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The Baptism of the Lord, Year C – 2025

10 janvier 2025
Nicole Gregoire
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Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: faith, focus, gifts and blessings, God's graciousness, God's love and compassion, grâce, Holy Spirit, saint Thérèse de Lisieux, Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7

Many people want to know the God in whom they believe.
But people are sometimes faced with a difficulty as they try to understand matters of faith.
They are so eager to find out what to believe, and how to believe, that they forget to focus on whom to believe!

This applies especially to what is called ‘grace’ in the Christian message.
Theologians describe this concept and attribute different qualities to it.
Their presentation often becomes dogmatic, theoretical, abstract.
Often, it fails to inspire people to believe, to trust, to rely on someone, a real person…

On this feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the 2nd reading of our celebration is a section of Paul’s letter to his friend Titus (Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7).
Paul says:

“God’s grace has been revealed, and it has made salvation possible for the whole human race.”

Paul goes on to explain:
“When the kindness and love of God our saviour were revealed,
it was not because he was concerned with any righteous actions we might have done ourselves;
it was for no reason except his own compassion that he saved us…
Renewing us with the Holy Spirit… that we should be justified by his grace.”

It becomes clear that it is not a matter of merit on our part, but a matter of accepting God himself into our lives.
Accepting his kindness, his love, his compassion, reaching us where we are and how we are – no matter how poor, how weak, how sinful.

Grace is really the special presence with us of the one who is a gracious God.

All that we are, all that we have, all that we become, is God’s graciousness drawing us to himself to pour into our lives his gifts and blessings of all kinds.

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux could say:
“Everything is grace.”

Truly, EVERYTHING… a gracious God enfolding us…

 

Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/le-bapteme-du-seigneur-annee-c-2025/

Source: Image: https://www.scripture-images.com/bible-verse/web/titus-2-11-web.php

Holy Family, Year C – 2024-2025

28 décembre 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: 1 John 3:1-2.21-24, faith, God the Father, identity, who we are

Sometimes, those around young people say that they do not know what/who they are.
But if we are honest, the same can be said of many people who are no longer young!
Those adults do not understand themselves; they try to find out what they truly are.
They are searching for their real identity.

In the 2nd reading of today’s celebration, the apostle John has a message for the first Christians.
His message is addressed to all of us as well (1 John 3:1-2,21-24).
He writes:

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us,
that we should be called children of God!
And that is what we are!”

John goes on to say that the world does not know us as such, but do we truly realize that this is indeed what we are?
The apostle insists: “That is what we are!”

And he adds:
“We know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him,
for we shall see him as he is.”

God has made of us his children.
He, the Father, has lavished his love on us.
One day, we shall be like Christ.
We will see him as he is.

Perhaps, as we are about to enter a new year, it would be good to make of these 4 lines… our Creed –
a way of proclaiming our faith in who God is, yes, but also in who we are!

The conviction that this our true identity will provide us with a way to overcome our sadness, our discouragement, our feeling of unworthiness…
Let the words of John continue to echo in our minds and hearts: “That is what we are!”

 

Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/sainte-famille-annee-c-2024-2025/

 

Source: Image: https://www.scripture-images.com/phone-backgrounds/web/1-john-3-1

1st Sunday of Advent, Year C – 2024-2025

29 novembre 2024
Nicole Gregoire
2 Comments
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: Advent, depressed, faith, Luke 21:25-28.34-36, Matthew 28:20, posture, Redemption, sad

It is more than a question of posture…
This reflection came to me after reading today’s gospel text (Luke 21:25-28,34-36).

At times, walking on the street, we meet people with the neck deep into their coat.
They go about stooped, with sad faces, obviously downcast and depressed.

We would not be surprised to see such people present in the gospel of this celebration.
The text describes future events that are rather frightening.
The images presented to us represent happenings which we would like to escape.
We are even told:

“People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world”.

Yet, amazingly, in the second verse after this, we are told:

“When these things begin to take place,
stand up and lift up your heads,
because your redemption is drawing near.”

Yes, it is more than a question of posture!
It is a question of faith in the words of him who has told us:
“Remember that I am always with you until the end of time” (Matthew 28:20).

It is a question of relying on him who assures us:
“Your redemption is drawing near.”

Redemption, liberation: being free from whatever would cause fear, anxiety, restlessness.
This is the message addressed to us as we enter the period of Advent –
the period of awakening to his presence “until the end of time”.

Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/1er-dimanche-de-lavent-annee-c-2024-2025/

 

Source: Images: pexels.com (Fatin Rifat; Mike)

World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation – 1st September 2024

1 septembre 2024
Nicole Gregoire
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Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: care of creation, faith, hope, life in Christ, prayer, protection, réflection, responsibility, Romans 8:19-25

« Hope and Act with Creation” is the theme of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, to be held on 1 September 2024. The theme is drawn from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans (8:19-25), where the Apostle explains what it means for us to live according to the Spirit and focuses on the sure hope of salvation that is born of faith, namely, newness of life in Christ.

