Biblical art in Catholic churches
Tag: Stained glass
Isaiah was one of Israel’s greatest prophets. As a later biblical writer described him: “By his dauntless spirit he saw the future, and comforted the mourners in Zion. He revealed what was to occur to the end of time, and the hidden things before they happened.” (Sirach 48:22-25) Isaiah’s ministry (740-701 BC) spanned the reigns of … Continue reading The Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 60:1-22)
Following the death of King Saul, David mourned for the man who had been his arch-enemy. After consulting God, he then settled in the town of Hebron. Forces loyal to King Saul continued to resist David’s claim to the throne, but eventually he overcame them. The Second Book of Samuel goes on to say: “All … Continue reading David becomes king (2 Samuel 5:1-3)
Bathsheba was a wife of King David and an ancestor of Christ. She had five sons with King David. The first died, but the next one, Solomon, became king of Israel (1 Chronicles 3:5; 29:28). Bathsheba is introduced in the Bible as the wife of Uriah, one of David’s best soldiers. King David slept with … Continue reading Bathsheba, the mother of King Solomon (1 Kings 1:1-2:19)
The episode of Christ restoring a twelve year old girl to life is retold in three of the gospels (Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:40-56). It’s one of the three resurrection miracles mentioned by the evangelists. The scene took place alongside another of Christ’s miracles, the cure of a sick woman who touched his cloak. … Continue reading Christ raises the daughter of Jairus (Mark 5:21-24, 35-43)
After describing the creation of the world, the book of Genesis then turns its attention to the arrival of the first humans. In doing so, it reveals important truths about how God wanted the world to be. It speaks to issues of human identity, of our role in creation and of our relationship with God. … Continue reading The Creation of Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:1-25)
One Sabbath day in Jerusalem, Christ spotted a well-known beggar who had been blind from birth. People at the time often thought that his condition was a punishment for sin. So Christ’s disciples asked him whose fault it was that this had happened to him. Christ explained that it was nobody’s fault. Then he spat … Continue reading Christ heals a man born blind (John 9:1-41)
The episode of Christ meeting the Samaritan women at a well belongs in St John’s gospel (John 4:1-42). The story gives us a sense of Christ’s respect for women, his sensitivity and his determination to break down barriers. One day, when he was on his way back to Galilee, Christ came to a town called … Continue reading Christ meets the woman at the well (John 4:1-42)
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)
The book of Isaiah is often known as the ‘Fifth Gospel’ for its detailed references to the future birth, life and death of the Messiah. Particularly at Christmastime, several passages from the prophet are read during Mass that are understood as references to the birth of Christ. As Pope John Paul II explained: “One of … Continue reading The Virgin Birth (Isaiah 7:1-17)
The Song of Creation, also known as the Benedicite, is found within the Book of Daniel. It was originally a thanksgiving song, first sung by the Three Holy Youths, in one of their darkest hours. As Pope St John Paul II explained: “This hymn, sung by three young Hebrews who invite all the creatures to … Continue reading The Song of Creation (Daniel 3:46-90)
