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International Day of Peace – 21 September 2024

21 septembre 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: ceasefires, commitment, conflicts, cooperation, culture of peace, development, dialogue, education, weapons

2024 Theme: Cultivating a Culture of Peace

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace.

In that declaration, the United Nations’ most inclusive body recognized that peace “not only is the absence of conflict, but also requires a positive, dynamic participatory process where dialogue is encouraged and conflicts are solved in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation.”

In a world with rising geopolitical tensions and protracted conflicts, there has never been a better time to remember how the UN General Assembly came together in 1999 to lay out the values needed for a culture of peace. These include: respect for life, human rights and fundamental freedoms; the promotion of non-violence through education, dialogue and cooperation; commitment to peaceful settlement of conflicts; and adherence to freedom, justice, democracy, tolerance, solidarity, cooperation, pluralism, cultural diversity, dialogue and understanding at all levels of society and among nations.

In follow-up resolutions, the General Assembly recognized further the importance of choosing negotiations over confrontation and of working together and not against each other.

The Constitution of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) starts with the notion that “wars begin in the minds of men so it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed”. It is this notion that framed the theme and logo of this year’s observance of the International Day of Peace. The ideas of peace, the culture of peace, need to be cultivated in the minds of children and communities through formal and informal education, across countries and generations.

The International Day of Peace has always been a time to lay down weapons and observe ceasefires. But it now must also be a time for people to see each other’s humanity. Our survival as a global community depends on that.

 

Source: Text & Image: https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-day-peace

21st Sunday of Year B – 2024

23 août 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: commitment, Joshua 24:1-2.15-18, list of things, memory, thanking God, what God has done

Making lists – we are quite used to this exercise!
The rhythm of our daily lives is so fast that we feel we cannot always rely only on our memory.
To make sure that we do not forget anything – anything important and even less important – we make lists!
Lists of… things to do, items to buy, phone calls to make, people to meet, tasks to carry out, etc.

Have you ever thought of making a list about… what God has done for you?
This question may cause much surprise to some people reading these lines, but…
This could be a very interesting activity and one that leads to some enriching discovery!

In the 1st reading of today’s celebration, we see the people of Israel doing exactly that (Joshua 24:1-2,15-18).
Prompted by Joshua to say if they want to commit themselves to serving the Lord God,
they reply with precisely this: a list of what God has done for them over the years.

“It was the Lord our God himself who brought us and our parents up out of Egypt,
from that land of slavery,
and performed those great signs before our eyes.
He protected us on our entire journey
and among all the nations through which we traveled.
And the Lord drove out before us all the nations”.

The people have become aware that the freedom they now enjoy has been given to them by God.
The security that is theirs, they have received from God, a gift from his loving care.
So, they commit themselves to serving him, and being faithful to what he asks from them.

“We will serve the Lord; for he is our God”.

At this point, I pause and… I start looking back…
Looking at all that I, and those dear to me, enjoy in terms of good health, success, security…

      – the protection from accidents,
      – the recovery from sickness for myself and those near to me,
      – the unexpected return of a fugitive child,
      – the helpful encounters with some people,
      – the escape from a dangerous situation,
      – the successful resolution of a conflict with a colleague,
      – the positive results of a college exam,
      – the happy conclusion of a business deal, etc.

The personal list of each one can go on… and it may get longer from day to day…

Then, should not our commitment also grow in thanksgiving to the Lord and faithfulness to him?…

 

Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/21e-dimanche-de-lannee-b-2024/

 

Source: Images: unsplash.com (Torbjorn Helgesen; Jakub Zerdzicki)

1st Sunday of Lent, Year B – 2024

17 février 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: commitment, covenant, Genesis 9:8-15, help, needs, promise, protection, rainbow, relationships

Among us, human beings, relationships are of many kinds – family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, etc.
Somehow, we find it normal that there be special ties between ourselves and other people who are part of our lives.

