Biblical art in Catholic churches
Tag: Hardmans
The book of Deuteronomy contains an account of the last year that the Israelites spent in the desert. It also explains the Law of Moses in further detail. Within its pages, there is also a reference to the future coming of a great prophet, who would follow in Moses’ footsteps. Moses himself told the Israelites: … Continue reading The Arrival of a Great Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:13-22)
After the Fall of Adam and Eve, Genesis says that God spoke to each of those involved (the snake, the woman and the man) about the consequences of their sin. While explaining the punishment they would each receive, he also provided reassurance to Adam and Eve that all was not lost. God said to the … Continue reading The First Gospel (Genesis 3:14-19)
The miraculous story of bread descending from heaven is described in the book of Exodus. Its themes include dependence on God, a test of faith and fair treatment for all. For Christians, this heavenly food, known as ‘manna’, came to be seen as a symbol of the Eucharist. After their escape from Egypt, the Israelites … Continue reading The Miracle of the Manna (Exodus 16:1-36)
The gospels include a story about how two of the apostles asked Christ for a personal favour (Matthew 20:20-28; Mark 10:35-45). The two were St James and St John, the sons of Zebedee. They decided to involve their mother, who had left home to look after Christ and her sons, in the plan. One day, … Continue reading St James & St John’s Request (Matthew 20:20-28)
In his gospel, one of St John’s favourite themes was the contrast between light and darkness. He included a number of sayings on this subject. One of these was the following statement, made by Christ both to his disciples and to the people: “I am the light of the world” (8:12; 9:5; 12:46). Referring to … Continue reading I am the Light of the World (John 8:12)
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 tells the story of Judith, a brave and beautiful woman who saved Israel from destruction by assassinating … 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)
