Biblical art in Catholic churches
Tag: Painting
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 story of Christ’s very first miracle is found only in St John’s gospel. It took place during a wedding at Cana in Galilee, near where Christ grew up. His mother was there as a guest of the couple. Both Christ and his disciples had also been invited. During the wedding banquet, there was a … Continue reading Christ turns water into wine (John 2:1-11)
Samuel was a prophet and the last judge to rule over Israel. His story is told in the first book of Samuel. From there we learn that he appointed the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. Samuel also successfully prayed for victory over Israel’s enemies, the Philistines, and led a spiritual renewal of … Continue reading Samuel judges Israel (1 Samuel 7:3-17)
In his gospel, St Matthew says that the Holy Family fled to Egypt to escape King Herod’s plan to murder the infant Jesus. He wrote that they “remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, ‘Out of Egypt I have called my … Continue reading The Stay in Egypt (Hosea 11:1-4)
The Prayer of Habakkuk is a song that describes a grand vision of God, shining forth in glory upon a mountain. It refers back to the events of the Exodus – and points forward to the coming of the Messiah. The prayer, also known as the ‘Canticle of Habakkuk’, is now used as part of … Continue reading The Prayer of Habakkuk (Habakkuk 3:1-15)
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)
The escape of the Holy Family from Israel into Egypt has long been a favourite subject in Christian art. The event was traditionally understood as one of the “seven sorrows” of the Virgin Mary, which explains why it became such a popular scene. Pope Benedict XVI explained the story this way: “The evangelist Matthew narrates … Continue reading The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)
St Michael is one of the seven archangels, or “seven spirits”, who stand before the throne of God (Revelation 1:4). His name means “Who is like God?” and he is traditionally considered to be the military leader of the angels. In one of his sermons, Pope Benedict XVI unpacked the biblical figure of St Michael … Continue reading St Michael the Archangel (Daniel 12:1)
Joel, the son of Pethuel, is listed second among the minor prophets. He prophesied to the people of the Kingdom of Judah, which had previously been part of Israel. He seems to have lived at the same time as the prophet Hosea, and to have written his prophecies after the destruction of the kingdom of … Continue reading Joel foretells the Holy Spirit (Joel 2:28-29)
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 St Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist (Matthew 9:9-13)
