Catholic Illustrations
Sacramental life, apostolic tradition, Magisterium.
Key question: “How does this connect to sacramental grace and Church teaching?”
14907 illustrations found
Lessons from Salvation - Story
One Sunday afternoon, a small parish community gathered to celebrate their annual feast day, a day marked by joy and togetherness. The church’s aging bell tower rang out, calling everyone to a grand meal adorned with bright banners and the...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Matthew 25:1-13
We read this passage as a vivid portrayal of the eschatological reality that awaits all humanity, underscoring the necessity of being prepared for Christ's return. The parable of the ten virgins emphasizes the covenantal distinction between those who are truly in Christ and the nominal believers who
The Example of Compassion - Story
In a small town, nestled between rolling hills, there lived a woman named Clara. She was known for her vibrant spirit and an unwavering faith in God's providence. Clara had a simple routine: every Saturday, she would bake fresh loaves...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Psalm 150:1-6
We read Psalm 150 as a doxology that culminates the Psalter, directing all creation to praise the sovereign God who has orchestrated redemptive history. This psalm is a testament to the ultimate purpose of creation and redemption: to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, as outlined in the Westminster
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: John 7:10-13
In John 7:10-13, we read this passage as a demonstration of God's sovereign plan unfolding through Christ's earthly ministry. Despite the opposition and fear among the people, Jesus acts according to the divine timetable, not man's. This text highlights the tension between the unbelief of the world
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: John 9:1-12
In John 9:1-12, we read this passage as a demonstration of God's sovereign grace and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. Jesus' healing of the man born blind is not merely a miracle but a sign of the inbreaking of the new creation in Christ. This event is a fulfillment of the covenant of grace, re
Genesis 46:28-34 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In the Reformed tradition, Genesis 46:28-34 highlights God's sovereignty in orchestrating the events of Jacob's family reunion in Egypt, affirming the covenantal promise made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This passage illustrates how God guides His chosen people, fulfilling His promises even amid adversity, demonstrating His providential care and the unfolding of redemptive history.
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: John 5:10-18
We read this passage as a profound demonstration of Christ’s divine authority and the unfolding revelation of the New Covenant. In confronting the Pharisees' legalism and their misunderstanding of the Sabbath, Jesus is not merely performing a miracle but asserting His identity as the Son of God, sov
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Matthew 17:1-13
We read Matthew 17:1-13 through the lens of redemptive history, recognizing the Transfiguration as a moment where the glory of Christ, the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, is revealed. This passage highlights the ongoing covenantal relationship between God and His people, as Moses and Elijah
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Psalm 10:1-15
We read Psalm 10:1-15 through the lens of God's covenantal relationship with His people, recognizing His sovereignty even amidst apparent injustice. This passage reflects the tension between the present experience of evil and the ultimate justice of God. As Reformed believers, we see the Psalmist's
Applying Compassion - Contemporary Example
When Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), He invites us into a profound relationship rooted in compassion and grace. This truth isn’t merely a doctrinal statement; it’s a call to embody those very...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: John 2:1-11
We read this passage as a significant marker in the redemptive history, where Jesus begins to reveal his glory and inaugurates the New Covenant through the first of his signs. The transformation of water into wine at the wedding in Cana prefigures the abundant blessings of the New Covenant, contrast
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: John 6:1-15
We read John 6:1-15 as a profound revelation of Christ's identity as the true bread from heaven, prefigured in the Old Testament manna and fulfilled in Christ's redemptive work. This passage, within the redemptive-historical framework, highlights God's sovereign provision in Christ, demonstrating th
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: John 21:1-14
We read John 21:1-14 as a profound demonstration of Christ's sovereign grace and his ongoing commitment to his covenant people. In this passage, the risen Christ appears to his disciples, providing a miraculous catch of fish, which signifies his provision and his authority over creation. This event
Genesis 46:1-7 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In the Reformed tradition, Genesis 46:1-7 highlights God's sovereign orchestration of events as He leads Jacob and his family to Egypt during a time of famine. This passage underscores the covenantal promise God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, demonstrating His faithfulness in preserving His chosen people, even in foreign lands.
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 1 Peter 2:4-10
We read 1 Peter 2:4-10 as a profound articulation of our identity as God’s covenant people, chosen and precious in His sight. This passage emphasizes the continuity of God's covenant of grace, highlighting that believers are 'living stones' being built into a spiritual house, with Christ as the corn
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Psalm 11:1-7
We read Psalm 11:1-7 as a profound declaration of trust in God's sovereign protection and justice. The psalmist's refusal to flee highlights a confidence rooted in God's covenant faithfulness, not in human strength. We see this passage as part of the broader narrative of God's providential care for
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Psalm 43:1-5
We read Psalm 43 as an expression of the believer's cry for vindication amidst adversity, trusting in God's covenantal faithfulness. The psalmist's plea for deliverance is grounded in the assurance of God's sovereign grace and His decree, reflecting the covenant of grace that unfolds throughout rede
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.
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Psalm 8:1-9
We read Psalm 8 as a profound reflection on God's majestic sovereignty and the dignity of humanity within His sovereign plan. This psalm captures the covenantal relationship between God and creation, highlighting human beings' role as stewards under God's sovereign decree. The psalm anticipates Chri
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Psalm 4:1-8
We read Psalm 4 as a profound expression of trust in God's sovereign grace amidst adversity. This passage reflects the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where the cries for deliverance are grounded in the assurance of God's unwavering faithfulness. David's appeal to God in verse 1
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Psalm 2:1-12
We read Psalm 2 as a majestic declaration of God's sovereignty over the nations and the ultimate kingship of Christ, the Anointed One. This passage resounds with themes of covenantal kingship, as it anticipates the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant in Jesus Christ, who is the King of kings. The ps
Daily Reflection: Hope - Story
A young woman named Maria sat on her bed, the soft light of dawn filtering through her window. She was at a crossroads in life, facing decisions that loomed like mountains before her. Anxiety tugged at her heart, whispering doubts...
Daily Reflection: Salvation - Story
Imagine a quiet moment in your home, perhaps early in the morning, when the world is still draped in the soft veil of dawn. As light gently filters through the window, you can almost hear the whispers of hope and...