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: Ruth 1:1-5
We read this passage as a testament to God's providential care even in times of suffering and displacement. Ruth 1:1-5 introduces us to the family of Elimelech, who, due to famine, relocates to Moab — a land often seen as foreign and hostile. In the Catholic tradition, this narrative is seen as a pr
The Example of Faithfulness - Contemporary Example
There’s a story I hold close to my heart about a woman named Grace. She was a beloved member of our parish, known for her gentle spirit and profound faith. In her later years, Grace faced an unexpected challenge: a...
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
The Example of Self-control - Contemporary Example
At a small community center in our town, a local man named Jacob found himself at a crossroads in life. Having struggled with addiction for years, he felt imprisoned by his choices and despair. One day, as he sat in...
The Example of Self-control - Story
In the bustling town of Bethlehem, there lived a young woman named Deborah. She was vibrant and full of dreams, but her life took an unexpected turn when her family faced a financial crisis. With emotions running high and tensions...
A Story of Courage - Contemporary Example
In our small community, there lives a woman named Clara, known for her unwavering spirit and radiant faith. Last year, Clara received news that would shake even the strongest among us: her daughter was diagnosed with a rare form of...
A Story of Hope - Story
It was a chilly autumn afternoon when I visited a local shelter, seeking a way to serve those in need. As I entered, I was greeted by a woman named Clara. Her hands were worn from years of hard work,...
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Ruth 4:1-12
We read Ruth 4:1-12 as a profound testament to God's providential care and the fulfillment of His covenant promises through human cooperation and legal structures. The passage highlights the role of Boaz as the kinsman-redeemer, prefiguring Christ's redemptive work and the Church's sacramental life.
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Ruth 2:1-23
We read Ruth 2:1-23 as a profound example of divine providence manifesting through ordinary human interactions. Boaz's kindness to Ruth prefigures Christ’s own generous love, emphasizing the Catholic understanding of grace working through human agency. The passage highlights the virtue of charity, w
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...
The Example of Humility - Contemporary Example
There’s a young man named Samuel who serves in our community’s kitchen, preparing meals for the homeless every Thursday evening. When he first started volunteering, he was filled with ambition, imagining himself as a chef creating gourmet dishes to impress....
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Revelation 3:14-22
We read Revelation 3:14-22 as a profound call to spiritual renewal and fidelity to Christ within the Church, especially in the context of the Eucharist and the sacramental life. The message to the Church in Laodicea warns against spiritual lukewarmness, urging a vibrant faith that is neither indiffe
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
In the Roman Catholic tradition, we read 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 as a profound affirmation of the centrality of the Resurrection in our faith. This passage underscores the apostolic tradition, as Paul recounts the core elements of the Gospel that he received and passed on, emphasizing the continuity a
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: 1 John 2:1-6
In the Roman Catholic tradition, we read 1 John 2:1-6 in light of the Incarnation and the sacramental life. This passage speaks to the role of Jesus Christ as our Advocate, who is present in the sacraments, especially in the Eucharist. The text underscores the necessity of obedience to God's command
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
We read 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 as a profound testimony to the paradox of Christian strength through divine grace amidst human weakness. The Apostle Paul's 'thorn in the flesh' is seen as a reality that many of us face, reminding us that God's grace is sufficient and that His power is perfected in wea
A Story of Gentleness - Contemporary Example
At our church, we recently embarked on a community project to help a single mother named Mary. With two young children and a full-time job, life had been a relentless struggle for her. One evening, we gathered to discuss how...
The Example of Understanding - Contemporary Example
On a chilly autumn evening, a mother sat at her kitchen table, her heart heavy with concern as her teenage son, Ben, wrestled with doubts that seemed insurmountable. He had once been so sure of his faith, but now, whispers...
Genesis 25:19-26 - Catholic Perspective
This passage from Genesis reflects the profound mystery of God's providence and election. In the Catholic tradition, the birth of Esau and Jacob highlights God's sovereign choice and foreshadows the unfolding of salvation history through the chosen people, illustrating how divine grace operates through human circumstances.
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Matthew 5:43-48
In Matthew 5:43-48, we read this passage as a profound call to Christian perfection, rooted in the divine call to love as God loves. This commandment to love even our enemies reflects the universal love of God, who 'makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good.' The call to perfection ('be perfect
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Isaiah 1:10-17
We read Isaiah 1:10-17 as a prophetic call for authentic worship and moral integrity, emphasizing that the true worship of God extends beyond ritual compliance to a life of justice and righteousness. This passage reminds us of the sacramental principle that external acts must reflect an inner dispos
Thinking About Forgiveness - Teaching Material
Forgiveness is often seen as a lofty ideal, something we work towards but never fully attain. Yet, in Ephesians 2:8-9, we are reminded that it is through grace—unearned and undeserved—that we find our salvation. Paul writes, “For by grace you...
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Hebrews 13:1-6
We read Hebrews 13:1-6 as a call to live out the virtues of charity, hospitality, and contentment, rooted in our Catholic understanding of community and sacramentality. This passage reminds us of the importance of brotherly love and the dignity of marriage, which aligns with our sacramental view of
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Colossians 3:12-17
In the Roman Catholic Lens tradition, we read Colossians 3:12-17 as a call to embody the virtues that are fruits of the Holy Spirit, given through sanctifying grace. This passage speaks to our identity as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, reminding us of the transformative power of grace received
Reflecting on Faith - Commentary
As we reflect on Ephesians 2:8-9, we are drawn into the profound truth that our faith is not a mere transaction but a transformative gift from God. The Apostle Paul reminds us, “For by grace you have been saved through...