Anglican/Episcopal Illustrations
Via media, liturgical worship, threefold ministry.
Key question: “How does this inform liturgical practice and pastoral care?”
15038 illustrations found
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...
A Modern Story of Spirituality - Story
In our fast-paced world, where the weight of uncertainty often feels like a heavy fog that refuses to lift, we find ourselves navigating a landscape riddled with questions about our spirituality. It’s a challenge reminiscent of the shepherds in ancient...
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
The Doctrine of Perseverance - Commentary
As we delve into Ephesians 2:8-9, we are reminded that our salvation is a gift, an act of grace from God, unearned and unmerited: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is...
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Matthew 28:19-20 (The Great Commission)
We read this passage as Christ's authoritative commissioning of the apostles, and by extension, the Church, to continue His salvific mission. The instructions to 'make disciples of all nations' and to 'baptize them' emphasize the sacramental nature of initiation into the Christian life, underscoring
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...
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,...
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.
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...
Practical Salvation - Contemporary Example
Consider the story of a young woman named Sarah, who found herself grappling with despair after losing her job during economic uncertainty. Sarah felt isolated, as if her dreams had crumbled before her eyes. Yet, in the midst of her...
The Example of Humility - Contemporary Example
In a bustling city, there lived a renowned potter named Samuel. His creations were celebrated for their beauty and intricacy, each piece a testament to his skill. Yet, despite his success, Samuel carried himself with remarkable humility. He often said,...
Putting Into Practice: Perseverance - Contemporary Example
Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has plans for us, plans for hope and a future, even when we find ourselves in the midst of uncertainty. Think of Anna, a member of our community who faced a daunting challenge. After...
St. Maximilian Kolbe's Volunteer Death - Catholic (Philippians 4:13)
In Auschwitz, when a prisoner escaped, the Nazis selected ten men to die by starvation as punishment. One chosen man cried out for his wife and children. Father Maximilian Kolbe stepped forward: "I am
The Little Way of Love - Catholic (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
St. Thérèse of Lisieux discovered her vocation: "In the heart of the Church, I will be love." She couldn't be a missionary or martyr, but she could love in small ways—kindness to an irritating nun, ch
The Conversion of Augustine's Tears - Catholic (Romans 8:28)
Monica prayed and wept for her son Augustine for years—he was brilliant but dissolute, running from God. She once asked a bishop for help; he replied, "The son of so many tears cannot be lost." He was
The Practice of Presence: Finding God in Ordinary Moments - Biblical Insight
This devotional emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's presence in everyday activities, illustrating that moments like washing dishes can be as sacred as formal worship. It encourages cultivating an awareness of God's companionship through simple prayers and gratitude, transforming ordinary life into an opportunity for communion with the Divine.
The Practice of Presence: Finding God in Ordinary Moments - Prayer
This devotional emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's presence in everyday activities, encouraging believers to cultivate awareness of the Divine in all moments. It highlights the practice of breath prayers and the Jesus Prayer as tools to anchor one's heart in communion with God, transforming ordinary life into sacred experiences.
Lectio Divina: When Bible Reading Becomes Encounter - Biblical Insight
The practice of lectio divina invites individuals to engage with Scripture in a transformative way, moving beyond mere information to a deep, personal encounter with God. Through its four movements—reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation—believers are encouraged to let the Word of God resonate within their hearts, fostering a closer relationship with the divine.
Lectio Divina: When Bible Reading Becomes Encounter - Prayer
This devotional emphasizes the ancient practice of lectio divina, which transforms Bible reading into a divine encounter through four movements: reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation. It encourages believers to engage with Scripture in a way that fosters a deeper relationship with God, allowing His love and guidance to permeate their hearts.
Lectio Divina: When Bible Reading Becomes Encounter - Story
The practice of lectio divina invites believers to engage with Scripture in a transformative way, moving from mere reading to a deep, personal encounter with God. Through its four movements—reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation—individuals can experience divine guidance and a profound sense of peace and comfort in their relationship with the Lord.