Posts by Fr. Maurice Emelu
Blessing: A Theological Conversation
Catholics from across the country gather for the National Eucharistic Congress, a momentous event in the history of the Catholic Church in the United States. The congregation, united in gratitude and worship, celebrates the Eucharist, sharing stories of renewal, conversion, and faith-affirmation—extraordinary blessings that resonate deeply. The 10th National Eucharistic Congress in the US, held…
Read MoreCome to Me and Find Rest
Rest is often elusive in a world that lives from paycheck to paycheck. We chase after jobs, deadlines, ambitions, relationships, and bucket lists, only to find ourselves exhausted and yearning for something more. And yet, nestled within the Scripture is a profound invitation that promises what our souls desperately seek: “Come to me, all who…
Read MoreKeep Bearing Witness Anyway
The stigmatist Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, Padre Pio, was one of the most beloved modern saints. Reports of his holiness, love for God and neighbor, and the incredible miracles that the Lord worked through him were numerous. Many flocked from different parts of the world to see the monk who, for the most part, was…
Read MoreThe Mustard Seed: Understanding the Workings of God’s Grace
A reflection on the working of grace like a mustard seed. I had a warm and uplifting conversation with a teen in Dublin who is passionate about his faith. He had a unique boldness regarding his identity as a believer in Christ. The freshness of his love for the Lord is rare for many of…
Read MoreThe Eucharist as Thanksgiving for Sanctification
Previously I wrote about the Eucharist as thanksgiving and praise to God for creation and redemption. In this last of three articles on the Eucharist as thanksgiving, I will discuss the aspect of sanctification. Trinitarian Dimension of the Eucharist The trinitarian dimension of the Eucharistic praise relates to the Father (creation), the Son (redemption), and…
Read MoreThe Eucharist: Thanksgiving and Praise for Redemption
In the first part of this blog, I discussed the Eucharist as a thanksgiving and praise to God the Father for creation. Now, let’s look at the Eucharist as an act of thanksgiving for redemption. I’d emphasize the role of sacrifice. Thanksgiving for Redemption With two decades in Holy Orders, I’ve had the privilege of…
Read MoreThe Eucharist: Thanksgiving and Praise for Creation
The Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper, holds a place of profound richness within the Catholic faith. Its significance is so vast that the Church has given it more than ten distinct names. Each name reveals a different aspect of this holy sacrament. From being a source of spiritual nourishment to…
Read MoreWhat Does Seeing Jesus Mean Today?
In the endless streams of Internet notifications, pop-up ads, AI signals, and binge-watching demanding our attention, the quest to “see Jesus” may seem like a throwback to a bygone era. Yet, the idea of wanting to encounter Christ, to truly see and understand his message, remains as relevant and urgent as it was two millennia…
Read MoreLife, Death, and the Number 4
Life, Death, and the Number 4, like characters in an epic saga, represent a foundational narrative in many belief systems, cultures, and philosophies. They interweave in a harmonious yet often perplexing pattern, offering solemn reflection and profound revelation. This piece explores the convergence of these motifs through the perspective of a biblical narrative, the Gospel…
Read MoreThe Ten Words: God’s Universal Roadmap for Success
One of the most profound dialogues in history occurs when God speaks to humanity. This interaction between the divine and the mortal is not an accusation or a warning. Instead, it is the outpouring of divine affectionate words, a pure act of love, and a precise sense of direction. Exodus 20 takes us to a…
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