Biblical art in Catholic churches
Category: Gothic Revival
This short episode in the life of Christ is only mentioned within St Luke’s gospel. Two miles to the east of Jerusalem lay a town called Bethany, where two sisters – St Martha and St Mary – lived with their brother Lazarus. There was always a welcome for Christ in this home. We know from St … Continue reading St Martha and St Mary (Luke 10:38-42)
St John, along with his brother St James Major, was one of the Twelve Apostles. He worked with his father Zebedee in the family fishing business on Lake Galilee. It was beside this lake that Christ first called the two brothers to leave their nets and to follow him (Matthew 4:21-22; 10:3). With the exception … Continue reading St John, Apostle and Evangelist (John 21:20-25)
The account of the sinful woman who anointed Christ’s feet is found in St Luke’s gospel. It underlines Christ’s welcoming attitude towards sinners and his criticism of the self-righteous. Pope Benedict XVI shared this reflection on the story: “Simon, a Pharisee and a rich dignitary of the town, was holding a banquet at his home … Continue reading Christ is anointed by a sinful woman (Luke 7:36-50)
This episode in the life of Abram reveals him to be a military man, but it also tells us about his contact with a priestly king, Melchizedek, who came to symbolise Christ. The background to their meeting involved a regional war among the kings of various city-states. Abram’s nephew, Lot, got caught up in the … Continue reading Abram meets Melchizedek (Genesis 14:1-24)
St James Minor was both one of the Twelve Apostles and a relative of Christ. In St Mark’s gospel, he’s referred to as ‘James the Less’, to distinguish him from the other apostle named James (Mark 15.40). The term ‘Less’ (or Minor) may refer to either his height or his age. According to the New … Continue reading St James Minor (James 1:1-27)
Sarah, the wife of Abraham, is an important figure in Jewish history. Her story is told in the book of Genesis. Through her son Isaac, she and her husband were the original ancestors of the nation of Israel, as well as its later kings. Originally named Sarai, she was from the Sumerian city of Ur. … Continue reading Sarah the mother of Isaac (Genesis 21:1-7)
Judas Iscariot needs little introduction. He is infamous, in both art and popular culture, as the villain who betrayed Christ with a kiss. He was one of the Twelve Apostles called by Christ to work closely with him in his mission. Yet this raises a key question; if he was once close to Christ, why … Continue reading Judas betrays Christ (Matthew 27:3-10)
