bible

Hier et aujourd'hui . . .

parchment

Ce que cette page vous réserve . . .

     

Les lectures bibliques des dimanches et jours de fête de l'année liturgique offrent un trésor dont la richesse est toujours actuelle.

De semaine en semaine, elles nous donnent l'occasion de faire de nouvelles découvertes.

La parole de Dieu devient alors signifiante et active dans nos vies et nous permet de rencontrer celui qui est lui-même Parole de Vie.

3è dimanche de l’année C – 2025

Quand nous avons besoin de quelque chose, d’ordinaire nous aimons que ce besoin soit satisfait… sans délai.
Certain/es d’entre nous peuvent faire preuve de plus de patience mais, en général, on n’aime pas attendre.
Si, en demandant l’aide de quelqu’un, on vous répond: « Je le ferai aujourd’hui même », vous serez sans doute bien content/e d’avoir rencontré une personne aussi aimable!

Cette situation agréable me vient à l’esprit en terminant la lecture de l’évangile de cette célébration (Luc 1:1-4; 4:14-21).
Le dernier verset du texte dit :

« Aujourd’hui s’accomplit ce passage de l’Écriture que vous venez d’entendre ».

Et c’est Jésus lui-même qui prononce ces paroles s’adressant aux gens dans la synagogue de Nazareth: « Aujourd’hui… »

Le message qu’il leur a adressé est quelque chose d’étonnamment prometteur et encourageant.
Ce qu’il annonce c’est:

« la Bonne Nouvelle aux pauvres,
la libération aux captifs,
la vue aux aveugles,
la liberté aux opprimés,
une année favorable accordée par le Seigneur ».

Nous sommes tenté/es de murmurer : « Ces gens avaient bien de la chance que Jésus soit à Nazareth ce jour-là… »
Leur ‘aujourd’hui’ était un jour béni, extraordinairement!

Quant à nous, nous en sommes encore au premier mois d’une nouvelle année.

Cette nouvelle année, nous aimerions bien qu’elle nous soit favorable… et de bien des manières.
Nous désirons, bien sûr, de bonnes nouvelles, libération et vision, et quoi encore?…

Peut-être nous faut-il transformer la perspective de notre attente…
Permettre aux ‘bonnes nouvelles’ au pluriel de se fondre dans LA ‘Bonne Nouvelle’ de la présence de Dieu avec nous aujourd’hui.

 

Et de tout ce que cette présence nous accordera alors que nous vivons l’aujourd’hui de chaque jour?…

 

Note: Une autre réflexion, sur un thème différent, est disponible en anglais à: https://image-i-nations.com/3rd-sunday-of-year-c-2025/

 

Source: Images: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints https://www.scripture-images.com/phone-backgrounds/lsg/luke-4-21-lsg-mobile-wallpaper.php#verse_picture

3rd Sunday of Year C – 2025

When reading the gospel texts, we may be faced with… a temptation – the temptation to believe that all this happened in the past and does not apply to us.
We see the people and the situations presented to us and we consider all this as history instead of… revelation.

Yet, Jesus has said clearly:
“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35).

This means that we can rely with complete trust when we read his words: they are meant for us today.

In today’s gospel text (Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21), we see Jesus preaching in the synagogue of Nazareth and he makes his own the words of the prophet Isaiah spoken long before (Isaiah 61:1).
Jesus repeats the promise:

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim liberty to captives”.

There are different kinds of captivity – not all forms of captivity are related to a prison building.
As we have recently started a new year, we surely want to live the weeks and months ahead as free people.
But there may be, in our lives, some areas that are not fully free from… bondage.

– There may be some hidden compulsion which masters our reactions to some situations…
– There could be some guilt feelings that remain and prevent us from making certain decisions…
– Some will experience bitterness and lingering anger due to a broken relationship…
– Others will know feelings of inadequacy after repeated failure in their professional life…
– There could be some persistent fears that cripple our initiatives and deep anxiety about the future…
– There are perhaps some forms of addiction to different substances that paralyze our day-to-day living…

We are all in need of liberation – different aspects of our lives need to be made free.
The gospel text mentioned above ends with Jesus’ words:

“This text is being fulfilled today even as you listen”.

So, today is a good moment to ask the Lord to free us as God meant us to be!
He has promised: “If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

 

Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/3e-dimanche-de-lannee-c-2025/

 

Source: Image: https://www.scripture-images.com/bible-verse/web/luke-4-18-web.php#verse_picture

International Day of Education – 24 January 2025

AI and Education: Human Agency in an Automated World

Under the theme “AI and education: Preserving human agency in a world of automation”, the 2025 International Day of Education encourages reflections on the power of education to equip individuals and communities to navigate, understand and influence technological advancement.

As computer and AI-driven systems become more sophisticated, the boundaries between human intention and machine-driven action often blur, raising critical questions about how to preserve, redefine, and, ideally, elevate human agency in an age of technological acceleration.

Background

Education is a human right, a public good and a public responsibility.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 January as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development.

