Section Archive: Faith in the Ordinary

To be a pilgrim: an experience of journey, destination and homecoming

A pilgrimage is not like going for a hike or being a tourist. It is a journey that derives its meaning from the destination, writes David Schütz, an ‘accidental pilgrim’.

Posted on: August 20, 2024

Spirit engenders a desire to deepen our relationships of connection and belonging

Chapter 50 of the Rule of Benedict, written to address the circumstances when the whole community could not gather for prayer, has particular resonance for our times, writes Natalie Acton.

Posted on: August 18, 2021

Overflowing life – all creation is a mirror of God

During my 70 years of religious life since my First Profession as a Good Samaritan Sister, several wonderful experiences have been mine, but two stand out, writes Jacinta Shailer SGS.

Posted on: June 18, 2021

May we be a compassionate presence in the world

In order to be a presence of compassion in the world, collectively we need to learn to hold and be present to ourselves as the starting point, writes Gabrielle Sinclair.

Posted on: May 19, 2021

The Art of Pausing: Embracing the Current Moment

The pandemic has been an opportunity to practise the art of pausing to help us appreciate the beauty, the wonder, the mystery that is all around us, writes Judith Valente.

Posted on: March 17, 2021

Editor's Pick: The courage of the Good Samaritan

Last week we celebrated Good Samaritan Sunday, so it is timely to revisit this reflection by Sonia Wagner SGS on the parable of the Good Samaritan.

Posted on: July 17, 2019

Jacinda Ardern

A compassionate embrace

We often learn by being moved by what others do and say, writes Pam Grey reflecting on NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s response to the recent Christchurch terrorist attack.

Posted on: April 16, 2019

Reflecting on the symbols of resurrected life

In our Editor’s pick this edition, Clare Condon SGS reflects on how the symbols of Easter assist our understanding of the Paschal Mystery.

Posted on: April 16, 2019

shadow-crosses-freeimages-Miguel-Saavedra

Fuel for your Lenten journey

Our Editor’s Picks from previous editions of The Good Oil provide opportunities for reflection during this Lenten Season starting with these podcasts.

Posted on: March 19, 2019

Sr Patty Fawkner SGS

Vague wanting

The first of three editor’s picks for the February edition of The Good Oil, Patty’s 2016 Faith in the Ordinary is a timeless invitation to live purposefully and boldly.

Posted on: February 20, 2019

Joy in old age

What is joy? Is it the product of experience, or its source? I was stuck in heady questioning, and getting nowhere. Humble recourse to someone older and wiser was needed,...

Posted on: October 17, 2018

Benedict's tools for peace

The basic message of chapter four of “The Rule of St Benedict” is that peace on the large scale must begin in our hearts and in our own lives, says...

Posted on: September 19, 2018