Biblical art in Catholic churches
Tag: Hardmans
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)
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)
The Song of Judith is a thanksgiving hymn that tells the story of one woman’s courage in the face of the enemy. It forms most of the last chapter of the Old Testament book of Judith. The book is named after Judith, a brave and beautiful woman who saved Israel from destruction by assassinating Holofernes, … Continue reading The Song of Judith (Judith 15:14-16:17)
After the death of Joseph, the descendants of Jacob – the Hebrews – grew in number in the land of Egypt. But the time came when a new Pharaoh began to rule Egypt, one who had not known Joseph. Fearing that the Hebrews had grown too powerful, he sentenced them to slavery. They were forced to do hard labour, working … Continue reading The Early Life of Moses (Exodus 1:1-2:25)
The book of Esther tells the story of how Esther, the queen of Persia, bravely saved her fellow-Jews from certain death. It’s a tense political drama with a young woman as its central character. The book begins by explaining how the king of Persia, Ahasuerus, divorced his first wife. Afterwards, he ordered that a search … Continue reading Queen Esther protects the Jews (Esther 8:1-8)
According to the gospels, Christ was well-known for his ability to heal. Crowds of afflicted people flocked to him, and “he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons” (Mark 1:32-34). He is also described as having raised three people from the dead. These miraculous accounts are presented as proof … Continue reading The Healing Ministry of Christ (Mark 1:32-34)
The story of Rizpah’s faithful vigil for her dead sons is a disturbing yet touching episode recorded in the Second Book of Samuel. Rizpah had been a concubine, or ‘official mistress’ of King Saul, before he killed himself after losing the battle of Mount Gilboa. She had two sons by him, Armoni and Meshibosheph. After … Continue reading Rizpah mourns her crucified sons (2 Samuel 21:1-14)
