Anglican/Episcopal Illustrations
Via media, liturgical worship, threefold ministry.
Key question: “How does this inform liturgical practice and pastoral care?”
15038 illustrations found
The Doctrine of Perseverance - Teaching Material
Consider the journey of a young tree. Newly planted, it faces the battering winds and torrential rains of storms. Its roots, though shallow and still finding their way, cling desperately to the moist earth. Over time, with each passing season,...
Faith and Compassion - Commentary
Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us that “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” This passage intricately weaves together the threads 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....
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
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Philippians 2:5-11 (The Christ Hymn)
In the Roman Catholic Lens tradition, we read Philippians 2:5-11 as a profound testament to the Incarnation, where the Son of God took on human flesh, embodying the ultimate humility and obedience. This passage beautifully encapsulates the kenotic love of Christ, who 'emptied himself' (kenosis) and
Scriptural Insight: Compassion - Application
Jesus boldly declared in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." This statement encapsulates not only the essence of His divine presence but also the profound compassion He extends to us in our daily lives. When...
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...
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Psalm 5:1-12
We read Psalm 5 as a profound expression of trust in God's justice and mercy, reflecting our belief in God's active involvement in the world. The psalmist's appeal to God for guidance and protection aligns with our understanding of the Divine as both a just judge and a merciful Father. This passage
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Psalm 24:1-6
We read Psalm 24:1-6 as a profound affirmation of God's sovereignty over all creation, a theme resonant with our sacramental worldview. The psalm's declaration that 'The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof' aligns with our belief that all creation mediates divine grace. The emphasis on puri
Living Out Patience - Contemporary Example
As we reflect on Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God,” we are invited into a profound moment of patience and faith. This call to stillness isn’t just about silence; it encourages us to pause amid the...
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
In 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, we read this passage as a call to vigilance and readiness for the Lord's return, reflecting our eschatological hope. The Apostle Paul exhorts us to live as 'children of light,' a theme deeply resonant with our understanding of sanctifying grace, which transforms us from da
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Genesis 6:1-8
We read Genesis 6:1-8 through the lens of original sin and the need for divine grace. The passage illustrates the pervasive corruption of humanity, a theme that resonates with our understanding of sin's impact on human nature. The 'sons of God' and their union with 'daughters of men' signify humanit
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...
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Exodus 4:10-17
We read Exodus 4:10-17 as a vivid demonstration of God's active presence and providence in the life of Moses, which reflects our understanding of divine grace working in and through human weakness. This passage highlights the sacramental principle that God chooses to work through tangible signs and
Spiritual Insight: Courage - Prayer
Courage is often mistaken for the absence of fear, but in reality, it is the resolve to move forward despite the trembling in our hearts. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, we find a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of love, patience,...
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: John 3:16-21
In the Roman Catholic Lens tradition, we read John 3:16-21 as a profound summary of God's salvific love manifested through the Incarnation. This passage emphasizes the sacramental reality of divine love entering history through Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, which invites us into a living rel
Genesis 6:1-8 - Catholic Perspective
In Genesis 6:1-8, the Catholic tradition highlights God's deep sorrow over human sinfulness and the divine decision to limit humanity's lifespan as a means of purification. This passage underscores the importance of God's justice and mercy, ultimately leading to the covenantal relationship established through Noah, prefiguring the redemptive work of Christ.
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Jeremiah 29:10-14
We read this passage from Jeremiah 29:10-14 within the framework of God's covenantal faithfulness and His providential plan for His people. The promise of restoration after seventy years in Babylon is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, even amidst exile and suffering. In the
When Peace - Story
In a small town, there lived a woman named Miriam who had spent years wrestling with uncertainty. Every day felt like navigating a stormy sea, her heart tossed by waves of doubt and fear. One evening, as she sat alone...
The Example of Faith - Biblical Analogy
Not long ago, I visited a community garden. As I walked among the rows of vegetables and flowers, I noticed a young tomato plant, struggling to grow upright. The gardener had noticed it too. He knelt beside the plant, gently...
The Power of Love - Contemporary Example
In a small town not far from here, there was a coffee shop called “Grace & Grind.” It was a beloved gathering spot where people would come not only for their morning brew but also for the warmth of community....