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L’alphabet du Carême – Lettre L

1 mars 2024
Nicole Gregoire
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Catégories: À bien y penser... blogue
Mots-clés: choix, décisions, Jean 12:35, Jean 3:19, Jean 3:2, Jean 8:12, la nuit, lumière, Nicodème, obscurité, options, ténèbres, valeurs

L pour Lumière
 
Nos villes se parent de lumière pour tous les goûts – les éclairages modernes ne laissent rien dans l’ombre.
Il faut le talent des artistes et des réalisateurs de cinéma pour créer le clair-obscur.
Certains aspects de la réalité gagnent à demeurer dans la pénombre.
De nos jours, plusieurs se plaignent de l’illumination intense devenue une pollution qui nous empêche de voir… les étoiles!

La lumière nous est bien utile, il faut l’avouer – sans elle, nous trébuchons parfois sur un chemin peu connu.
Notre vocabulaire suggère que notre esprit a aussi besoin de clarté.
Ne dit-on pas: « Vos propos on mit en lumière ce que je voulais dire »?
Ou encore: « Cette situation s’éclaircira avec le temps… »

Mais il est un autre domaine où nous avons grand besoin de lumière – c’est celui de notre être profond…
Lumière qui permet à notre esprit de déceler le bon choix à faire, la bonne décision à prendre…
Lumière qui dirige notre agir selon les valeurs authentiques…
Lumière qui clarifie les options et justifie les engagements…

À Nicodème venu le rencontrer « de nuit », Jésus disait (Jean 3:2):
« La lumière étant venue dans le monde,
 les hommes ont préféré les ténèbres à la lumière » (Jean 3:19).

Malheureusement, il en est parfois ainsi de nous…
Pourtant, Jésus a dit clairement :

« Je suis la lumière du monde;
celui qui me suit ne marchera pas dans les ténèbres,
mais il aura la lumière de la vie » (Jean 8:12).

« La lumière de la vie » –­ c’est bien ce dont nous avons besoin!
La lumière au quotidien, au fil des événements.
À l’heure des choix qui coûtent…
Au moment des décisions aux conséquences sérieuses…

Jésus nous invite:
« Marchez, pendant que vous avez la lumière,
 afin que les ténèbres ne vous surprennent point:
celui qui marche dans les ténèbres ne sait où il va » (Jean 12:35).

Ne pas être surpris/es par les ténèbres…
Savoir où nous allons, c’est quand même essentiel, non?…
 

ource: Image: DailyVerses.net

 

 

The Alphabet of Lent – Letter L

1 mars 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: choices, darkness, décisions, Jean 3:19, John 12:35, John 3:2, John 8:12, light, Nicodemus, nighttime, options, values

L for Light
 
Our cities drape themselves in light for all tastes – the modern lighting leaves nothing in shadow.
The talents of artists and cinema producers is required to create the light-dark effect.
Certain aspects of reality benefit from remaining in half darkness.
Nowadays, many people complain that the intense illumination has become pollution and prevents us from seeing… the stars!

We must admit that light is very useful to us – without it, we sometimes stumble on a path little known to us.
Our vocabulary suggests that our minds also need clarity.
Do we not say: “Your words have brought light to what I meant.”
Or again, “With time, this situation will clarify itself…”

To Nicodemus, who came to meet him “at nighttime”, Jesus said (John 3:2):
“Light has come into the world,
but people loved darkness instead of light” (John 3:19).

Unfortunately, the same can sometimes be said of us…

Yet, Jesus has said clearly:
“I am the light of the world. 
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

“The light of life” – it is really what we are in need of!
The light from day to day, as daily events unfold.
At the time of costly choices…
At the moment of decisions with serious consequences…

Jesus invites us
“Walk while you have the light, 
before darkness overtakes you. 
Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going” (John 12:35).

Not to be overcome by darkness…
Knowing where we are going, this is essential, no?!
 

Source: Image: https://praywritegrow.com/tag/john-8/

3rd Sunday of Advent, Year B – 2023-2024

15 décembre 2023
Nicole Gregoire
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Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, choices, Christian living, compass, décisions, evil, good, GPS, guideline, options

Going on an excursion in unknown territory, people used to take with them a compass.
This small instrument was meant to guide them on the way – it would show them how to guide their steps to reach their destination.
Nowadays a new kind of instrument is available with the same purpose.
It is called a GPS for Global Positioning Systems.

I believe that, sometimes in life, some of us would want such a guiding device to show us the way…
When having to take a decision, or before making plans for the future, we may feel uncertain about what to do.
We may be wondering what is the best option to choose from the different possibilities presented to us.

