Letting God out of the box

Welcome to the Spring edition of Madonna. Spring always surprises. Our theme 'Letting God Out of the Box,' explores our relationship with God, reminding us that the healing mysteries of God's work amongst us in our world often escape our expectations.

Grace trumps control

During one day in the July school holidays of 1998, I was standing on the 1st tee at the beautiful Bonville International Golf Club just south of Coffs Harbour. I was nervously waiting to hit off with a group of players which included a retired psychiatrist, a pediatrician, and the Manager of the local private hospital.

Healing the soul with music therapy

Faith has played a part in most steps of Emma O'Brien's wonderful career and important life decisions; her own faith in the power of music to connect with people, the faith of people around her and the faith people place in her.

Being with God in nature

‘The universe unfolds in God, who fills it completely. Hence, there is a mystical meaning to be found in a leaf, on a mountain trail, in a dew drop, in a poor person’s face.’ Pope Francis. Laudato Si, n.233

An Aboriginal legend of the Sturt Desert Pea

For Aboriginal people, the image of God (Creator of all things) has been given to them in every aspect of creation on the land and in the heavens. They would sit around the fire and speak of all the things that they saw around them; that was the place where everything in life was discussed

A messenger

There they are, the travelling pelicans skimming the surface of the lake.

Leaving the box behind to meet God

When developers build apartments they usually erect a smaller scale model of the apartment to attract buyers. In it the furniture is also on a smaller scale, the paintings on the walls convey spaciousness, and outside the window is a small garden.

Winter Raffle 2017 Winners

Busy Lives, Restless Hearts

Dear Charlotte, When I was in Year Two, my teacher Mrs Newhard taught my class that we could meet with Jesus in our hearts at anytime, anywhere. My seven-year-old mind imagined meeting Jesus in a deep red room shaped as a heart.  In my mind, it had heavy curtains and a velvet couch, similar to…

Finding stillness by the river

If I had to name one place that I’ve long loved, a place that settles my soul, it’s down by the river.

Arms wide open

Not every painting needs to be famous. On my desk at work is an image that two dear friends brought back from Brazil when they went there for World Youth Day a few years ago. I can’t even tell you who the artist is: the work is signed simply Marcelo. 

Sundays in the City

I’ve been attending church a lot lately — but it’s what happens after that has been changing me. In church I don’t put much in the collection bowl, often just a gold coin. But when I walk the city streets later, that’s when I give.