Catholic Illustrations
Sacramental life, apostolic tradition, Magisterium.
Key question: βHow does this connect to sacramental grace and Church teaching?β
14907 illustrations found
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: βThe Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.β In this sacred moment, I invite...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
We read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as a definitive statement on the nature and purpose of Scripture within God's covenantal dealings with his people. The passage affirms that all Scripture is God-breathed, underscoring its divine inspiration and authority as part of God's sovereign decree. It is not merely a
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Luke 9:18-27
In Luke 9:18-27, we read this passage as a pivotal revelation of Christ's identity and mission within the redemptive history framework. Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ is not merely a human insight but a revelation granted by sovereign grace. This passage underscores the necessity of under
Living Out Righteousness - Contemporary Example
As we reflect on Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands us to βGo therefore and make disciples of all nations,β we find a profound call to live out our faith through the lens of righteousness. This is not merely an abstract...
When Patience - Contemporary Example
Thereβs a small community garden near my home where neighbors gather to tend to their plants, share advice, and cultivate friendships. Last spring, a newcomer named Maria joined us. She was eager but inexperienced, throwing herself into her work with...
Genesis 20:1-18 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In Genesis 20:1-18, the Reformed tradition emphasizes God's sovereignty over human actions, showing how He can redirect intentions for His covenant purposes. Abraham's failure to trust God's promise exemplifies the sinfulness of humanity, yet God's grace and providential care reflect His commitment to His covenant people.
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
We read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 as a passage that affirms the sovereign grace of God in the resurrection and the return of Christ. This text assures us of the hope we have in Christ, emphasizing the certainty of His return and the resurrection of the dead. Our understanding is shaped by the covenant
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 1 John 1:5-10
We read 1 John 1:5-10 as an affirmation of God's transcendence and moral purity, emphasizing the absolute holiness of God ('God is light') and the pervasive need for the cleansing blood of Christ in our lives. This passage underscores the doctrine of total depravity, as it frankly acknowledges the s
Real-World Faithfulness - Teaching Material
As we reflect on Galatians 5:22-23, we are reminded that the fruits of the Spirit β love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control β are not just lofty ideals, but tangible expressions of our faithfulness in everyday...
Lessons from Love - Contemporary Example
Thereβs a story that comes from a small community where a woman named Maria ran a local bakery. Each morning, long before the sun peeked over the horizon, Maria would pour her heart into kneading the dough, crafting each loaf...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 1 Peter 5:6-11
We read 1 Peter 5:6-11 as a call to humble reliance on God's sovereign grace, recognizing our place within the covenant community. This passage exhorts us to cast our anxieties on God, acknowledging His providential care in the midst of trials. We see the devil's prowling as a reminder of the spirit
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 41:1-8 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In Genesis 41:1-8, the Reformed tradition highlights the sovereignty of God in orchestrating events for the fulfillment of His purposes. This passage illustrates how God governs the affairs of nations and individuals, demonstrating His control over even the most chaotic situations, which serves as a reminder of His ultimate authority and plan in the lives of His covenant people.
Lessons from Hope - Story
A few months ago, I visited a small community garden in our neighborhood. It was a humble plot of land, filled with a vibrant mix of vegetables and flowers, tended by people from all walks of life. As I watched...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 16:1-2
We read Romans 16:1-2 as a testament to the unfolding nature of God's covenant faithfulness in the life of the early church. Phoebe is recognized as a servant (διάκονοΟ) of the church, which underscores the covenant community's service in the redemptive history. Her commendation by Paul is not just
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
In 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, we read this passage as a profound exposition of the new creation in Christ and the ministry of reconciliation. Paul speaks of the radical transformation brought about by sovereign grace, where believers are no longer regarded according to the flesh but in the light of Chri
A Story of Goodness - Contemporary Example
There was a young woman named Maria who lived in a small town, grappling with uncertainty about her future. She had always dreamed of becoming a teacher, but after her father lost his job, her family faced severe financial struggles....
Lessons from Patience - Contemporary Example
Thereβs a woman named Maria in our community, a quiet soul with a heart full of love for others. For years, she volunteered at the local shelter, serving meals to those in need. But recently, she found herself in the...
Applying Redemption - Illustration
Imagine a small, vibrant community garden nestled in the heart of a bustling city, where neighbors come together to cultivate more than just vegetables. Each seed planted represents a hope for connection, a commitment to nurture not only the flora...
A Story of Faith - Story
In a small town, there was a woman named Maria who ran a tiny bakery. It wasnβt just any bakery; it was a haven for those in need. Each morning, she would wake before dawn, kneading dough with hands worn...
Quiet Time: Compassion - Story
Imagine for a moment a small, sun-drenched village where the air is thick with the fragrance of blooming jasmine. In this village lived an elderly woman named Maria, known to all as the heart of their community. Every Sunday after...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 1 Corinthians 15:35-49
We read 1 Corinthians 15:35-49 as a profound exposition of the resurrection body in the context of Godβs sovereign redemptive plan. Paul contrasts the perishable, dishonorable, and weak natural body with the imperishable, glorious, and powerful spiritual body, emphasizing the transformation wrought
Living Out Peace - Contemporary Example
Imagine a young woman named Maria, who recently moved to a new city for her job. Feeling lost and overwhelmed, she found herself sitting alone in a bustling cafΓ©, surrounded by strangers. Reflecting on her loneliness, she remembered Psalm 23,...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Galatians 2:15-21
In Galatians 2:15-21, we read this passage as a profound exposition of the doctrine of justification by faith alone, apart from works of the law. This text underscores the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant in Christ, where the righteousness we possess is not our own but is imputed