Anglican/Episcopal Illustrations
Via media, liturgical worship, threefold ministry.
Key question: βHow does this inform liturgical practice and pastoral care?β
15038 illustrations found
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Exodus 13:1-16
In the Roman Catholic Lens tradition, we read Exodus 13:1-16 as a profound testament to God's covenantal faithfulness and His call to consecration. This passage, which centers on the consecration of the firstborn, anticipates the ultimate sanctification realized in the Incarnation of Christ. We see
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Exodus 14:1-14
In the Roman Catholic Lens tradition, we read Exodus 14:1-14 as a powerful testament to God's providence and faithfulness to His covenant people. The passage reveals God's sovereign control over creation and history, preparing the way for His people's deliverance while prefiguring the sacramental na
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Exodus 12:1-14
We read this passage as a foundational moment in salvation history, prefiguring the Paschal Mystery of Christ. The institution of the Passover by God is a sign of His covenantal love and a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God. In this passage, we see the importance of ri
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Exodus 15:1-21
We read Exodus 15:1-21 as a profound proclamation of God's salvific power and His fidelity to His covenant people, which resounds through the ages. This passage, known as the 'Song of Moses,' celebrates the triumph of God's deliverance of Israel from the oppression of Egypt, prefiguring the definiti
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Exodus 1:15-22
We read this passage from Exodus 1:15-22 as a profound testament to the dignity of human life and the call to moral courage. Within the Roman Catholic tradition, the actions of the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, are seen as an early example of adherence to divine law over human law, reflecting
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Psalm 2:1-12
We read Psalm 2 as a profound messianic prophecy that reveals the divine kingship of Christ, the Anointed One, who reigns over all nations. This passage speaks to the eternal sovereignty of Jesus, who, as the Son of God, fulfills the promises made to David. The Catholic tradition emphasizes the psal
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Romans 7:14-25
In Romans 7:14-25, we read this passage as a profound exploration of the struggle between sin and grace within the human heart. St. Paul speaks to the tension of wanting to do good but being held captive by sin, a reality we all face. This passage resonates deeply with our understanding of original
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: James 2:14-26
Within the Roman Catholic Lens, we read James 2:14-26 as a profound affirmation of the synergy between faith and works in the life of grace. This passage underscores the Catholic understanding of justification as involving both faith and the transformative action of sanctifying grace, which is evide
Evening Prayer: Patience - Story
As the sun dips below the horizon and the evening sky is painted with hues of orange and purple, I invite you to pause for a moment. Picture a small garden, a patch of earth where seeds have been sown...
Genesis 35:16-29 - Catholic Perspective
In the Catholic tradition, Genesis 35:16-29 illustrates the importance of familial relationships and God's covenantal faithfulness. It emphasizes that God's promises extend through generations, shaping the identity of His people, and invites reflection on the sacramental nature of familial bonds and the role of community in salvation history.
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Exodus 5:1-23
In Exodus 5:1-23, we read this as a profound illustration of God's salvific action through historical events. Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh with the divine command to let Israel go, highlighting the tension between human authority and divine will. This passage underscores the sacramental nature o
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Psalm 43:1-5
We read Psalm 43 as a heartfelt plea for divine vindication and light in times of distress, echoing the Church's trust in Christ as the Light of the World. The psalmist's cry for God's light and truth to lead him to the holy mountain prefigures our journey to the altar of the Eucharist, where we enc
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: Psalm 11:1-7
We read Psalm 11 as a profound affirmation of divine providence and justice, highlighting the Lord's immovable presence amidst turmoil. The psalmistβs declaration, 'In the Lord I take refuge,' resonates with our understanding of God as our ultimate sanctuary and protector, reflecting the Churchβs te
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: 1 Peter 2:4-10
In our Roman Catholic tradition, we read 1 Peter 2:4-10 as a profound articulation of the Church's identity as the living body of Christ, a spiritual house built upon the cornerstone of Christ Himself. We are called to be a 'holy priesthood,' offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through J
Living Out Compassion - Illustration
As we gather in community, it's important to remember that our shared faith calls us to live out compassion in tangible ways. Reflecting on Philippians 4:13, where we read, βI can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,β we...
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Psalm 3:1-8
In the Roman Catholic Lens tradition, we read Psalm 3 as a profound expression of trust in God's providence amidst adversity. We see King David, despite being surrounded by his enemies, placing his full confidence in the Lord's protection, which prefigures Christ's ultimate victory over sin and deat
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: John 21:1-14
In the Roman Catholic tradition, we read John 21:1-14 as a profound encounter with the risen Christ, emphasizing the sacramental nature of this revelation. The passage is not merely about a miraculous catch of fish but a demonstration of Christ's ongoing presence with his Church, particularly throug
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: Psalm 53:1-6
We read Psalm 53 as a profound meditation on the folly of denying God, which is seen as the root of moral corruption. In our tradition, this passage is a reminder of the need for divine grace and the sacraments to alleviate the inherent sinfulness of humanity. The lamentation over human wickedness e
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Psalm 8:1-9
We read Psalm 8 through the lens of our sacramental vision, recognizing the psalmist's celebration of the majesty of God as reflected in creation. This passage invites us to contemplate the Incarnation, where God took on human flesh, elevating human nature to participate in divine life. The psalmist
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Psalm 4:1-8
We read Psalm 4 as a prayer of trust in God's providence and mercy, emphasizing the relationship between divine grace and human cooperation. This passage invites us to consider the sanctifying grace available to us through the sacraments, as the psalmist's cry for help reflects our own need for God'
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
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: John 6:1-15
In our Catholic tradition, we read John 6:1-15 as a profound revelation of the Eucharistic mystery. This passage anticipates the feeding of our souls with the Bread of Life, which Christ offers in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. We see this miracle as more than a historical event; it is a prefigurem