This also applies to Christian living.

The 2nd reading of this 3rd Sunday of Advent has something to say about this.
The apostle Paul, writing to the Thessalonians, gave them some advice which was a true guideline for them to live as Christians.
He wrote to them in these terms (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24):

“Hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil”.

Simple, clear, precise language – the meaning cannot be misunderstood.
It can be used in all kinds of situations and concerning different people.
Choosing what is good: what will be of benefit, what will achieve the best outcome.
Avoiding – always and in every way – what will damage, hurt, cause injustice and pain.

It is quite demanding, of course!
Nobody can pretend that Christian living is easy…
But the result of such an attitude can be amazing – for ourselves and those around us!

It is worth trying it and… finding out!

 

Note: Another text is available on a different theme, in French, at: https://image-i-nations.com/3e-dimanche-de-lavent-annee-b-2023-2024/

 

 Source: Images: pexels.com (Tobias Aeppli) unsplash.com    (Henry Perks)    Bible Gems for Friendship

 

 

 

International Day of Democracy – 15 September

15 septembre 2023
Nicole Gregoire
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Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: climate crisis, décisions, democrary, disinformation, empowering, populism, young people

2023 Theme: Empowering the next generation

This year’s theme for the International Day of Democracy, “Empowering the next generation,” focuses on young people’s essential role in advancing democracy and ensuring that their voices are included in the decisions that have a profound impact on their world.

Young people are the current and future custodians of democracy

An engaged, well-educated electorate is at the heart of strong democratic societies. Creating an environment in which young people feel their voice counts is crucial.

Young people must navigate a world in which democracies are under threat from factors ranging from the proliferation of online mis- and disinformation, to rising populism, and the destabilizing effects of the climate crisis. It is important everyone is able to meaningfully participate in the decisions that affect their lives now, and in years to come.

Unresolved conflicts, the rising threat of climate change and financial turmoil pose a constant threat to democracies around the world. “The walls are closing in on civic spaces,” warns United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on the International Day of Democracy.

In his message marking the day, the UN chief blames the current spread of mis- and disinformation that is “poisoning public discourse, polarizing communities, and eroding trust in institutions”.

Given the damaging effect that this flood of false information can have on young people, this year’s International Day of Democracy is dedicated to « Empowering the Next Generation » by focusing on the critical role of children and youngsters in ensuring democracy “today and in the future.”

 

Source: Text: https://www.un.org/en/observances/democracy-day    Image: https://unpartnerships.un.org/events/international-day-democracy

6th Sunday of Year A – 2023

10 février 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: Ben Sira, choice, death, décisions, Ecclesiasticus 15:15-20, freedom, Life, options

You may have overheard a conversation when, suddenly, one of the speakers said:
“It’s a matter of life and death.”
You knew immediately that they were speaking about some serious matter.
In life, there are situations which are that important and we are aware of it.

The 1st reading of today’s celebration leads us to think of such situations (Ecclesiasticus 15:15-20).
The writer, Ben Sira, says clearly:

“Man has life and death before him;
whichever a man likes better will be given him.”

Some people may think that this arises as a sudden happening and that a choice has to be made instantly.
Most often, it is not so.
The choice is in fact a multiple one, spread over months and years.
Options are offered to us leading to decisions, one after the other.
And… these decisions fashion the person we become.

The options vary in kind and their impact is also different in intensity.
They open up different opportunities…

      • compassion or aggression
      • honesty or deceit
      • faithfulness or betrayal
      • authenticity or corruption
      • courage or cowardice
      • generosity or selfishness
      • forgiveness or revenge

and the list can go on, every time offering a challenge –
the challenge to become a better person, more truly human, more essentially Christ-like, or… the opposite.

LIFE… or DEATH options, this is what they are.
Of course, they lead to a more meaningful and happier life or… the opposite.

The choice remains ours: what we like better will be given to us –
this is the astonishing gift of freedom!
 

Note: Another text is available on a different theme, in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/6e-dimanche-de-lannee-a-2023/

 

Source: Image: Monday Morning Minutes

 

 

 

International Archives Day – 9 June

9 juin 2022
Nicole Gregoire
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Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: archives, continuity, décisions, memory, rights, safeguarding, testimonies, UNESCO

« Everyone keeps archives, in an private or professional setting. Through this universal day, we wish to democratize the profession of archivist and improve the perception of the general public regarding the notion of archive »

David Leitch, Secretary General of the ICA.

Why an International Archives Day?

Since its creation in 2008, the International Archives Day aims to raise awareness …

… among the public, of the importance of archives.

Archives are the memory of nations and societies; they provide the foundation for their identities and are a key element of the information society.

