Anglican/Episcopal Illustrations
Via media, liturgical worship, threefold ministry.
Key question: “How does this inform liturgical practice and pastoral care?”
15038 illustrations found
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Genesis 5:1-32
We read Genesis 5:1-32 as an account that emphasizes the continuity and faithfulness of God’s plan throughout generations. This genealogy, beginning with Adam and leading to Noah, highlights the dignity of human life created in the image of God, as the text begins with 'This is the book of the gener
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Genesis 29:1-14
In Genesis 29:1-14, we read the narrative of Jacob meeting Rachel as a profound moment within salvation history, emblematic of divine providence and covenantal fidelity. This passage illustrates the unfolding of God's plan through human relationships and encounters, which are sanctified in the conte
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Exodus 40:1-15
We read Exodus 40:1-15 as an Old Testament prefiguration of the sacramental life of the Church. The anointing of the Tabernacle and the priests is seen as a type for the anointing in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders. The instructions given by God for the consecration of the T
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Genesis 49:1-27
In the Roman Catholic tradition, we read Genesis 49:1-27 as Jacob's prophetic blessings over his sons, prefiguring the tribes of Israel and, allegorically, the Church. This passage reveals God's providential plan unfolding through human history, culminating in the coming of Christ, the Lion of the t
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Genesis 50:1-14
We read Genesis 50:1-14 through the lens of divine providence and reconciliation, which are central themes in Catholic teaching. Joseph's actions towards his brothers reflect the mercy and forgiveness that are hallmarks of Christian life, mirroring the mercy God shows us through the sacraments. This
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Genesis 27:1-40
We read Genesis 27:1-40 through the lens of the covenantal blessings that God bestows upon His people, recognizing the importance of divine providence in the unfolding of salvation history. This passage illustrates how God's plans can work through human imperfections, as seen in the deception employ
The Example of Gentleness - Story
There once was a small, struggling church in a tight-knit community. Among its members was a woman named Grace, known for her gentle spirit. Grace was not a preacher or a leader; she was the quiet one in the back...
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Exodus 6:1-13
In the Roman Catholic Lens tradition, we read Exodus 6:1-13 as a profound revelation of God's faithfulness and His covenantal promise to His people. This passage assures us of God's sovereignty and His commitment to fulfill the promises made to our ancestors, a theme that resonates deeply with our u
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Exodus 38:1-7
In reading Exodus 38:1-7, we see the sacramental nature of the altar of burnt offering as prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the Cross, which is re-presented in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The meticulous construction of the altar with acacia wood and bronze signifies the preparation
Genesis 3:14-19 - Catholic Perspective
In the Catholic tradition, Genesis 3:14-19 is viewed as a pivotal moment in salvation history, marking the entrance of sin and its consequences into the human experience. This passage underscores the necessity of God's grace and the promise of redemption, which is fully realized in Jesus Christ and the sacraments of the Church.
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Romans 1:16-17
We read Romans 1:16-17 as an affirmation of the power of the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, as the source of salvation for all who believe. In the Catholic tradition, this passage underscores the role of faith as both an initial acceptance of God's grace and a lived response through the sacr
Living Out Patience - Teaching Material
Psalm 46:10 beckons us to “Be still, and know that I am God.” This simple yet profound directive invites us into a space of patience and trust, reminding us that God is both present and actively working in our lives....
Lessons from Wisdom - Story
In the dusty hills of ancient Israel, the people found themselves in turmoil, craving guidance. It was during this time that a woman named Deborah emerged, a judge and prophetess whose wisdom brought clarity where confusion reigned. Picture the scene:...
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Exodus 8:1-15
In the Roman Catholic tradition, we read Exodus 8:1-15 as a demonstration of God's sovereignty over creation and His desire to free His people from bondage, which prefigures our liberation from sin through Christ. The plagues, including the plague of frogs, are understood as signs of divine interven
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Exodus 9:13-35
In the Roman Catholic Lens tradition, we read Exodus 9:13-35 as a profound demonstration of God's sovereignty and justice, manifesting both His mercy and His righteous judgment. This passage underscores God's authority over creation, as seen in the plague of hail, and serves as a reminder of His cov
Genesis 2:1-3 - Catholic Perspective
In the Catholic tradition, Genesis 2:1-3 is viewed as a foundational text for understanding the nature of creation and the sanctity of the Sabbath. It emphasizes God's rest as a model for human life, inviting believers to participate in the divine rhythm of work and rest that reflects God's own creative order.
Genesis 3:20-24 - Catholic Perspective
In the Catholic tradition, Genesis 3:20-24 is interpreted as a foundational text that highlights the consequences of original sin and the necessity of salvation through Christ. The expulsion from the Garden of Eden signifies not only humanity's fall but also God's ongoing desire to redeem and restore creation through the sacraments and the Church.
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: 1 Timothy 6:3-10
We read this passage, 1 Timothy 6:3-10, as a warning against the dangers of false teachings and the love of money, which can lead us away from the true faith entrusted to us through Sacred Tradition. St. Paul exhorts us to adhere to sound doctrine, which aligns with the teachings of Christ and the a
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Hebrews 12:1-2 (Run the Race)
We read Hebrews 12:1-2 as an exhortation to live our faith with perseverance, recognizing that we are surrounded by the 'great cloud of witnesses' — the saints in heaven who intercede for us. This passage calls us to lay aside every sin and embrace the life of grace, looking to Jesus, the 'pioneer a
Lessons from Wisdom - Contemporary Example
In a small town, there was a woman named Clara, known for her wisdom and her deep faith. She ran a little café, a gathering spot for many. One day, a young mother named Sarah walked in, her heart heavy...
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Revelation 11:15-19
We read Revelation 11:15-19 through the lens of the Church's eschatological hope, where the Kingdom of God is fully established. This passage, with its imagery of the seventh trumpet, signifies the consummation of God's plan and the final victory of Christ. The scene in heaven, with the twenty-four
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Revelation 21:1-5
We read Revelation 21:1-5 as a profound vision of the ultimate fulfillment of God's salvific plan, where the new heaven and new earth symbolize the fullness of redemption and sanctification of all creation. This passage reveals the eschatological hope that we, as Catholics, hold in the renewal of th
When Self-control - Contemporary Example
I want to share a story about a young woman named Sarah, who recently found herself at a crossroads in life. After graduating from college, she faced the pressure to jump into a demanding career that promised success but also...
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: 1 John 2:28-3:3
We read this passage as an affirmation of our identity as children of God, emphasizing our call to holiness and the hope of eternal life with Christ. The text underscores that abiding in Christ leads us to confidence and righteousness, a theme that resonates deeply within our sacramental understandi