Posts by Fr. Maurice Emelu
Feeding of Five Thousand: The Eucharist and Us, Part I
The miraculous feeding of the five thousand (John 6:1-15) is not just a testament to Jesus’ compassion but a profound revelation of his identity as the Messiah and the divine mystery of the Eucharist. In this miraculous event, we see more than just a miracle of provision; we witness the transformative power of Christ’s mission…
Read MoreBlessing: A Theological Conversation
Participants from across the United States gather for the National Eucharistic Congress, a momentous event in the history of the Catholic Church in the country. The congregation, united in gratitude and worship, celebrates the Eucharist, sharing stories of renewal, conversion, and faith-affirmation–extraordinary blessings that resonate deeply. The US 10th National Eucharistic Congress, July 17-21, will…
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
In this series of reflections on the Eucharist, I will explore various topics centered around the theme of the Eucharist as the “source and summit of our Christian life.” These reflections will include discussions on the Eucharist as an act of thanksgiving and as the bread of life, with a continuous interpretation of the Gospel…
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…
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