Recherche

image-i-nations trésor

limitations

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

 

2nd Sunday of Lent, Year C – 2019

15 mars 2019
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: Abraham, freedom, friendship, Gn.15:17-18, Gn.15:5-12, limitations, pedagogy, potential, stars

The texts from the Bible are often presented in a language quite different from our own way of speaking.
Different types of literature are used to transmit to us the message of God.
And, not only is the language different but, often too, the scenes represent actions and reactions that may seem foreign to our culture – and they are!
But the message has definitely something very appropriate for our own lives!

The 1st reading of this Sunday (Gn.15:5-12,17-18) is a good example of this.
The scene describes God who invites Abraham to enter a special friendship with him –
this is the meaning of the word ‘alliance’, a pact, an agreement of close relationship between two people.

Strange enough, God asks Abraham for something… quite impossible!
“Look up at the sky and count the stars…”
Who could do this? An impossible task if ever there was one!
But God adds: “If you can…”
 
This text which would not usually attract the comments of writers on the Bible has struck me.
The reason is that it illustrates, for me, the pedagogy of God!
God knows well what we can or cannot do, but… we are not always aware of this ourselves!
We are not always conscious of our tremendous potential and our limitations!

And, as important and even more so: we need to become aware of what God can do… if only we allow him.
We know and it is often repeated to us that God can do everything.
Yes, everything except… one, I believe!

He cannot, he does not, infringe on the freedom he has given us.
God calls, he invites, he may urge, or even… cajole us into friendship with him but it is a decision WE must make.
The decision of accepting him in our lives, every aspect of it, every situation, every moment…

A good thing to remember… the next time you lift up your eyes to the sky… and see the stars! 

Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/2e-dimanche-du-careme-annee-c-2019/

 
Source: Images: The Jerusalem Post   The conversation