Catholic Illustrations
Sacramental life, apostolic tradition, Magisterium.
Key question: “How does this connect to sacramental grace and Church teaching?”
14907 illustrations found
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Philippians 2:5-8
In the Reformed (Presbyterian) tradition, we read Philippians 2:5-8 as a profound expression of the incarnation and humiliation of Christ, central to redemptive history. This passage illustrates the covenant of grace, wherein Christ, the second Adam, accomplishes what the first Adam failed to do, pe
Genesis 42:26-38 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In Genesis 42:26-38, the sovereignty of God is evident as He orchestrates the circumstances surrounding Joseph's brothers and their encounter with him. This passage highlights God's providential care for His covenant people, as He uses their guilt and fear to lead them toward repentance and reconciliation, exemplifying His unyielding faithfulness to His covenant promises.
A Story of Faith - Quote
This truth has been expressed by many throughout history. In opportunities for service, we see how faith provides freedom to those who love. Supporting quote: "[Relevant quote that supports this prin
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Luke 10:25-37
In Luke 10:25-37, we read this parable as a profound illustration of the expansive nature of God's covenant love, demonstrated in Christ, who is the ultimate Good Samaritan. This passage underscores the insufficiency of human works under the covenant of works and points us to the necessity of sovere
Genesis 3:8-13 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In the Reformed tradition, Genesis 3:8-13 illustrates God's sovereignty in human affairs, particularly in the context of sin and the covenant. This passage reveals the gravity of humanity's disobedience and the relational rupture it causes with God, emphasizing that even in sin, God's ultimate purpose and plan remain sovereign and unthwarted.
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Proverbs 31:8-9 (Speak Up for the Voiceless)
We read Proverbs 31:8-9 as a call for God's covenant people to reflect His justice and mercy by speaking up for those who cannot defend themselves. Within the redemptive-historical framework, this passage anticipates the justice fulfilled in Christ, who is the ultimate defender of the oppressed. It
Genesis 34:1-31 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In the Reformed tradition, Genesis 34 highlights God’s sovereignty in the midst of human sin and chaos. The narrative demonstrates how God’s covenant people navigate the consequences of sin, revealing both the depravity of humanity and the necessity of divine grace for redemption.
Genesis 49:1-27 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In the Reformed tradition, Genesis 49:1-27 reveals God's sovereignty in the unfolding of redemptive history through the blessings and destinies assigned to Jacob's sons. Each blessing not only reflects the character and choices of the tribes but also points toward God's overarching covenant plan, establishing the lineage of Israel and ultimately leading to Christ.
Genesis 43:15-34 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In Genesis 43:15-34, the Reformed tradition emphasizes the sovereignty of God in orchestrating events for His covenant people. The reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers illustrates God's providential care, demonstrating that He uses even sinful actions for His ultimate purposes, reflecting the depth of His covenant love.
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Isaiah 58:6-7 (True Fasting)
We read Isaiah 58:6-7 as a prophetic call that reveals God's covenantal expectations for His people, emphasizing the ethical and communal dimensions of true worship. This passage aligns with the Reformed understanding of God's sovereign grace, as it distinguishes between mere ritualistic fasting and
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 1 John 4:17-21
We read 1 John 4:17-21 as a profound exposition of the assurance believers possess in the covenant of grace. The passage affirms that our love is perfected in God’s sovereign love, which is manifested through Christ’s atoning work on our behalf. Here, love is not a human achievement but a fruit of G
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Philippians 4:6-7 (Do Not Be Anxious)
We read Philippians 4:6-7 as a profound testament to God's sovereignty and the assurance that comes from being in covenant with Him through Christ. This passage reminds us that our anxieties are to be surrendered to God in prayer because He is sovereign over all things, and His peace, which transcen
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Psalm 19:1-6
We read Psalm 19:1-6 as a profound declaration of God's glory as revealed in creation, which reflects His sovereign handiwork. This passage fits into the redemptive-historical framework by showing how creation itself anticipates the coming of Christ, the ultimate revelation of God's glory. The heave
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 1 John 2:28-3:3
We read 1 John 2:28-3:3 through the lens of God's covenant faithfulness, seeing the text as an assurance of our adoption as children of God through the covenant of grace. This passage emphasizes our identity in Christ, in whom we are called to abide, as a reflection of our effectual calling and pers
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
We read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 as a profound commentary on the indispensability of love within the covenant community, situated within the redemptive-historical context of the New Covenant in Christ. This passage emphasizes that spiritual gifts and knowledge, while valuable, are nothing without the lo
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Galatians 3:19-29
We read Galatians 3:19-29 through the lens of God's covenant dealings, emphasizing that the law was a temporary guardian until Christ, the promised seed, fulfilled God's redemptive plan. The law was never intended to save, but to reveal sin and lead us to Christ, who is the culmination of the covena
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Ruth 2:1-23
We read Ruth 2:1-23 as a demonstration of God's sovereign grace working through the ordinary events of life, revealing His covenant faithfulness to His people. In this passage, Boaz acts as a kinsman-redeemer, prefiguring Christ, our ultimate Redeemer. The narrative unfolds within the redemptive his
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Ruth 1:1-5
We read Ruth 1:1-5 as highlighting the sovereignty of God in the midst of human suffering and the unfolding of His covenantal purposes. The passage introduces the dire circumstances of Naomi's family, setting the stage for God's redemptive plan through Ruth. Despite the apparent absence of divine in
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Ruth 4:1-12
We read Ruth 4:1-12 as a profound testimony to God's sovereign grace working through the covenant community, culminating in the genealogy that leads to David and ultimately to Christ. Boaz acts as a kinsman-redeemer, embodying the redemptive work that anticipates Christ's ultimate redemption of His
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Colossians 1:15-20
We read this passage as a profound declaration of Christ's preeminence in all things, emphasizing His role as the image of the invisible God and the agent of creation. Verses 15-20 serve as a hymn of Christ's sovereignty and His central place in God's redemptive plan. Within our covenantal framework
Genesis 28:10-22 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In the Reformed tradition, Genesis 28:10-22 illustrates the sovereignty of God in establishing His covenant with Jacob, highlighting God's initiative in redeeming His people. This passage reveals that God's presence and promises extend beyond physical places, offering assurance that He is actively involved in the lives of those He has chosen, affirming the doctrines of election and covenant theology.
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Jeremiah 29:10-14
We read Jeremiah 29:10-14 as an assurance of God's sovereign faithfulness to His covenant people. This passage is situated within the Babylonian exile, reminding us that God's purposes unfold in redemptive history, culminating in Christ. Here, God's promise to restore Israel after 70 years foreshado
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 8:28-30
We read Romans 8:28-30 as a profound declaration of God's sovereign grace in the salvation of His elect. This passage highlights the golden chain of redemption, where God foreknows, predestines, calls, justifies, and glorifies His people. It affirms the doctrine of unconditional election, underscori
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
We read 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 as a profound illustration of Christ's sufficiency and God's sovereign grace in the life of the believer. Paul's vision and subsequent 'thorn in the flesh' demonstrate that God's grace is sufficient, even in weakness, underscoring the covenantal promise that God's power