Biblical art in Catholic churches
Author: Lo & Behold
The book of Isaiah is often known as the ‘Fifth Gospel’ for its detailed references to the future birth, life and death of the Messiah. Particularly at Christmastime, several passages from the prophet are read during Mass that are understood as references to the birth of Christ. As Pope John Paul II explained: “One of … Continue reading The Virgin Birth (Isaiah 7:1-17)
Psalm 22, traditionally thought to be by King David, is a heartrending prayer for relief from suffering. From the gospels, however, we learn that the psalm is also a coded reference to the crucifixion of Christ. There are a number of reasons why this is. Firstly, St John’s gospel says that while Christ was being … Continue reading The Crucifixion (Psalm 22:1-18)
The Song of Creation, also known as the Benedicite, is found within the Book of Daniel. It was originally a thanksgiving song, first sung by the Three Holy Youths, in one of their darkest hours. As Pope St John Paul II explained: “This hymn, sung by three young Hebrews who invite all the creatures to … Continue reading The Song of Creation (Daniel 3:46-90)
The Prophet Zechariah served God at a critical time, when the Jews had just returned from exile in Babylon (around 520 BC). He was from a priestly family and lived at the same time as the prophet Haggai (Nehemiah 12:1,12,16). The two of them supported the high priest Joshua and the governor Zerubbabel in the … Continue reading The Piercing of the Messiah (Zechariah 12:10-14)
St Joseph is probably best-known for his key role in the Nativity, travelling with his pregnant wife to Bethlehem and caring for the Christ child in the manger. However, there are several other episodes recorded in the gospels that tell us more about him and of his important role in the life of Christ. As … Continue reading The Life of St Joseph (Matthew 1:18-2:23)
Christ once told a story about how God is always ready to forgive our sins. It’s commonly known as ‘the parable of the prodigal son’, because the younger son in the story was ‘prodigal’, or reckless with money. The famous parable, from St Luke’s gospel, sits alongside two others on the subject of God’s mercy … Continue reading The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
‘The Visitation’ is the formal name for the visit of the Virgin Mary to her elderly relative, St Elizabeth. The episode is described only in St Luke’s gospel. It took place straight after the angel Gabriel told Mary that she was pregnant. Mary’s first thought on receiving this news was for her elderly relative Elizabeth, … Continue reading The Visitation (Luke 1:39-45)
After the execution of St James Major, King Herod had St Peter thrown into prison. As it was Passover, he ordered a very strict guard to be kept over him until the festival was over, when he would stand trial. In the meantime, the whole Church prayed for his deliverance. The night before his trial, … Continue reading St Peter’s rescue from prison (Acts 12:1-19)
Towards the beginning of his reign, the previously prayerful King David dramatically fell from grace. He had an affair with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite, who was one of his most loyal soldiers. To cover up the scandal, he then had Uriah killed. It all began when King David was walking on his … Continue reading King David’s affair with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:1-12:15)
The prophet Elisha was the pupil of the famous prophet, Elijah. He went on to become Elijah’s successor and performed many miracles. His life was one of sacrifice and service. Although he mixed with powerful politicians, he never forgot those on the margins. The story begins when God spoke to Elijah while he was hiding … Continue reading The Call of Elisha (1 Kings 19:9-21)