… among the decision makers, of the advantages of good archiving to establish quality governance.

Archives constitute a cultural heritage and a leading source of information. The archival heritage is an important testimony to the economic, political, social and cultural development of mankind.

… among the general public, the public and private sectors, of the need to preserve the archives over the long term, and to facilitate access to them.

By documenting activities and decisions, archives ensure both the continuity of organizations and the justification of their rights, as well as those of individuals and States.

June 9, a day of international celebration.

Archives represent an unparalleled wealth. They are the documentary product of human activity and as such constitute irreplaceable testimonies of past events. They ensure the democratic functioning of societies, the identity of individuals and communities and the defense of human rights.

During the International Congress of Archives in Vienna in 2004, the 2000 participants adopted a resolution calling on the United Nations to create an International Archives Day. At its General Assembly in November 2007, the ICA formalized the International Archives Day on June 9.

This date was obvious: ​​on the 9th of June 1948 the International Council on Archives was created under the auspices of UNESCO. This choice was immediately approved and adopted by the archives community as a whole.

“Archives record decisions, actions and memories. Archives are a unique and irreplaceable heritage passed from one generation to another. Archives are managed from creation to preserve their value and meaning. They are authoritative sources of information underpinning accountable and transparent administrative actions. They play an essential role in the development of societies by safeguarding and contributing to individual and community memory.

Open access to archives enriches our knowledge of human society, promotes democracy, protects citizens’ rights and enhances the quality of life.”

– Universal Declaration on Archives, adopted at the General Assembly of the International Council on Archives, Oslo, September 2010

 

Source: Text: ica.org   Image: VSN

6è dimanche de Pâques, année C – 2022

20 mai 2022
Nicole Gregoire
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Catégories: Trésor ancien et nouveau
Mots-clés: Actes 15:1-2, Actes 15:22-29, audace, choix, complicité, décisions, engagements, foi, l'Esprit-Saint, plans

Il se peut que nous lisions la Bible régulièrement et que nous connaissions certains textes de mémoire.
Cela peut être utile, mais cela peut aussi présenter un piège, ou du moins, un défi:
celui de ne pas toujours porter une attention soutenue à la lecture.
Et pourtant, ces textes ont parfois matière à… nous secouer, littéralement!

C’est le cas pour la 1ère lecture de ce dimanche (Actes 15:1-2,22-29).
On y voit un groupe des premiers Chrétiens rassemblés autour de Paul et Barnabé et quelques autres Anciens.
On doit résoudre un problème qui a surgi dans une communauté chrétienne.

Les délégués adressent l’assemblée et ils utilisent une expression tout à fait hors de l’ordinaire.
Avec conviction, ils disent :
« L’Esprit Saint et nous-mêmes avons décidé… »

Une autre traduction exprime leur pensée ainsi :
« Il nous a semblé bon, au Saint-Esprit et à nous-mêmes… »
 
Quelle foi, quelle audace!
Être à ce point à l’écoute de Dieu…
Être totalement imprégné de l’inspiration de l’Esprit…
Être envahi dans tout son être par la présence de Dieu…
Être absolument convaincu que l’on traduit la parole de Dieu lui-même…

Pourrions-nous en dire autant?…
Avons-nous une telle foi?…
Une foi aussi audacieuse?…

Évidemment, cela implique que:

  • les choix que nous faisons,
  • les décisions que nous prenons,
  • les engagements auxquels nous nous adonnons,
  • les plans que nous élaborons,

tout cela est fait… en consultation avec lui, l’Esprit de Dieu…

« L’esprit Saint et nous… »
Évidemment, cette complicité change la perspective de la vie au quotidien!…

 

Note: Une autre réflexion, sur un thème différent, est disponible en anglais à: https://image-i-nations.com/6th-sunday-of-easter-year-c-2022/

 
Source: Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/C7B-ExXpOIE

2nd Sunday of Advent, Year C – 2021

3 décembre 2021
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: Advent, choices, commitments, décisions, discern, Ph.1:8-11, Philippians 1:4-6, priorities, time, values

It happens to most of us: we sometimes feel we have too much to do, too many things to see to.
The commitments we have taken on are just too many.
The people relying on us for help, or advice, are too many, and their demand on our time is more than we can afford to give.
We may sit down one night and say: « I can’t go on like this, I must make some choices, take some decisions.”

We see it: in such a situation, what is needed is to set some priorities.
What is the most important, to what should I first give my attention, my time, my energy?
In fact, what we need to do is… to discern.