The amazing thing is that… God feels the same!
From all times, God has wanted to establish a special relationship with human beings.
This is what the 1st reading of today’s celebration is about (Genesis 9:8-15).

This text reveals to us that God wants us to be united to him in a special way.
He has called human being to enter a covenant with him.

Throughout history, people have made covenants:
kings, emperors, monarchs, have concluded specific agreements with one another.
These alliances were promises of mutual help, exchange of goods, respect of borders, support against common enemies, etc.

God has done something similar with us, and for us.
He has made a promise of giving us his special help and ongoing protection.

“Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him:
“I now establish my covenant with you. 
and with your descendants after you, 
and with every living creature on earth…
I establish my covenant with you”.

And, as if God was aware that we need signs, he gave us a clear sign of his commitment: the rainbow.
He, himself, said:

“This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you,
and every living creature with you,
 a covenant for all generations to come:
I have set my rainbow in the clouds,
and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth”. 

We know with certainty that God cannot fail to fulfil his promise.
We can rest assured that we SHALL receive – at all times and in all situations – his protection and assistance,
whatever our needs may be.

Can HE rest assured that we will also be faithful to the covenant we have accepted to have with him?
Next time we see a rainbow in the sky, we could ask ourselves again?…
And, of course, thank him for his faithfulness!

 

Note: Another text is available on a different theme, in French, at: https://image-i-nations.com/1er-dimanche-du-careme-annee-b-2024/

 

Source: Image: pexels.com (James Wheeler)

 

International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking – 2024

8 février 2024
Nicole Gregoire
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Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: act, commitment, cultures, dignity, dream, exploitation, faiths, human trafficking, listen

« I greet the young people of many countries who have come for the World Day for Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking, which will be celebrated on 8 February, memorial of Saint Josephine Bakhita, the Sudanese religious sister who was enslaved as a child. Today too, many brothers and sisters are deceived with false promises and are then subjected to exploitation and abuse. Let us all join to counter the dramatic global phenomenon of human trafficking. »          Pope Francis – Angelus – Feb 4, 2024

X° International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking 2024
“Be confident of this, that the One Who began a good work in you will carry it on
to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 1:6)
Inspired by the commitment of young people from all over the world, the theme of the 10th Edition International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against

Human Trafficking 2024
JOURNEYING IN DIGNITY: LISTEN, DREAM, ACT
The International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking (IDPAAHT) is celebrated annually on the Feast of Saint Josephine Bakhita on 8 February, since formally observed in 2015.

The primary objective of this Day is to create a greater awareness of the phenomenon of human trafficking and to reflect on the situation of violence and injustice that affects so many people’s lives. Another goal is to attempt to provide solutions to counter human trafficking by taking concrete actions.

The theme of the 10th Edition of the Day continued on from 2023 (Journeying in Dignity), chosen by an international group of young people involved in the fight against trafficking. This year, the subtitle LISTEN, DREAM, ACT is added to materialize the “Call to Action” commitment made by the international representatives of young people gathered in Rome in February 2023.

The 10th Edition has the following objectives:

– To pray together as brothers and sisters of all ages, cultures, and faiths to end human trafficking and other forms of exploitation;
– Raising awareness about human trafficking at all levels – local churches, traditions, and communities;
– Celebrating the 10th year anniversary of the Day with partners and people of goodwill;
– Closing the year dedicated to young people (2023-2024).

Source: Text: https://preghieracontrotratta.org/   Image: unsplash.com

2nd Sunday of Year B – 2024

12 janvier 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: 1 Samuel 3:3-10.19, commitment, God's messages, interaction of God with us, meaning

In a text, it happens that a single sentence, a short reflection, or even one word, may give an unexpected inspiration.
It may be expressed in simple language, it could pass unnoticed but, if we pay attention to it, we may suddenly be struck by its meaning.

