Kings 17:10-16).
Elijah, the prophet – a man of God, in the mind of pious Jews – arrives at a poor widow’s home.
We see him asking immediately for a drink and, before the woman goes, he adds also a request for food.

The woman’s reply is very touching:
“As surely as the Lord your God lives, I don’t have any bread –
only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug.
I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son,
that we may eat it – and die.”

Absolute poverty, total penury – the text describes the woman’s complete destitution.
She is ready to die a terrible death which will take her son as well.

The prophet’s reply comes as a promise, wonderful but enigmatic…
the how and when of his words remain unknown…

“Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said.
But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me,
and then make something for yourself and your son.
For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says:
‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry
until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’”

The widow hears these words of comfort as the request for food from Elijah remains unchanged.
What is asked of this poor woman is to rest assured that God will provide.
God will take care of her and her son when she has no longer anything to help herself.

To be certain, to be completely sure of something, when there is really no sign that it will happen.
To be convinced, to have no doubt whatever, to entertain no fear, that a promise will be realized.
This is to venture into the unknown, into darkness, into… some would whisper ‘foolishness’…

Some people – like this widow – are ready to credit God’s faithfulness to his word to this extent!
There are people ready to walk surrounded by mist, blinded by puzzlement, yet they make one step after another…
They CANNOT… NOT rely on God, whatever the situation, no matter the troubling circumstances…

Such a trust is an amazing experience – it can test our human resources to the utmost.
But it gives God the occasion of revealing himself as the God he is: ever present, unfailingly reliable!…

 

Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/32e-dimanche-de-lannee-b-2024/

 

Source: Image: https://goodnewsshared.wordpress.com/tag/1-kings-177-16/

31st Sunday of Year B – 2024

2 novembre 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: angle, Deuteronomy 6:2-6, for our good, God's commandments, God's way, obey, perspective, viewpoint

A change of… perspective – this is what we sometimes need…
Looking at something from another angle…
Taking a slightly different view of a situation…
Considering a problem from another viewpoint…
This change may lead to a completely different outlook and influence our attitude in a more positive way.

This reflection is appropriate when looking at the 1st reading of today’s celebration (Deuteronomy 6:2-6).
At first, we may think that this Scripture text is all about observing God’s commandments.
This is correct since the author says clearly:

“These are the commandments which the Lord your God has instructed me to teach you
that you may observe them”.

But it is not, we could say, the whole story!
Many people believe that obeying God’s commandments is something we MUST do –
somehow we have no choice.
But… we have missed something important which changes the whole perspective, indeed!

The writer of Deuteronomy, from which this text is taken, adds:
“Listen then, keep and observe
what will make you prosper and give you great increase,
as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you,
giving you a land where milk and honey flow”.

In other words, the commands that we are given are for our own good!
God knows what is best for us and he shows us the way to follow so we may reach what will make us truly happy.

Many of us believe that WE know which direction our lives should take.
But, often, we end up experiencing problems and misfortunes that we would have escaped if only we had followed God’s way.

It is never too late to… change perspective!…

 

Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/31e-dimanche-de-lannee-b-2024/

 

Source: Image: https://www.scriptureimages.com/bibleverse/kjv/deuteronomy-6-3-kjv.php

Feast of All Saints – 1st November

31 octobre 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: création, God's Spirit, holy, image, image of God, restoration

We celebrate today the feast of all the saints – those well known and those perhaps not as familiar to us.
As we remember this particular saint, and that other, and others still,
we may stop thinking of them and start looking at our own lives.

And as we do, we may think that… we are not as holy as they are.
Not as patient, as humble, as prayerful, as faithful to God.
Not as generous, not as…
and our list gets longer mentioning all the qualities that we believe make a saint.

We may become dispirited and discouraged,
all the while forgetting the most important: what WE ARE.
The text of the 2nd reading says it clearly:

“Children of God! … that is what we are!
 
We have been created in God’s image – an image that cannot be erased or obliterated.
But… it can be damaged, the face of God in us can be… defaced,
yes, when we refuse to behave as his children.
But this is NOT the end of the story, God is always ready to restore his image in us.

There are people especially skillful in picture or image restoration.
A famous painting or a family picture may have been damaged but can be restored.

I personally believe that God’s Spirit present in us is a specialist in… image restoration!
The text of the 2nd reading goes on with these words:
 
What we will be has not yet been made known.
But we know that… we shall be like him.”   (1 Jn.3:1-3)

We are, in fact, saints-in-the-making, nothing less!
 

 

Note: Another reflection on a different theme in French can be found at: https://image-i-nations.com/fete-de-la-toussaint-annee-b-2024/

 

Source: Images: The New Daily

World Cities Day – 24 October 2024

31 octobre 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: cities, Climate change, economic growth, home, regions, social inclusion, urban challenges, young leaders

As cities around the world continue to grow, they are increasingly home to a new wave of young leaders committed to addressing the pressing issues of climate change. Youth are at the forefront of local action and innovation, playing a catalytic role in shaping sustainable urban futures.

On 31 October 2024, UN-Habitat invites everyone committed to urban resilience and climate action to join the Global Observance of World Cities Day, under the theme “Youth climate changemakers: Catalysing local action for urban sustainability.” This year’s event, taking place in the historic city of Alexandria, Egypt, will highlight the leadership of young people in driving bold, transformative actions that contribute to building more sustainable and climate-resilient cities.

A call to action

World Cities Day 2024 is a call to action for youth and local governments to work hand-in-hand to address the climate crisis. With climate change intensifying urban challenges, particularly in rapidly growing cities, this year’s observance emphasizes the power of youth to lead in urban adaptation and climate resilience. By taking the lead, today’s youth can shape their cities to be inclusive, equitable, and environmentally sustainable for generations to come.

About World Cities Day

World Cities Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013 and is celebrated annually on 31 October. The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable urbanization and to encourage cooperation among nations, regions, and cities to address urban challenges. It also emphasizes the role of cities in fostering innovation, economic growth, and social inclusion.

 

Source: Text: https://unhabitat.org/news/24-oct-2024/world-cities-day-2024-youth-climate-changemakers-catalysing-local-action-for-urban-sustainability