This is exactly what the apostle Paul tells the Philippians to do.
In the 2nd reading of this Sunday, we hear his words (Ph.1:4-6,8-11):

“This is my prayer: (…) that you may be able to discern what is best.”
 
In this period of Advent, this may be what we, too, are called to do: see what is best.
Find out what is really important in life, what we should invest ourselves in.

  • Which are the commitments we can take on at the moment?
  • What are the causes that are worth giving our time and efforts to?
  • Who are the people really in need of assistance?
  • What are the values that should prompt us to act, or withdraw?

And… would God approve of my selection?
Is he the one inspiring me to move in this or that direction?

Discerning what is best… is all about that, and Advent is a good period to reflect on this.

 

Note: Another text is available on a different theme, in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/2e-dimanche-de-lavent-annee-c-2021/

And in a short video, also in French, Ghislaine Deslières offers us another reflection on this 2nd Sunday of Advent at: https://youtu.be/jN7uIU0V9-E

 

Source: Images: Dreamstime.com

21è dimanche de l’année B – 2021

20 août 2021
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Trésor ancien et nouveau
Mots-clés: avenir, choix, décisions, Jn.6:60-69, Jos.24:1-2, Jos.24:15-18, partir, présent, relations, rester

Des choix – nous en faisons tous les jours et de toutes sortes
L’heure du lever, les vêtements à porter pour un rendez-vous, le cadeau d’anniversaire pour la fille aînée, l’endroit pour les prochaines vacances, etc.
De multiples autres choix s’imposent à nous au fil des jours.

Il y a des choix plus sérieux: le choix d’un emploi et, bien sûr,
celui d’un conjoint, ont beaucoup plus de poids et… de conséquences.

Et il y a LE choix, unique, primordial, essentiel…
C’est la décision d’accepter Dieu dans ma vie, ou… de ne pas lui laisser de place chez moi.

C’est justement ce choix auquel réfèrent la 1ère lecture et l’évangile de ce dimanche
(Jos.24:1-2,15-17,18b) (Jn.6:60-69).

Dans la 1ère lecture, c’est Josué qui invite le peuple à prendre une décision en ce qui concerne leur engagement envers Dieu.
« Choisissez aujourd’hui qui vous voulez servir…
Moi et les miens, nous voulons servir le Seigneur. » 

Le moment est venu pour eux de choisir si, oui ou non, ils entreront en alliance avec Dieu qui veut justement être LEUR Dieu.

 

Dans l’évangile, c’est Jésus lui-même qui confronte ses apôtres en leur demandant:
« Voulez-vous partir vous aussi? »

C’est ce qu’ont fait nombre de ses auditeurs
et c’est à eux maintenant de faire le choix de continuer à accompagner Jésus ou… de l’abandonner.

Il s’agit de choisir d’être avec lui ou… sans lui.
Il leur faut accepter ce qu’il dit – ce qu’il est – ou… refuser de s’en remettre à lui.

 

Et le même choix s’impose à nous…
Lui faire confiance pour tout ce qui nous touche –
notre présent, notre avenir,
nos activités, nos projets,
nos décisions, nos relations,
notre vie au quotidien et tout ce que cela comporte…

Un choix… en continu… jusqu’à la fin…

 

Une autre réflexion sur un thème différent est disponible en anglais à: https://image-i-nations.com/21st-sunday-of-year-b-2021/

 

Source: Images: Empresarios Nacionales   Vox

3rd Sunday of Lent, Year B – 2021

5 mars 2021
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: 1 Cor.1:22:25, décisions, foolishness, interactions, plans, réactions, strength, weakness, wisdom

The Scripture texts offered to our reflection for Sundays and Feast days come in different… ‘attires’.
Some interesting, some encouraging, some quite challenging.

The 2nd reading of this Sunday gives us a short text of the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians (1 Cor.1:22:25).
According to me, the message we find there belongs to the last category – it is indeed quite challenging

It is focused on four words:
WISDOM, FOOLISHNESS, WEAKNESS, STRENGTH.
 
“The foolishness of God is wiser than men,
and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
 
Paul did not mince his words and this text calls on those he was writing to – and on all of us – to do some… soul-searching!
It asks of us to do some… re-vision, yes, to have a second look, at ourselves:

  • our thoughts and ideas
  • our values and preferences
  • our choices and decisions
  • our options and refusals
  • our plans and projects
  • our actions, reactions and… interactions…

A checklist to help us find out if we are guided by God’s wisdom or… our own foolishness.
Quite a project for Lent… in fact, it may serve us for a life-time!

Note: Another reflection on a different theme is available in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/3e-dimanche-du-careme-annee-b-2021/

 

Source: Image: Heartlight