Catholic Illustrations
Sacramental life, apostolic tradition, Magisterium.
Key question: “How does this connect to sacramental grace and Church teaching?”
14907 illustrations found
Thinking About Forgiveness - Church Context
Forgiveness is at the heart of our faith, beautifully captured in Jesus’ declaration in John 14:6, where He says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” These words remind us that forgiveness is not merely a concept; it...
The Doctrine of Grace - Church Context
As we reflect on Joshua 1:9, where God commands, “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go,” we uncover the profound nature of grace...
The Power of Faithfulness - Story
In a small village nestled between rolling hills, there lived an elderly woman named Clara. Despite her frail frame and bent back, Clara held a fierce spirit of faithfulness that inspired everyone around her. Every Sunday, rain or shine, she...
Putting Into Practice: Goodness - Contemporary Example
As we reflect on 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, we encounter the beautiful and challenging qualities of love: patience, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to goodness. This passage calls us to embody these principles, especially in our relationships. Picture a family divided...
Lessons from Self-control - Contemporary Example
Carla sat at her kitchen table, staring at the remnants of her latest attempt at self-control. The cookie jar, once filled to the brim, now held just a few crumbles. “Why can’t I resist?” she sighed, feeling defeated. You see,...
The Power of Faithfulness - Contemporary Example
Let me share with you a story that speaks to the heart of faithfulness. A few months ago, I visited a small community center in our parish that serves as a refuge for those experiencing homelessness. As I walked in,...
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: Romans 3:1-8
We read Romans 3:1-8 as a profound affirmation of God's sovereign grace and faithfulness to His covenant promises, despite human unfaithfulness. This passage underscores the continuity of God's covenant of grace, emphasizing that human unbelief does not nullify God's faithfulness. In this, Paul anti
A Story of Faithfulness - Contemporary Example
There once lived a man named Jorge, a devoted husband and father who worked long hours as a mechanic. Day after day, he poured his heart into his family, but slowly, he felt the weight of life’s burdens pressing down...
The Example of Understanding - Contemporary Example
Elizabeth was a woman of quiet strength, deeply rooted in her faith, yet she found herself in a challenging season of life. Having recently lost her husband, she felt adrift, grasping for understanding in the midst of sorrow. Instead of...
Understanding Self-control - Reflection
Self-control, often seen as a battle against our impulses, is profoundly rooted in our understanding of grace. In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul reminds us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 6:1-11
We read Romans 6:1-11 as a profound exposition of our union with Christ in both his death and resurrection. This passage, within the redemptive-historical context, highlights the transformative power of sovereign grace. It declares that through God's decree, those who are in Christ have died to sin
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 7:14-25
In the Reformed (Presbyterian) tradition, we read Romans 7:14-25 as an exploration of the ongoing struggle between the indwelling sin and the new life in Christ. This passage illustrates the already/not yet tension of sanctification, where the believer, though justified and renewed by sovereign grac
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Exodus 15:1-21
We read Exodus 15:1-21 as a profound moment in the unfolding drama of redemptive history, where the covenant-keeping God demonstrates His sovereign power and faithfulness in delivering His people from bondage. This song of Moses celebrates God's triumph over Egypt, foreshadowing Christ's ultimate vi
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Exodus 14:1-14
We read Exodus 14:1-14 as a pivotal moment in redemptive history, showcasing God's sovereign grace and his covenant faithfulness to Israel. This passage reveals God's control over history, as he hardens Pharaoh's heart to demonstrate his power and deliver his people. The crossing of the Red Sea is a
Practical Gentleness - Teaching Material
As we reflect on Romans 8:28, which assures us that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him," we are reminded that our daily lives, infused with gentleness and service, can become avenues of divine...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Exodus 13:1-16
We read Exodus 13:1-16 as a profound illustration of God's covenant faithfulness and the unfolding of redemptive history. This passage marks the consecration of the firstborn, a sign pointing to Christ, the firstborn over all creation and the ultimate sacrificial Lamb. Within the covenantal framewor
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Exodus 12:1-14
We read Exodus 12:1-14 as a pivotal moment in the unfolding redemptive history, where God establishes the Passover as a sign and seal of His covenant grace. This passage is not merely historical but profoundly theological, showing God's sovereign deliverance of His chosen people from bondage, prefig
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...
When Kindness - Contemporary Example
On a chilly autumn afternoon, a young woman named Maria sat on a park bench, her heart heavy with the weight of the world. She had lost her job a few months earlier, and the bills were piling up. The...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 5:12-21
In Romans 5:12-21, we read this passage as a profound exposition of the federal headship of Adam and Christ, central to our covenant theology. Adam, through the covenant of works, brought sin and death to all humanity; Christ, the second Adam, through the covenant of grace, brings righteousness and
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 4:13-25
We read Romans 4:13-25 within the framework of God's sovereign covenant of grace, understanding it as the Apostle Paul's exposition of justification by faith alone, not by works. This passage highlights the continuity of the covenant of grace from Abraham to Christ, demonstrating that the promise co
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Exodus 1:15-22
We read Exodus 1:15-22 as a profound demonstration of God's sovereign grace at work in the preservation of His covenant people. The courageous actions of the Hebrew midwives are set against the backdrop of God's redemptive history, where His providential care ensures the survival of Israel, the line
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Exodus 11:1-10
We read Exodus 11:1-10 through the lens of God's sovereign decree and his covenantal dealings with his people. This passage is a crucial moment in redemptive history, where God's sovereign plan to deliver Israel from bondage in Egypt anticipates the ultimate redemption through Christ. The hardening