image-i-nations trésor

27th Sunday of Year A – 2020

At times, when reading a text from Scripture, you may stop short and ask yourself: ‘Is this really possible?’

The 2nd reading of this Sunday (Ph.4:6-9) could provoke such a reaction.
Writing to the Philippians, the apostle Paul tells them:       

“Do not be anxious about anything.”
 
The question cannot fail to come to our minds: ‘Is this really possible?’
God knows how many things make us worry and how many situations bring anxiety to us.
Problems and difficulties are sometimes too many, too heavy, and we experience insecurity and fear.
We feel that what we have to face is just too much for us.

Paul tells the first Christians what they should do to overcome their anxiety:
“In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
 
THE problem might be that… we try to manage on our own… while God’s help is there at hand.
God’s strength, God’s comfort, God’s assistance, GOD is there… waiting that we turn to him –
turn to him with our requests for all that we are in need of.

The result of such relying on him can be astonishing.
Paul assures us:
 
“The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, 
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

It is worth trying…

 

Note: Another reflection on a different theme in French can be found at: https://image-i-nations.com/27e-dimanche-de-lannee-a-2020/

 

Source: Image: Inspirational Bible Verse Images – Knowing Jesus

World Mental Health Day – 10 October

World Mental Health Day was established in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health. In some countries around the world, it forms just one part of the larger Mental Illness Awareness Week.

Mental health problems, ranging from issues like depression and anxiety disorders to conditions like schizophrenia, affect millions of people around the world. In fact, according to current statistics, 1 in 4 people will experience some kind of mental health problem during their lifetime and many more will see friends of family members affected.

The purpose of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues, increase education on the topic and attempt to eliminate the stigma attached. It is hoped that this, in turn, will encourage sufferers to seek help and support.

A number of fundraising events take place globally, so why not check if there is an event happening near you and show your support for this serious issue?

Source: Text: DAYSoftheYEAR   Image: Union of Students in Ireland

 

Feast of the Holy Family, C

I have a treasure. No, I am not afraid it will be stolen for it does not hold any silver or gold, nor any valuable currency. What I keep therein is a whole collection of texts and quotes – texts and quotes from many people, some long dead, others alive in our world, all over the world. Today, I want to share one such text with you. It was published in Living with Christ ( the English version of Prions en Église). It was published for Christmas  1980. At the time, Fr. Jerome Herauf wrote:

« God is ‘at home with us’. People travelling, or exiled from their native lands, long to be home again. This same expectant feeling may have grown on us during our Advent days. Recently, I was delighted to read a prominent theologian speculate that God felt the same way about being with us that first Christmas. He longed to be ‘at home’ with us. The more I have thought about this since, the more it has affected my own understanding about us, about Christmas and even about God himself. God is at home with us because he wants to be! And therefore could we not want rather than fear to be with him? »

Mary-and-Joseph on the way, www.lds.org

Mary and Joseph would not be home for Christmas. They were among what we call nowadays the IDP – Internally Displaced People – on the way to a major city and soon to become refugees in another country. The new-born child was taken to safety by his parents fleeing to escape violence and possible death. He knew early on in life what is the lot of so many people in our world today.

Today, we remember all those who find themselves in such a situation – exiles, refugees –  faced with insecurity, anxiety, lacking the basic necessities of life, and not knowing what the future has in store for them . . .

Source: Image: www.lds.org