Posts by Fr. Maurice Emelu
Becoming People of Hope: Preparing for the Jubilee
As we celebrate the Jubilee of Hope, I invite you to consider finding concrete ways to live as people of hope in our daily lives. Today, we start a new year in the Church, a new year of grace. This means every moment of this year—every second, minute, day, and month—is filled with God’s love and…
Read MoreBecoming Saints: A Call to Holiness
Happy All Saints’ Day! This past weekend, I had the privilege of leading a retreat for the deacons and their wives from the Catholic Diocese of Fresno. We enjoyed the peaceful beauty of Three Rivers, California, close to nature, and immersed in deep reflection. It was a special prayer time, heartfelt talks, healing, and warm…
Read MoreMy Love Story with Saint Theresa of Lisieux
As I approach a very special birthday, I decided to revisit some of the books that helped me better understand God’s love. Besides the Bible, the first book on my list is The Story of a Soul by Saint Theresa of Lisieux. There are other books: The Dialogue of Saint Catherine of Siena and True…
Read MoreLesson from the Garden
Imagine a garden where every element is a masterpiece. The flowers burst forth in a harmony of vibrant colors, and the trees are adorned with jewels of sweetness. In this paradise, Adam and Eve dwell in perfect harmony with nature and God. They are not bound by rules, but bask in the love and grace…
Read MoreThe Canaanite Woman and the Eucharistic Mystery
One of the most misunderstood stories in Jesus’ teachings is the encounter with the Canaanite Woman, found in Matthew 15:21-28. Picture this: a mom’s heart is heavy with the anguish of her sick and dying daughter. She pleads with Jesus to heal her. The scene is tense. Jesus seems to ignore the woman, and His…
Read MorePicture Love with Saint Alphonsus Liguori
In a previous year, I shared Saint Alphonsus’s unique contributions to moral theology through his teachings on God’s will and love. Today, I extend that conversation by dwelling on love. Imagine completing a puzzle, only to find a piece missing or discovering a cherished heirloom slightly damaged. It feels incomplete. That’s often how our understanding…
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 MoreSeeking Spiritual Nourishment in a Distracted World
Being nosy can be more than just annoying. The nosy are quick to jump to conclusions and just as fast to spill information not meant for the public. They are often rumormongers, fishing for the latest news and craving the juiciest gossip. This behavior can lead to a loss of trust and respect, making others…
Read MoreCaring for the Poor
Caring for the less fortunate is a vital part of our faith. Bible teachings tell us that God expects us to care for the poor. We also learn that wealth or accomplishment requires responsible generosity and kindness to others. Moreover, God does not take injustice to the poor lightly. His expectation is for us to…
Read MoreSigns We Are Mirroring God’s Love
Matthew 5:48 is arguably the highest point of the teaching of the Lord’s Sermon on the Mount. Jesus said, “You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48). The context of this reading suggests it has to do with being perfect in our love for one another, the same way God…
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