This is what happened when I read the 1st reading of today’s celebration (1 Samuel 3:3-10.19).
The young Samuel living in the temple has heard God’s voice for the first time.
The story of this night call ends with the words:

“Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him,
and let none of his words fall to the ground.”

Reading the text in this translation (repeated by different authors), we could understand that Samuel was attentive to every word God spoke to him.
He was sensitive to God’s messages to him whenever they came, from whatever source.

But another translation (CSB – Christian Standard Bible) of the same text says:
Samuel grew. The Lord was with him, and he fulfilled everything Samuel prophesied.”

A third translation (GW – God’s Word) tells us:
Samuel grew up. The Lord was with him and didn’t let any of his words go unfulfilled.”

Here, it is God himself who cares that the messages Samuel addresses his people – in God’s name, of course – these messages are fulfilled.

What I find especially inspiring is the close interaction of God and the young man he has chosen as his messenger.
Could it not be that God wants the same close interaction with each one of us?

Perhaps we could retain the twofold possible meaning of the text and commit ourselves to faithfully keep every word of God to us.
And then, rely on God’s own commitment to us!

 

Note: Another text is available on a different theme, in French, at: https://image-i-nations.com/2e-dimanche-de-lannee-b-2024/

 

Source: Image: The Bible Illustration Blog

 

 

 

2nd Sunday of Easter, Year A – 2023

14 avril 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: aware, belief, challenge, commitment, Easter season, faith, gospel, Mark 9:24, option, unbelief

In this day and age, surveys are commonplace.
People want to know what others think about different subjects.
They want to be aware of how their fellowmen and women feel about many topics.
So, journalists, reporters, and others involved in the media, submit questionnaires –
questionnaires asking about the opinions and reactions to the headlines that make up the news.

What if someone came to you and asked: “What is FAITH for YOU?”

Some people may refuse categorically to answer what they see as a personal question.
Others may say that they do not believe, so they consider this question irrelevant.
There are some who will reply that they believe, that’s all – they do not feel the need to articulate what believing means.
A few may admit that… they do not know the words to explain what faith is really about.

The gospel texts of the Easter season can be a challenge to our faith.
At times, the narratives differ from one another as they present events and people in ways that vary.

This presents us with the option of becoming aware of what our faith is about.
Is it about a series of facts that we consider reliable?
Is it about a list of principles that we hold as true?
Is it about some teachings received long ago and accepted without question?
Is it about a set of values and attitudes that we see worthy of adoption as a way of life?

Or… is it the acceptance of someone we trust and rely upon, sure that he will never deceive us?
Someone we are convinced is truthful, reliable, and concerned about us personally?
Someone who, we dare believe, can never fail us, whatever the situation we find ourselves in?

Someone we are ready to commit ourselves to… for better or for worse?

To this someone, we are ready to say the words of the father of the epileptic boy:
“I do have faith, help the little faith I have.”  (Mark 9:24)

 

Note: In the following video, Arnold Rodriguez personifies Thomas, the apostle, who tells us what happened to him: https://youtu.be/kp1eb-oBH6w

Another text is available on a different theme, in French, at: https://image-i-nations.com/2e-dimanche-de-paques-annee…/ 

Source: Image: Crosscards.com

 

World TB Day – 24 March 2023

24 mars 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: collaboration, commitment, epidemic, hope, TB, treatment, tuberculosis

World TB Day 2023, with the theme ‘Yes! We can end TB!’, aims to inspire hope and encourage high-level leadership, increased investments, faster uptake of new WHO recommendations, adoption of innovations, accelerated action, and multisectoral collaboration to combat the TB epidemic. This year is critical, with opportunities to raise visibility and political commitment at the 2023 UN High-Level Meeting on TB.

The spotlight of World TB Day will be on urging countries to ramp up progress in the lead-up to the 2023 UN High-Level Meeting on TB. WHO will also issue a call to action with partners urging Member States to accelerate the rollout of the new WHO-recommended shorter all-oral treatment regimens for drug-resistant TB.

