Biblical art in Catholic churches
Tag: Stained glass
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)
The Prophet Zechariah served God at a critical time, when the Jews had just returned from exile in Babylon (around 520 BC). He was from a priestly family and lived at the same time as the prophet Haggai (Nehemiah 12:1,12,16). The two of them supported the high priest Joshua and the governor Zerubbabel in the … Continue reading The Piercing of the Messiah (Zechariah 12:10-14)
‘The Visitation’ is the formal name for the visit of the Virgin Mary to her elderly relative, St Elizabeth. The episode is described only in St Luke’s gospel. It took place straight after the angel Gabriel told Mary that she was pregnant. Mary’s first thought on receiving this news was for her elderly relative Elizabeth, … Continue reading The Visitation (Luke 1:39-45)
After the execution of St James Major, King Herod had St Peter thrown into prison. As it was Passover, he ordered a very strict guard to be kept over him until the festival was over, when he would stand trial. In the meantime, the whole Church prayed for his deliverance. The night before his trial, … Continue reading St Peter’s rescue from prison (Acts 12:1-19)
Towards the beginning of his reign, the previously prayerful King David dramatically fell from grace. He had an affair with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite, who was one of his most loyal soldiers. To cover up the scandal, he then had Uriah killed. It all began when King David was walking on his … Continue reading King David’s affair with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:1-12:15)
Towards the end of the book of Daniel is a dramatic tale about how the prophet saved an innocent woman named Susanna from the death penalty. It’s a story about attempted rape, the abuse of power and the right to a fair trial. It’s set in Babylon, where the Jews where living in exile. It … Continue reading The Trial of Susanna (Daniel 13:1-64)
