Anglican/Episcopal Illustrations
Via media, liturgical worship, threefold ministry.
Key question: “How does this inform liturgical practice and pastoral care?”
15038 illustrations found
Two Becoming One: The Mystery of Christian Marriage - Story
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 demonstrated through actions, aiming for holiness rather than mere happiness. Ultimately, this union serves to sanctify both partners, fostering spiritual growth and deeper joy.
Beyond Words: The Prayer of Silence and Presence - Contemporary Example
The content emphasizes the importance of contemplative prayer as a means of wordless communion with God, encouraging believers to listen rather than speak. It highlights the transformative power of silence in recognizing God's constant presence and invites individuals into a deeper spiritual practice that transcends mere activity.
Applying Justice - Illustration
Imagine a community where one person sees a neighbor struggling to keep their home warm in the winter. They know that the cost of heating is beyond what the neighbor can afford, and yet they hesitate. "What if I give...
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,...
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
Theological Perspective: Salvation - Teaching Material
As we gather today, let us turn our hearts toward the profound promise found in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse, often quoted, is a powerful testament to the reality of salvation...
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
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: 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
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...
The Power of Salvation - Contemporary Example
A few months ago, I met a woman named Clara at a local coffee shop. She sat alone at a table, her fingers nervously tracing the rim of her cup. I could see the weight of worry written all over...
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
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...
A Story of Perseverance - Biblical Analogy
In a small village nestled between two mountains, there stood an ancient oak tree. Over the years, it had weathered countless storms, its gnarled branches a testament to resilience. Villagers often remarked how it seemed to stand taller and stronger...
The Example of Understanding - Story
Deep in the heart of a small village, there lived a man named Samuel. Samuel was known for his sprawling garden, filled with vibrant flowers and luscious vegetables that seemed to burst forth from the earth as if dancing in...
The Doctrine of Kindness - Church Context
When Jesus declares in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” He invites us into a profound relationship characterized by kindness—a kindness that forms the very essence of our community as a church. This doctrine of...
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....
The Meaning of Perseverance - Commentary
As we reflect on Psalm 23, we are reminded that perseverance is not merely an act of will but a deep-seated trust in our Shepherd. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). This declaration anchors us...
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...
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: Psalm 23:1-6 (The Lord is My Shepherd)
We read Psalm 23 through the lens of our sacramental worldview, recognizing the Lord as our Shepherd who leads us through the valley of life, offering His grace and protection. This psalm is a profound expression of trust in God's providential care, a trust that is made tangible in the sacramental l