Source: Text: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/cura-creato/documents/20240627    Image: www.humandevelopment.va

This day calls on all of us to unite in prayer, reflection, and action for the protection and preservation of our common home. 

This year’s theme, “Hope and Act with Creation,” draws inspiration from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans (8:19-25), emphasizing the hope that stems from our faith and the active role we must play in caring for the world around us. The theme resonates with Pope Francis’ message, highlighting our responsibility as stewards of creation and our call to safeguard the environment for future generations. 

Source: Text: https://www.diocesemontreal.org/en/news-and-info/latest-news/world-day-prayer-care-creation-1-september-2024

World Youth Day – 26 July 2024

26 juillet 2024
Nicole Gregoire
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Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, enthusiasm, expérience, faith, the poor, universality, young people

World Youth Day is a global gathering where young people deepen their faith, experience the universality of the Catholic Church, and commit their lives to Christ alongside hundreds of thousands of like-minded peers.

The Archbishop of Seoul, S. Korea invites you to WYD Seoul 2027! See you at WYD Seoul 2027

Today marks the beginning of the Year of Frassati! To prepare for the 100th anniversary of the day Blessed Pier Giorgio entered into eternal life on the 4th of July 1925, the Archbishop of Turin, Italy is inviting all young people to discover the life of “The Man of the 8 Beatitudes,” as Holy Mother Church prepared for the Canonization during the Jubilee of 2025.

« 2025 will mark the centenary of the death of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young man who was born and lived in the city of Turin, venerated by the Church for the great enthusiasm of his Christian faith and for the contagious example of his charity, especially towards those poor. » Msgr. Roberto Repole   (Dario Mobini)

Source: Text: https://worldyouthday.com/   Image: Wikipedia

14th Sunday of Year B – 2024

5 juillet 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: curing, faith, Luke 17:19, Luke 18:42, Mark 6:1-6, Matthew 9:22, Matthew 9:27-31, power, preaching

Reading through the gospel texts, we find much to marvel at.
We see Jesus who goes from town to town, preaching, yes, but also curing all kinds of sick people.
Those afflicted with ailments and handicaps come to him to be made whole.
Jesus restores them to health.

Often, as he cured one or the other, he said to the person:
“Your faith has restored you to health”.
He said these words to the woman who was losing blood for many years (Matthew 9:22).

To the blind man of Jericho to whom he gave back his sight, Jesus said:
“Your faith has saved you” (Luke 18:42).

He said these same words to the grateful leper who returned to thank him for having cured him:
“Your faith has saved you” (Luke 17:19).

On this Sunday’s gospel text, we meet Jesus teaching in the synagogue, as he usually does on the Sabbat (Mark 6:1-6).
But we are told: “He could work no miracle there…”

What happened?
How is it that now Jesus can no longer help sick people?
Surely, his power has not suddenly disappeared!
What is preventing him from healing those in need of his intervention?

The answer comes at the end of the text:
“He was amazed at their lack of faith”.
It is astonishing, yet it seems obvious that God’s power can be limited by… our lack of faith!

There is an interesting scene where two blind men come to Jesus asking him to make them see.
Jesus asks them: “Do you believe I can do this?” (Matthew 9:27-31).
When the two men say that they do, Jesus replies:
“Your faith deserves it, so let this be done to you”.

So, we could say that a miracle depends on God’s power and… our own –
the power of our faith to enable God’s intervention.

Awesome power that is ours!
Awesome God we believe in!

 

Note: Another text is available on a different theme, in French, at: https://image-i-nations.com/14e-dimanche-de-lannee-b-2024/

 

Source: Image: https://www.daily-prayers.org/jesus-life-stories-2/jesus-teaches-in-the-synagogue-at-capernaum-2/

12th Sunday of Year B – 2024

21 juin 2024
Nicole Gregoire
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Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: asleep, being questioned by God, faith, fear, not caring, questioning God, storms

Our relationship with God can take on different aspects.
Today’s gospel text shows a rather astonishing element… that of questioning!

The scene is that of the apostles caught in a storm and their boat is nearly swamped by the waves (Mark 4:35-41).
Amazingly, Jesus is quietly sleeping through this situation.
His apostles come to wake him up with obvious insistence, asking him:

“Master, don’t you care if we drown?”

A question which has the tone of a challenge, and something of a reproach as well.
Jesus intervenes with power and authority over the forces of nature.
All is peaceful again – both wind and sea are now calm.

But then, Jesus is the one now questioning the apostles, saying:
“Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Quite an amazing question in the circumstances!
Jesus had been sleeping, unaware, unconcerned, it seems, by what the apostles were faced with.
The whole episode could have turned tragic.
And he questions… their FAITH!

