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: 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 7:14-25
We read Exodus 7:14-25 as a profound demonstration of the sovereignty of God over all creation and a prefiguration of the sacramental reality found in the Church. The transformation of the Nile into blood signifies God's power to use material elements for divine purposes, much like the sacraments. T
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
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: John 2:1-11
We read John 2:1-11 as a profound revelation of Christ’s divine nature and the sacramental reality of the marriage feast at Cana. This passage not only marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry but also prefigures the Eucharist, where ordinary elements are transformed into extraordinary grace. I
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: John 4:1-4
In the Roman Catholic Lens tradition, we read John 4:1-4 as an example of Jesus' intentional and purposeful mission. The passage shows Christ's movement through various regions, underscoring His universal mission to all people, not limited by ethnic or cultural barriers. This aligns with our underst
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Galatians 5:22-23 (Fruit of the Spirit)
We read Galatians 5:22-23 within the framework of the sacramental life, understanding the 'fruit of the Spirit' as the natural outgrowth of a life immersed in the grace of the sacraments. The virtues listed — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Psalm 10:1-15
We read this passage from Psalm 10:1-15 through the lens of the Catholic tradition, recognizing the psalmist's lament as a profound expression of the human struggle against injustice and evil. This passage echoes the Church's understanding of the reality of sin and the need for God's justice and mer
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Matthew 17:1-13
In the Roman Catholic Lens, we read Matthew 17:1-13 as a profound revelation of Christ’s divine nature and the foreshadowing of His Resurrection. This passage, the Transfiguration, unveils Jesus’ glory to Peter, James, and John, affirming His identity as the Son of God. We see this event as a pivota
Quiet Time: Grace - Story
Imagine a small child, standing at the edge of a pond, her tiny hand reaching out to touch the water's surface. As she leans forward, poised between hesitation and adventure, her father stands behind her, his presence a silent promise...
Evening Prayer: Faith - Story
As the sun sets, casting warm golden hues across the horizon, we often find ourselves reflecting on the day that has passed. This evening prayer invites us to consider our own stories of faith—stories that are woven into the very...
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: John 5:10-18
We read John 5:10-18 as a profound testimony to the divinity of Christ and His authority over the Sabbath. The passage reveals Jesus's divine prerogative to heal and give life, asserting His equality with the Father, an essential truth within our Trinitarian doctrine. This text challenges us to see
Quiet Time: Grace - Prayer
Finding a quiet moment to connect with God can feel like discovering a hidden oasis in the midst of a bustling desert. Picture a weary traveler, worn by the weight of daily cares, finally arriving at a cool, refreshing spring....
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: John 17:1-5
In John 17:1-5, we read Jesus' prayer to the Father as a profound expression of the unity between the divine persons of the Trinity and the salvific mission of Christ. This passage highlights the glorification of the Son through His obedience and sacrificial love, culminating in His passion, death,
Evening Prayer: Faith - Biblical Insight
As the sun sets, casting a golden hue across the sky, we are reminded of the gentle invitation to pause and reflect. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul speaks of the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,...
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: John 9:1-12
We read John 9:1-12 through the lens of Christ's incarnational mission to bring healing and redemption to the world. This passage demonstrates the sacramental principle that physical realities can be conduits of divine grace. Jesus' use of mud and saliva to heal the blind man is a tangible sign of t
Applying Love - Teaching Material
In Philippians 4:13, Paul confidently proclaims, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” This verse, often quoted, invites us into a profound understanding of love and service within our community. Imagine a church that recognizes this strength...
Evening Prayer: Gentleness - Prayer
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden hue across the room, we find ourselves in a sacred space, ready for evening prayer. This moment calls us to a tender reflection on gentleness—an often overlooked but profound aspect...
Evening Prayer: Salvation - Story
As the sun sinks below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the landscape, we are reminded of the gentle yet transformative journey of salvation. Romans 12:2 beckons us to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This...
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: John 7:10-13
In John 7:10-13, we read this passage as revealing the mystery of Christ's mission and the hiddenness of His divine identity. Jesus goes secretly to the feast, which we interpret as a profound sign of His humility and the unfolding of God's salvific plan in ways that are not always immediately appar
Daily Reflection: Courage - Story
Faith is much like a story unfolding page by page, inviting us into an epic of courage and transformation. Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Imagine a...
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Psalm 150:1-6
We read Psalm 150 as a profound call to praise God through all creation and in every aspect of our lives, reflecting the Catholic understanding of the sacramentality of creation. The psalm invites us to recognize that all creation, in its diversity and beauty, participates in the divine praise and g
Daily Reflection: Wisdom - Biblical Insight
As we gather this week, let us reflect deeply on the nature of wisdom through the lens of love, as presented in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Here, the Apostle Paul paints a portrait of love that is not merely a fleeting...
When Salvation - Story
Sarah had always been the kind of person who meticulously planned every detail of her life. From a young age, she mapped out her career, her relationships, and even her retirement. Yet, as she stood before a darkened path after...
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Matthew 23:1-12
We read this passage as a profound call to humility and service within the Church. Jesus critiques the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and love of honor, urging His disciples instead to embrace a spirit of humility that reflects the servant leadership of Christ Himself. This passage challenges us to l