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: 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
Evening Prayer: Forgiveness - Story
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a soft golden hue over the evening sky, I am reminded of the subtle yet profound gift of forgiveness. Picture a weary traveler, burdened by the weight of unforgiveness, stumbling upon a...
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...
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
The Example of Compassion - Contemporary Example
In a small town, nestled amidst rolling hills, there lived a woman named Maria. Widowed at a young age, Maria devoted her life to caring for her three children, often sacrificing her own needs. One evening, as she closed her...
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...
Living Out Faithfulness - Contemporary Example
Isaiah 40:31 tells us, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” This passage invites us...
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
Genesis 31:22-55 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In the Reformed tradition, Genesis 31:22-55 reveals the sovereignty of God in orchestrating events for His purposes. Jacob's flight from Laban and the ensuing confrontation illustrates God's covenant faithfulness, demonstrating that He guides His people amidst conflict and uncertainty, fulfilling His promises despite human scheming.
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
Thinking About Perseverance - Teaching Material
As we reflect on John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life,” we encounter the heart of our faith: the...
Practical Gentleness - Contemporary Example
Imagine a small community garden, tended not by one person, but by a diverse group of neighbors. Each individual brings their unique skills and resources: one knows how to plant seeds, another is gifted at watering, and someone else has...
The Power of Self-control - Contemporary Example
Maria was a single mother living in a bustling neighborhood, often overwhelmed by the demands of work and raising her two young children. Every day, she faced a crossroads of choices, particularly when it came to her faith. One evening,...
The Immigrant's Homecoming - Contemporary Example
The illustration of Maria's longing for her hometown serves as a metaphor for the Christian experience of yearning for heavenly citizenship. It highlights the restlessness believers feel in this world, pointing to their true destination of perfect communion with God and eternal belonging.
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
The Example of Kindness - Contemporary Example
There’s a small café in my neighborhood where I often stop for coffee. One morning, I witnessed something that left a lasting impression on my heart. A young mother, visibly frazzled, walked in with her two children. As they shuffled...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Exodus 10:1-20
We read Exodus 10:1-20 as a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty over creation and history, particularly in His dealings with Pharaoh and Egypt. The text showcases God's sovereign grace in executing His divine decree, hardening Pharaoh's heart to reveal His glory and power to His covenant peo
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Exodus 9:13-35
We read Exodus 9:13-35 as an integral part of the unfolding redemptive history, where God's sovereign power is displayed through the plagues as He hardens Pharaoh's heart for His own glory. This passage is not merely about God's judgments on Egypt but is a profound revelation of His covenantal faith
Living Out Righteousness - Illustration
Imagine a small community where every neighbor knows each other, where laughter fills the air, and shared meals happen regularly. One day, a long-standing feud erupts between two families, casting a shadow over the neighborhood. Distrust and bitterness spread like...
Evening Prayer: Goodness - Story
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue across the landscape, I find myself reflecting on the words of Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” In this sacred moment, I invite...