His friends have nothing to say in reply, but they now question… themselves about Jesus – about God.
“Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Questioning God… Being questioned by God… Questioning ourselves about God…
This may be the slow process of getting to know God… through stormy days as well as more peaceful ones.
Daring to believe that even if he seems asleep God cannot fail to keep us safe…

 

Note: Another text is available on a different theme, in French, at: https://image-i-nations.com/12e-dimanche-de-lannee-b-2024/

Source: Image: Scripture Images

Feast of the Body and Blood of the Lord, Year B – 2024

31 mai 2024
Nicole Gregoire
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Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: faith, Luke 22:19, Mark 14:12-16.22-26, Matthew 28:20, promise, real presence, signs

When I notice the backpack of my guest hanging on the rail of the stairs, I know he is back from his travels.
As I perceive the familiar smell of freshly brewed coffee and toasted bread, I know that my sister is in the kitchen with breakfast ready for us.

The backpack and the odor of coffee are signs that speak – they reveal a hidden reality.
I have not seen either my guest or my sister, but I can conclude to their presence.

We could say that this is what today’s feast is about: the celebration of the signs of a presence.
The bread and wine are precisely this: the signs of Christ’s presence with us.

He has promised: “I am with you until the end of times” (Matthew 28:20).
He, himself, has chosen these signs of the bread and wine to assure us of the fulfilment of his promise.

In today’s gospel, we see him offering his apostles the bread and the wine while they can still see him (Mark 14:12-16,22-26).
But, even when he will no longer be visible to them, his presence will be no less real.

In another gospel text, handing the bread to them, we hear him say:
“This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19).

As we repeat this gesture of eating the bread, drinking the wine, he is still, and ever, present with us.
He said he would be – he cannot fail to carry out what he promised.

Our eyes cannot vouch for his physical presence, but our faith can affirm his real presence.

This is worth a celebration, indeed!

 

Note: Another text is available on a different theme, in French, at: https://image-i-nations.com/fete-du-corps-et-du-sang-du-christ-annee-b-2024/

 

Source: Images: pexels.com (Jimbear) (Sumeyye Ugurlu)        https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/

Easter Sunday, The Resurrection of the Lord, Year B – 2024

30 mars 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: absence, emptiness, faith, John 20:1-9, présence, Risen Christ, Seeing, signs, understanding

 Seeing… Understanding… Believing…
The gradual process of perception…
The slowly evolving recognition…
The graced-filled experience of FAITH!

The text offered to our reflection on this Easter Sunday (John 20:1-9)
is an interesting one – interesting and inspiring!
Interesting in that it is linked to the reality of human experience.
Inspiring in how it reveals what goes beyond human experience.

John and Peter are at the tomb where Jesus has been laid.
Both of them observe a detail, something that might have escaped the notice of someone else.

We are told that having reached the place first, John (referred to as ‘the other disciple’):
“bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there”.

Of Peter, it is said that:
“He saw the strips of linen lying there,
as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head.
The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen”.

Emptiness… Absence… and… FAITH!

The tomb is empty, no corpse is lying there as was expected.
Jesus is… obviously absent… away…
What the two apostles see are only objects, signs pointing to a reality which they have to interpret.
They do and… they believe!

The text mentions:
“Till this moment, they had failed to understand the teaching of scripture,
that he (Jesus) must rise from the dead”.

Our own faith is also slowly evolving, our perception is gradual, as that of Peter and John was.
We, too, need signs to believe…
They will not be those of pieces of linen and cloth that have been used for Jesus’ body.

The signs given to us will be of a different nature, but no less meaningful and… convincing…
– the help received when most unexpected…
– the information needed that is discovered at the right moment…
– the solution of a problem found where it was not meant to be…
– the prevention of an accident that we deem ‘quite a miracle’…
– the resolution of a conflict that was beyond expectation…
– the healing of a relationship when all seemed lost…
and so many more astonishing happenings that prompt our doubt to yield to genuine faith!

The Risen Lord, who seemed absent, reveals his presence in those areas of emptiness that were NOT empty after all!

 

Note: Another text is available on a different theme, in French, at: https://image-i-nations.com/dimanche-de-paques-resurrection-du-seigneur-annee-b-2024/

Source: Image: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

The Alphabet of Lent – Letter F

22 février 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: believe, blind men, conviction, faith, Isaiah 43:4, Matthew 9:27-30, relationship, rely on someone, surrender, trust

F for Faith

To have faith, it is… to believe, you will say.
Of course… but still?
It is to accept a set of propositions on a given topic.
You are right but… only this?

A short text of the gospel reveals more:
 “As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out,
‘Have mercy on us, Son of David!’
When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, 
‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’
‘Yes, Lord,’ they replied.
Then he touched their eyes and said, ‘According to your faith let it be done to you’; 
and their sight was restored” (Matthew 9:27-30).

Jesus’ question was clear: ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’
The two blindmen did not proclaim their faith in some formulas.
They did not accept a list of beliefs which they should give their assent to.
They simply replied “Yes” to someone.

They relied on someone – this is faith – to trust someone reliable!
To dare to rely on someone, to dare to surrender to… God.

He who, since long ago, has told us through the prophet Isaiah:
“You are precious in my sight… I love you” (Isaiah 43:4).

A conviction which opens up to a relationship absolutely unique… with God himself.
Daring… to believe it…
 

Source: Image: https://goodnewsshared.wordpress.com/