Anglican/Episcopal Illustrations
Via media, liturgical worship, threefold ministry.
Key question: “How does this inform liturgical practice and pastoral care?”
15038 illustrations found
The Power of Goodness - Story
There’s a humble gardener in our town, known for her vibrant flowerbeds that seem to sing with color every spring. But what many don’t realize is the story behind those blooms. Each winter, she works tirelessly, turning over the soil,...
Theology of Courage - Commentary
The fruit of the Spirit enumerated in Galatians 5:22-23 is a tapestry of virtues, each one interwoven with the others—a beautiful, divine design that flourishes in the life of the believer. Among these fruit, *agape* love, joy, and peace are...
Applying Justice - Teaching Material
John 3:16 assures us of a profound truth: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.” This verse not only speaks to the heart of our faith but also compels us toward justice and...
The Example of Faithfulness - Story
There was a young woman named Sarah, who lived in a small town nestled between rolling hills. Every morning, she would rise before dawn and walk along a narrow path that led to a secluded spot by a quiet stream....
Reflecting on Salvation - Commentary
Psalm 23 begins with a profound assurance: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” This imagery invites us into the heart of God’s mercy, illustrating that our salvation is not merely a transaction but a relationship. In a...
The Doctrine of Kindness - Teaching Material
In John 14:6, Jesus declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” This profound statement not only reveals the nature of Christ but also invites us into a transformative journey of kindness and mercy. The kindness of God...
Living Out Redemption - Contemporary Example
As we reflect on Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands us to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations," we find ourselves at the heart of our calling—not merely to share the Gospel, but to embody it through the transformative...
A Story of Faith - Contemporary Example
Amidst the quiet suburbs, there lived a young woman named Sarah, who felt an unsettling fog enveloping her life. Recently graduated, she was torn between several paths—pursuing a career, furthering her education, or perhaps even embarking on a mission trip....
Fasting from More Than Food - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustration emphasizes that fasting during Lent is a spiritual discipline aimed at redirecting our hearts toward God and recognizing our true dependence on Him. By fasting from various distractions, we create space to hear God's voice and experience true satisfaction, akin to the homecoming of the prodigal son. Ultimately, the practice of fasting is about spiritual growth and cultivating compassion for others.
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: 1 Peter 5:1-5
We read this passage as an exhortation to the clergy and the faithful, rooted deeply in the apostolic tradition. St. Peter, the first Pope, instructs the elders to shepherd the flock with humility and service, reflecting the sacrificial love of Christ. This passage echoes the hierarchical and commun
Two Becoming One: The Mystery of Christian Marriage - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustration emphasizes that marriage is a sacrament reflecting Christ's relationship with the Church, requiring divine grace for fulfillment. It highlights the importance of selflessness and love as choices, aiming for holiness rather than mere happiness. Through this union, couples are sanctified and become channels of God's grace to each other and the world.
The Meaning of Perseverance - Reflection
Psalm 23 opens with a profound declaration: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” This imagery of God as our shepherd encapsulates the very essence of perseverance in our spiritual journey. Just as a shepherd guides, protects, and...
Beyond Words: The Prayer of Silence and Presence - Story
The content emphasizes the importance of contemplative prayer, highlighting the need for silence and receptivity in our communication with God. It illustrates how this practice can transform our understanding of prayer from mere words to a profound encounter with the divine presence, inviting believers to experience God's love and guidance in a deeper way.
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Acts 10:34-35
We read Acts 10:34-35 as a profound affirmation of God's impartiality and the universality of salvation offered through Jesus Christ. This passage aligns with our belief in the catholicity of the Church, which is open to all people, transcending cultural and ethnic boundaries. Peter's realization th
Living Out Humility - Contemporary Example
As we reflect on 2 Timothy 1:7, where Paul writes, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind,” we recognize that humility and forgiveness are rooted in...
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Luke 4:18-19
We read Luke 4:18-19 as a profound proclamation of Jesus' messianic mission, rooted in the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy and revealing the heart of the Gospel. Jesus stands in the synagogue as the anointed one, the Christ, inaugurating the Kingdom of God through his life and ministry, which is sa
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Matthew 4:1-11
We read Matthew 4:1-11 as a profound revelation of Christ's divinity and His role as the New Adam, overcoming where the first Adam fell. This passage underscores the reality of Jesus' human nature as He faces genuine temptations, yet His divine nature prevails, teaching us that grace empowers us to
The Power of Joy - Contemporary Example
In our parish, there’s a woman named Sarah, whose laughter seems to dance in the air like sunlight breaking through the clouds. But not long ago, she experienced a season of unimaginable darkness. A devastating illness had not only taken...
Theology of Courage - Commentary
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6) This beautiful promise reminds us that true courage springs from...
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...
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,...
The Communion of Saints and the Mystical Body - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustration emphasizes the Catholic understanding of salvation as a communal experience within the Mystical Body of Christ, highlighting the intercession of saints and the unity of believers across different states of existence. It underscores the importance of the Church's teaching authority and the role of Scripture and Tradition in guiding the faithful towards their ultimate destiny of communion with God and each other.
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Matthew 6:9-13 (The Lord's Prayer)
We read Matthew 6:9-13 not merely as words to recite, but as a profound invitation into the heart of our relationship with God as Father. The Lord's Prayer, taught by Christ Himself, is a model of perfect prayer that encapsulates the essence of the Gospel — the call to align our will with God's. In
The Power of Gentleness - Story
Lydia had always been known for her fierce ambition. As a successful businesswoman in her community, she wore her self-made identity like a badge of honor. But as she climbed the corporate ladder, she found herself increasingly tired—exhausted by the...