Posts by Fr. Maurice Emelu
The Spirituality of Feedback
A wise teacher said: “Every mark on your draft is a gift.” When I first heard this, it felt like an attempt to soften the blow of a heavily annotated manuscript. But over the years, I’ve seen the truth in those words. Genuine, honest, generous feedback is not a correction of who we are. It…
Read MoreFrom Hosanna to the Cross: A Journey of Love
It began with joyful noise—hosanna—along those ancient streets where thousands now walk on pilgrimage. Palms waved. Cloaks were spread along the dusty road. Women and men chanted praises. Children played, ran, giggled, and reached out to touch what felt like glory passing by. The cries of “Hosanna! Blessed is the King!” filled the air as…
Read MoreSacred Geometry and the Symbolism of Numbers
I stood like a dwarfed creature in the middle of the giant sequoias in California some months ago, watching the late sun throw golden shapes onto the woods. The impressive trees stood tall with elegant pride. And then it hit me—how orderly the world feels when we stop to observe it. Not just emotionally or…
Read MoreGod Removes Our Shame
As I sat with the Word of God this Fourth Sunday of Lent, preparing for Mass, I came face to face with something I couldn’t ignore—the radical compassion of God. It leapt from the pages and found me. I saw it first in Joshua 5:9, where the Lord says to Joshua, “Today I have removed…
Read MoreI AM: Finding Purpose in Doing One’s Task
After my early morning hours of encounter—praying the Rosary and sitting in the quiet glow of Adoration—I turn to Sacred Scripture. It’s Sunday, the Lord’s Day, and I feel drawn to linger longer in reflection. Today, I revisit my homily, which I began preparing a few days ago. Before I can speak the good news…
Read MoreA Newfound Insight on Prayer as Intimacy
Prayer takes many forms, and we appreciate it in many ways. We may see it as communication with God, a simple conversation with our Creator, a surge of the soul to God, or a deeper dialogue that reflects our relationship with the Lord. Each perspective emphasizes various aspects of prayer. Recently, I discovered a deeper…
Read MoreTrue Friendship
What defines a true friend? The following is a biblical perspective from the Book of Sirach, chapter 6. When I was younger, I didn’t think much about this question. Life as a child, teenager, or young adult offers endless growth and learning opportunities. What excites us now often becomes trivial later. As we grow,…
Read MoreOur Mother and the Mother of God
This article explores the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. It shows its deep ties to the mystery of Christ, and how honoring Mary leads us closer to true worship of her Son. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May God’s choicest blessings be yours throughout this new year (2025), the Jubilee of Hope. Amen.…
Read MoreTen Blessings of a Holy Family
Previously, I reflected on the ten qualities of a holy family. Now, I meditate on some of the blessings a holy family enjoys. Scripture reveals many blessings for families striving for holiness. Drawing from Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14; 1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28; Psalm 128; Colossians 3:12-21 or 3:12-17; 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24; and Luke 2:41-52, I…
Read MoreTen Qualities of the Holy Family
The Feast of the Holy Family on December 29 offers a beautiful opportunity to reflect on the qualities that define a holy family. I draw these qualities from the biblical and liturgical readings for the feast. They include Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14; 1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28; Colossians 3:12-21 or 3:12-17; 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24; and Luke…
Read More