Education is a human right

The right to education is enshrined in article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The declaration calls for free and compulsory elementary education. The Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted in 1989, goes further to stipulate that countries shall make higher education accessible to all.

Education is key to sustainable development

When it adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in September 2015, the international community recognized that education is essential for the success of all 17 of its goals. Sustainable Development Goal 4, in particular, aims to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” by 2030.

Challenges to achieving universal education

Education offers children a ladder out of poverty and a path to a promising future. But about 244 million children and adolescents around the world are out of school; 617 million children and adolescents cannot read and do basic math; less than 40% of girls in sub-Saharan Africa complete lower secondary school and some four million children and youth refugees are out of school. Their right to education is being violated and it is unacceptable. 

Without inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong opportunities for all, countries will not succeed in achieving gender equality and breaking the cycle of poverty that is leaving millions of children, youth and adults behind.

 

Source: Text: https://www.un.org/en/observances/education-day   Image: https://www.unesco.org/en/days/education (Emily Pinna)

World Day for African and Afrodescendant Culture – 24 January

Held every year on 24 January, World Day for African and Afrodescendant Culture celebrates the many vibrant cultures of the African continent and African Diasporas around the world, reinforcing UNESCO’s mandate to promote respect for cultural diversity and human creativity around the globe. As a rich source of the world’s shared heritage, promoting African and Afrodescendant culture is crucial for sustainable development, mutual respect, dialogue and peace. 

UNESCO adopted 24 January as the World Day for African and Afrodescendant Culture at the 40th session of the UNESCO General Conference in 2019.  This date coincides with the adoption of the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance in 2006 by the Heads of State and Government of the African Union. Celebration of this day also aims to promote the widest possible ratification and implementation of this Charter by African States, thereby strengthening the role of culture in promoting peace on the continent. 

« On this World Day, it is not simply a single, individual culture which we are celebrating, but a multitude of cultures of exceptional diversity. We are also honouring artists from every country and in every field – from film, music and dance to fashion and design, all creative industries which sustain artists – in order to foster the African cultural renaissance. » Audrey Azoulay, Director General of UNESCO

 

Source: Text: https://www.unesco.org/en/days/african-culture    Image: https://canafgroup.ca/january-2024/

International Women’s Sports Day – 24 January

It aims to raise public and media awareness of women’s sport, which is largely under-reported in the media. Its main objectives are to promote: the development of women’s participation in sport. the presence of women in sports governing bodies.

Text: Google

As we celebrate International Women’s Day this Friday, WinSport is proud to shine a spotlight on the incredible history of women in sport.

From the fearless trailblazers who paved the way, to the inspiring athletes currently making waves in the recently formed PWHL (Professional Women’s Hockey League), women have continuously shattered barriers and redefined the sporting landscape. 

Join us on a journey through the milestones, triumphs, and significant strides that have marked the history of women in sports. It’s tough to mention them all,  but here are some of the better-known and lesser-known groundbreaking athletes.

Trailblazers of the Past: Title IX Revolution:

In the early 1970s, Title IX ushered in a new era for women in American sports by prohibiting sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs.

One of the most visible and transformative effects of Title IX has been the increased opportunities for female athletes. The law has played a significant role in expanding and improving women’s athletic programs, fostering the growth of women’s sports at all levels of education, and narrowing the gender gap in athletic opportunities and resources.

Title IX has become a cornerstone of the ongoing effort to ensure equal educational opportunities and eliminate gender-based discrimination in the United States.

Source: Text: https://www.winsport.ca/blog/2024-celebrating-international-womens-day-2024-the-trailblazers-and-modern-sport-milestones/    Image: https://vocal.media/unbalanced/the-impact-of-social-media-on-women-s-sports-lcb10wje

Notre image dans le miroir et… l’autre image…

Ce petit instrument utile au quotidien: le MIROIR!
Chacun/e de nous l’utilise et en reçoit le message…
Il nous renvoie notre image, évidemment.

Mais il  a une autre image, aussi réelle, aussi vraie,
et qui donne, elle aussi, un message.
L’avez-vous découvert?…

Francine Robillard nous en parle.

 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – 20 January 2025

On January 20, 2025, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday will mark the 30th anniversary as a National Day of Service. This day was established to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King, and to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.

Dr. King advocated for nonviolent resistance to overcome injustice as a means of lifting racial oppression. He created change with organized sit-ins, marches, and peaceful demonstrations that highlighted issues of inequality. Dr. King received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964; he was the youngest person to ever receive this high honor. He followed in the footsteps of his grandfather and father by entering the ministry to become a Baptist minister. On April 4, 1968, at the age of 39, he was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee as he stood on the balcony of his hotel. Dr. King traveled to Memphis, Tennessee to lead a march in support of striking sanitation workers.

