Posts by Fr. Maurice Emelu
The 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
The symbolism of 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…
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…
Read MoreLove As a Joyful Experience of Letting Go
On this Ash Wednesday, which falls on Valentine’s Day, a reflection on love seems fitting. Love is a universal emotion, quality, and virtue deeply embedded in our hearts and lives, and its broad definition is commonly understood. Yet, let’s delve deeper into one of its aspects we seldom consider–love as a joyful experience of letting…
Read MoreThe Hoarding Epidemic: More than What Meets the Eye
Picture the jumbled mountains of knickknacks and clutter on the hit TV series Hoarders. It’s easy to dismiss such extreme cases as rarities, anomalies beyond “my” reality. “I can’t be that person or those people,” we might be quick to declare. Yet, beneath this spectacle lies an uncomfortable truth: a reflection of our broader cultural…
Read MoreCover-up: A Discussion on the Impact of Distraction on a Leader
David’s story in the Bible serves as an ideal case study for understanding human nature and the reality of cover-up. It exemplifies the best within each of us and our internal demons. In previous works, I reflected on some of David’s remarkable virtues–faithfulness, service, hard work, discipline, gratitude, and various leadership qualities. David’s attributes inspire…
Read MoreAnswering God’s Call: A Reflection on What Vocation Means in Today’s World
The call of Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20) is a beautiful text for a theological reflection on what vocation might mean in the world of today. I provide a context regarding the concept of vocation in general and focus specifically on vocation in particular ministries. What is Vocation? Vocation (from the Latin voco, vocas, vocare,…
Read More