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REFLECTIONS | FIFTH GOSPEL LIVING
Faith in everyday life.
Every reflection is a glimpse of God at work in everyday life. Browse the collection by category or tag to discover stories that speak to you, whether they are about prayer, hope, community or the quiet moments where God is present.
As you read, we invite you to leave a comment and share how a reflection has encouraged or inspired you. Your thoughts may be a source of hope for someone else.
If these stories prompt you to reflect on your own experience of God, we would love to hear from you. Visit the Share Your Story page to submit your own reflection and become part of the growing collection of Fifth Gospel Living.
That's Nice
Amid her father's final hospital decline, Kath's whispered prayer inviting his deceased family to gather round him was met with a sudden warmth, an opening of his eyes, and one soft word "nice", that for Kath was proof he wasn't alone when he died hours later.
Kath D
Aug 233 min read
The Art of Giving
A packet of cigarettes, and a hug that stripped away the distance between Clare and the man she'd been walking past all along.
Clare Morahan Drennan
Aug 222 min read
God’s Willing and Humble Servant
After Trish's father's death at 10 shattered her faith, a bright light beside the altar during a school retreat showed her a choice of roads and she chose the long one, to heaven.
Trish Batchelor
Jul 264 min read
I always knew that God was with me
A van crash into a Nelson river took Cath's husband and two friends but as she scaled the cliff to safety, guided by their voices, she knew they were already on their way to heaven.
Cath Shaw
Jul 262 min read
The W Invitation
A white cloth shaped like a 'W' on the Easter cross opened into a meditation on finding Christ in the World, the Wind, the Water, and the Wounds of everyone around Catherine.
Catherine Gibbs
Jul 262 min read
That’s When Everything changed
Jelvine was a lifelong Catholic who'd been going through the motions found God again in a quiet moment before the Blessed Sacrament, through the words of Psalm 139.
Jelvine Cortez
Jul 262 min read
Even a dust-sized amount of Your power
Facing uncertainty about securing an accounting internship, Justin turned to prayer and discovered that even the smallest awareness of God’s power was enough to bring peace, courage and confidence.
Justin
Jul 192 min read
Ngā Roimata Whakamoemiti
Phil Cody reflects on a Good Friday experience of prayer, hope and thanksgiving after a baby whose life was uncertain was born healthy. A moment that revealed the depth of God’s presence and love.
Phil Cody
Jul 191 min read
Miracle Through Prayer
James Jensen shares how hundreds of prayers from family, friends and faith communities surrounded his stepson during a life-threatening illness, revealing the powerful presence of God through prayer and healing.
James Jensen
Jul 182 min read
I Left to Rise Again
After the heartbreak of betrayal and the collapse of her marriage, this anonymous writer shares how God's strength, forgiveness and grace carried her through suffering and ultimately brought healing and hope.
Anonymous
Jul 182 min read
I Now Know I am Truly Ok
Jane Dick shares the life-changing moment she heard God say, "You are OK – just as you are," discovering the freedom of God's unconditional love and a deeper life of faith and service.
Jane Dick
Jul 181 min read
Jesus Silently Throwing Stones into the River
Annette shares how Jesus gently led her through a lifetime of grief and loss, helping her let go of anger, find forgiveness and discover a lasting peace that carried her through life's greatest sorrows.
Annette
Jul 182 min read
I Simply Need to Acknowledge His Presence
Rega Cataluna Eiman reflects on discovering that Christ is present in every moment of life, finding peace by trusting that God is with her in both joy and sorrow.
Rega Cataluna Eiman
Jul 181 min read
I Know Your Pain
Liz Mulholland shares how an unexpected encounter with Christ during illness gave her a deep assurance of God’s love and inspired her ministry as a hospital chaplain.
Liz Mulholland
Jul 181 min read
Not so Difficult to Find it All
Paul Borcoskie reflects on discovering God’s presence in the beauty of creation, from rainbows and mountains to everyday moments that invite us to stop, look and notice.
Paul Borcoskie
Jul 182 min read
Welcomed Home by Jesus
An anonymous contributor shares a deeply moving experience of watching their father’s final moments, finding comfort and hope in the belief that he was welcomed home by Jesus.
Anonymous
Jul 181 min read
I Will Only do Good for You
Judy Nieuwendijk shares a powerful dream in which God reassured her of His goodness, a promise that has carried her through life’s joys, struggles and moments of deep uncertainty.
Judy Nieuwendijk
Jul 152 min read
Kahupo - Te Ao Marama
Rawiri Morunga shares his journey from darkness to light, discovering God’s healing love through addiction recovery, forgiveness, faith and a renewed call to care for others.
Rawiri Morunga
Jul 155 min read
God Speaking in my Weakness
Lachie Bartlett reflects on discovering that God speaks not only through our strengths, but also through our weaknesses. His journey of embracing deafness as both gift and vulnerability reveals the quiet beauty of surrendering to God's grace.
Lachie Bartlett SM
Jul 152 min read
God is Present and Active
May Anderson shares three powerful moments from her life where she experienced God’s presence and protection, reminding us that God is always close and active in our lives.
May Anderson
Jul 152 min read
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