Biblical art in Catholic churches
Category: Gospels
The story of the Transfiguration of Christ is described in three of the gospels, as well as in the Second Letter of St Peter. (Matthew 17:1–8, Mark 9:2–8, Luke 9:28–36; 2 Peter 1:16-18). It describes how those closest to Christ got a glimpse of him in heavenly glory. Pope Francis picks up the story: “Taking … Continue reading The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8)
During the Last Supper, Christ gave his disciples a practical lesson on humility and a new commandment - to love one another. These extra details are recorded only in St John’s gospel. Just before the meal, a quarrel broke out among the disciples about who was the greatest. So Christ decided to address the issue … Continue reading Christ washes the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-38)
After his resurrection, Christ continued to appear to his disciples for forty days, at various times and in various ways. His third appearance was on the shores of Lake Galilee (known in St John’s gospel as the ‘Sea of Tiberias’). This was where Christ had previously called several of the apostles, as well as fed … Continue reading The Breakfast at Lake Galilee (John 21:1-17)
The story of Christ calming the storm on Lake Galilee is found in three of the gospels (Matthew 8:18-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25). St Mark’s account is the most graphic. Its attention to detail (such as Christ asleep on a ‘cushion’) suggests that it originally came from someone who was there - probably St Peter. … Continue reading Christ stills the Tempest (Mark 4:35-41)
Forty days after the birth of Christ, his parents took him to the Temple of Jerusalem, to present him to God. This was in keeping with the Law of Moses, which required firstborn sons to be offered to God and also for the mother to be ritually purified by a sacrifice (Exodus 13:1-16; Leviticus 12:1-8). … Continue reading The Presentation at the Temple (Luke 2:22-38)
St. Matthew was one of the Twelve Apostles and is traditionally considered the author of the gospel that bears his name. Pope Benedict XVI explained: “His name in Hebrew means "gift of God". The first canonical Gospel, which goes under his name, presents him to us in the list of the Twelve, labelled very precisely: … Continue reading The Call of St Matthew (Matthew 9:9)
Simon of Cyrene is possibly one of the most widely pictured characters in Christian art. This is because an image of him helping Christ to carry the cross is to be found in practically every Catholic church across the globe. Usually around the walls, you’ll find images of the fourteen ‘Stations of the Cross’ – … Continue reading Simon of Cyrene helps Christ (Mark 15:21-22)
