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The Alphabet of Lent – Letter G

23 février 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: first, greatest, imperfections, limitations, Mark 9:33-35, reputations, respect, servant, status

G for GREAT

The scenes of the gospel have sometimes a very contemporary aspect.
We could recognize ourselves there as in a mirror.
We must admit that the imperfections and the limitations of the characters can sometimes be found… in us!

The following text shows it clearly:

“They (Jesus and his apostles) came to Capernaum. 
When he was in the house, he asked them, 
‘What were you arguing about on the road?’
But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, 
‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all’.” (Mark 9:33-35).

To be great, no, to be the greatest – this is what we want, is it not?
To distinguish oneself…
To outdo the others…
To be more appreciated than people around us…
To take the first place…
To have a reputation which surpasses that of others…
To be treated with the respect that makes us stand out…

Like the apostles, we would not want to say it aloud.
It is better not to proclaim it openly but still… attain the desired status!

But Jesus gives a piece of advice which goes against our way of thinking.
A single sentence which challenges us with force:

“Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all”.

The apostles did not choose spontaneously this path to greatness.
And, usually, we are not more inclined to do so…

We need to learn… day after day…
Following the teaching of the Master… listening to his Spirit reminding us of this message…

 

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

 

29th Sunday of Year A – 2020

16 octobre 2020
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: Afro-American, Cyrus the Great, first, God's plan, Iran, Isaiah 45:1, Isaiah 45:4-6, The Colour Purple

Cyrus the Great was born in the province of Persis, in southwest Iran in 590 BC and died in battle in 530 B.C.
History presents him as a great king whose rule stretched from India to the Mediterranean Sea; he possessed the largest empire in the world at that time.
His name is mentioned over 22 times in the Bible and his tomb in Iran can be visited today.

These biographical details are not the reason why Isaiah speaks of him in today’s 1st reading (Isaiah 45:4-6).
The purpose of Cyrus’ presence in this text is that he was chosen by God to play a special role in God’s plan for his people.
He was, in fact, God’s servant as the words of Isaiah make clear.

What has drawn my attention in this reading is NOT what Cyrus did, but what God did –
what God does over and over again.
The text reads:

“I (the Lord) summon you by name
and bestow on you a title of honor,
though you do not acknowledge me…
I will strengthen you,
though you have not acknowledged me,
so that… people may know there is none besides me.
I am the Lord, and there is no other.”

Cyrus does not know the God of Israel – the Lord – he does not acknowledge him as the only God.
Yet, the Lord blesses him in special ways with a title of honor and with strength.

To me, this is God, OUR God!
All too often, we think that we must do things for God – offer him prayers and sacrifices.
We somehow believe that we must gain his approval and merit his blessings.

Sad to say, we have inversed this wonderful reality that God is the first to shower his gifts on us.
We must come to realize that if we can do anything for God… it is because he, himself, enables us to do so!

In the beautiful book (and movie) The Color Purple, this is what Alice Walker, the Afro-American lady, has understood when she says with amazing assurance:

“People think pleasing God is all God cares about.
But any fool in the world can see he is always trying to please us back.”

And perhaps… to please us FIRST?!

Note: Another reflection on a similar theme in French can be found at: https://image-i-nations.com/29e-dimanche-de-lannee-a-2020/

 

 

Source: Image: Total loser and Proud    Pinterest

 

13th Sunday of the Year, A

29 juin 2017
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: abundance, commitments, Concern, everlasting, first, happiness, Jn.10:10, let go, Life, Mt.16:37-42, priorities, promise, success, time

“FIRST THINGS FIRST”!
We hear these words from time to time.
They usually come from someone who has a lot to do already and to whom someone may ask to do something more…
The person may feel that too many tasks demand his attention, too many commitments claim her time and energy.
There is the obvious need to set priorities and, yes, to decide what should come first!

I would say that this Sunday (13th, Year A) is the day for doing exactly that: set priorities!
In fact, it is Jesus himself who asks us to do so and in no uncertain terms! (gospel: Mt.16:37-42).

His message is demanding, exacting, challenging!
We are to… stretch ourselves beyond the here and now.
We must extend our concern from the present to the ever-present = the everlasting!

We want life to be brimming with happiness and success and we are asked to… let go of it.
Let go of what we are trying to reach – at times, desperately so – to receive a life “in abundance” (Jn.10:10) promised to us.

It is a promise… Some may be tempted to say: ‘Only a promise…’
Yes, but from the one who never fails to make them come true! 

Source : Images : Adobe, Pinterest