World TB Day is observed annually on March 24 to raise awareness about TB and efforts to end the global epidemic, marking the day in 1882 when the bacterium causing TB was discovered.

 

Source: Text: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-tb-day/2023        Image: YouTube

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty – 17 October

17 octobre 2022
Nicole Gregoire
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Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: beliefs, commitment, human rights, hunger, poverty, solidary, UNESCO, victims, violence

17 October presents an opportunity to acknowledge the effort and struggle of people living in poverty, a chance for them to make their concerns heard, and a moment to recognize that poor people are the first ones to fight against poverty.

Participation of the poor themselves has been at the center of the Day’s celebration since its very beginning. The commemoration of 17 October also reflects the willingness of people living in poverty to use their expertise to contribute to the eradication of poverty.

The observance of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty can be traced back to 17 October 1987. On that day, over a hundred thousand people gathered at the Trocadéro in Paris, where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948, to honour the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger.

They proclaimed that poverty is a violation of human rights and affirmed the need to come together to ensure that these rights are respected. These convictions are inscribed in a commemorative stone unveiled on this day. Since then, people of all backgrounds, beliefs and social origins have gathered every year on 17 October to renew their commitment and show their solidarity with the poor. Replicas of the commemorative stone have been unveiled around the world and serve as a gathering place to celebrate the Day.

 

Source: Text: https://en.unesco.org/events/international-day-eradication-poverty   Image: freepik.com

World Suicide Prevention Day – 10 September

10 septembre 2022
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: awareness, commitment, prévention, strategy, suicide

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is an awareness day observed on 10 September every year, in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides, with various activities around the world since 2003. The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) collaborates with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) to host World Suicide Prevention Day. In 2011 an estimated 40 countries held awareness events to mark the occasion. According to WHO’s Mental Health Atlas released in 2014, no low-income country reported having a national suicide prevention strategy, while less than 10% of lower-middle income countries, and almost a third of upper-middle and high-income countries had.

On its first event in 2003, the 1999 WHO’s global suicide prevention initiative is mentioned with regards to the main strategy for its implementation, requiring:

  1. « The organisation of global, regional and national multi-sectoral activities to increase awareness about suicidal behaviours and how to effectively prevent them. »
  2. « The strengthening of countries’s capabilities to develop and evaluate national policies and plans for suicide prevention. »

 

Source: Text: Wikipedia    Image: freepik.com

32nd Sunday of Year A – 2020

6 novembre 2020
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: commitment, consequence, Mt.25:1-13, question, reminder, sleeping, Spirit of God, waiting for the Lord, waiting on the Lord

Listening to a speaker not very interesting, one may fall asleep.
Falling asleep watching a television program rather dull is also common.
It happens also that we fall asleep while waiting for someone who delays in coming.

Such situations are not serious and of not much consequence.
But… Jesus’ parable in today’s gospel – that of the Ten bridesmaids – (Mt.25:1-13) leads us to ask the question:
‘Are we falling asleep while waiting for… the Lord?’
This is more serious indeed.

It may be that we are distracted by more pressing concerns, more interesting activities, perhaps.
We have possibly somehow forgotten the presence of God and our commitment to follow him.
We may feel that he does not make his presence felt as we would like him to do…
His action in the world is not obvious and…
his intervention in our lives when we need him most does not always correspond to what we hope for.

So, Jesus’ words are a reminder – serious and urgent – that we are to keep watch,
to be alert and intent on welcoming him
at whatever time and in whatever situation he chooses to reach us.

Waiting for the Lord we should be waiting on the Lord:
being attentive to him and responsive to the inspiration of his Spirit.
 

Note: Another reflection on a different theme in French can be found at: https://image-i-nations.com/32e-dimanche-de-lannee-a-2020/

 

Source: Images: www.marysrosaries.com   Pinterest