 

Source: Text: https://www.dodea.edu/news/observance-calendar/martin-luther-king-jr-day#                               Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King_Jr._Day

2è dimanche de l’année C – 2025

Si quelqu’un vous approchait pour demander: « Où peut-on rencontrer Dieu? », il se peut que votre réponse connaisse un moment d’hésitation.
Plusieurs croyants chrétiens répondront sans doute : « À l’église », alors que ceux de confession musulmane indiqueront la mosquée et ceux de religion juive pointeront vers la synagogue.
Cela semble évident pour plusieurs.

Par contre si un voisin affirmait: « Un de mes collègues vient de se marier et Dieu est à la célébration avec ses amis, je viens tout juste de le rencontrer », j’imagine que bien des gens regarderaient ce voisin avec une bonne dose… d’incrédulité!

Et pourtant!
Pourtant, c’est bien dans une telle situation que le texte de l’évangile d’aujourd’hui nous permet de rencontrer Jésus (Jean 2:1-11).
Il a été invité, avec ses apôtres, à se joindre à la célébration; sa mère, Marie, est aussi présente.

La fête bat son plein à Cana, mais voilà qu’un problème surgit, et il s’agit d’un problème sérieux: on manque de vin.
Selon les cultures, si à une célébration de mariage, le vin, la bière de céréale, le nectar de bière de miel ou de l’hibiscus, vient à manquer, on fait face à… une catastrophe!

Marie a réalisé ce qui se passe et elle approche Jésus pour l’en informer, sans plus.
Il est intéressant de noter que le texte ne dit pas que Jésus était à lire un texte biblique, ou à prêcher!
On peut supposer qu’il était tout simplement là, prenant part à la fête et se réjouissant avec les mariés et les convives.

Ce qui suit les paroles de Marie nous est bien connu, et le résultat de l’intervention de Jésus l’est également.
Le vin coule de nouveau en abondance et les responsables de la fête ont été épargnés de la honte.

Le texte de l’évangile se conclut avec ces paroles qui donnent à réfléchir :
« Tel fut le premier des signes de Jésus; il l’accomplit à Cana de Galilée ».

Le premier signe – ce que les autres évangélistes nomment ‘miracle’ – a été de procurer en surabondance ce qui était nécessaire pour la joie de tous présents.

Il faut le reconnaître:
       – Dieu est présent à ce qui donne de la joie.
       – Dieu contribue à ce qui suscite le bonheur.
       – Dieu se réjouit de nous voir célébrer ce qui nous rapproche!

Et on peut le rencontrer précisément là!

 

Note: Dans la courte vidéo qui suit, Nadia Labrecque nous révèle ce que Jésus n’as PAS dit et que qu’il n’a PAS fait à Cana :
https://youtu.be/j1zn0Tp3B58?si=p3Sqywu508G_JuKp

Une autre réflexion, sur un thème différent, est disponible en anglais à:https://image-i-nations.com/2nd-sunday-of-year-c-2025/

 

Source: Image: https://whatsthisallaboutvicar.blogspot.com/2018/01/sunday-sermon-john-21-11-wedding-at.html

2nd Sunday of Year C – 2025

It can happen that we get so used to reading, or hearing, the gospel texts that, somehow, we have the impression that… we know them.
But perhaps we need to get to… know them anew!

Some people will say that the Scripture texts do not change, and this is true, but… we do!
Yes, with time, we become different – physically, of course, but also mentally and emotionally.
Many factors contribute to our becoming different people from what we were some years ago: the readings we make, the people we meet, the happenings in our lives, all these mold us in a certain way.

All these influences that we are submitted to have also an impact on our relationships with people and… with God!

The last verse of today’s gospel text (John 2:1-11) mentions an interesting fact:
“What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory;
and his disciples believed in him.”

We find this understandable, of course, since what Jesus did was to change an enormous quantity of water into the best wine.
I think that if we had been among those present at the feast in Cana on that day, we would have readily seen Jesus as someone exceptional.
We would have easily believed that he had some special power.

Let us move from the first century to today, and let us look at ourselves, believers.
We can ask ourselves: What is it that has made us become believers?

What has led us to accept God in our lives?
How have we been drawn to know him and accept his message?
What keeps us following Jesus from day to day?
Where do we find the courage not to give up, even when faced with problems and difficulties?

If we look closely at our lives, we may realize that our relationship with God is different today from what it was some years ago.
In fact, it should be so!

We should have grown in knowledge of who he is.
We should be closer to him, trust him more deeply, relying on him no matter what!

We are still at the beginning of a new year…
We see the disciples of Jesus believing in him for changing water into wine.
What is Jesus doing for us, in us, that makes us believe in him just now?

It should keep us going well into… the coming year, yes, no matter what!

 

Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/2e-dimanche-de-lannee-c-2025/

Source: Images: https://carmelites.org.au/item/1078-the-true-bridegroom                pexels.com (Rene Therp; Juan P. photo and video)

Bonne chance… Malchance…

Il y a de ces ‘petites histoires’ qui sont un peu comme des paraboles –
elles ont un message caché qui se révèle peu à peu
et qui donne une nouvelle perspective à différents aspects de notre quotidien.
La conversation de Diane et de Nadia nous en offre un exemple évident!