Posts by Fr. Nnaemeka Paschal Ajuka
The Enigma of Death
The “Useless/ Foolish” View: We look at death from different perspectives. The month of November is dedicated to praying for our faithful departed and also preparing for the time of the Lord’s visitation. It is important that we learn to face death and the process of dying that lead to it, with the light of…
Read MoreMary’s Holiness and Maternity
While Jesus was speaking, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!” But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!” How do you respond to Luke 11:27-28? This verbal exchange…
Read MoreFeast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
On 13 September 335, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (also called the Church of the Resurrection) was dedicated. The following day, the cross that Empress Helena had discovered on 14 September 320, was venerated in a solemn ceremony. In 614, the Persian King, Chosroes II, waged war on the Romans. After conquering Jerusalem, he…
Read MoreMemorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe
Greetings from Raleigh, North Carolina. I had the pleasure of attending the Grace Day 10th Anniversary event for GVM on Saturday. It was great to see people from around the GVM universe, and some brand- new faces. Most of us will have returned home by the time you see this note on Monday. The Mass was…
Read MoreDon’t Worry: Memorial of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin
Today’s Gospel has a different tone. Jesus continues his instructions to his disciples. However, he warns his disciples that as they proclaim his message, they need to be careful. They will be vulnerable, like sheep in the midst of wolves. Thus, they need to be alert and shrewd in their assessment of everyone they encounter.…
Read MoreSense of Sacred
Loss of Sense of the Sacred Some of the social formalities of the past are now a dim memory. Our teachers and priests used to be greeted with a salute when we passed them in the street. Other adults we called “Sir” or “Ma’am” and we deferred to them. Similar courtesies were expected as good…
Read MoreBreakfast & Relationship
A night of futile fishing leaves empty nets and empty hearts. Jesus takes the initiative and meets them in the early morning light. He invites them to eat: ‘Breakfast is ready!’ There is an abundant table ready – of fish, food, love, warmth, and great joy. Here, fractured relationships are healed. The risen Lord now…
Read More7 or 77?
Peter’s Inspired Guess on Forgiveness Peter has a high profile in Matthew’s gospel. It is only there that Jesus addresses him as the rock on which he will build his church. It is only in Matthew that we find Peter asking the question, “Lord, how often must I forgive my brother if he wrongs me?…
Read MoreValentine’s Day and Memorial of Saints Cyril and Methodius
As the New Year feel of January wears off and February brings us Valentine’s Day, it is a time to reflect on how we think about love and its role in our lives. How can those who are celebrating look at their celebration from another perspective? How can those who want the day to be…
Read MoreAn Unwanted Apostle
Jesus calls the least likely person to follow him by his choice of a tax collector. As a tax collector under the hire of the Roman occupation force, Levi was not permitted to enter a synagogue nor to go up to the temple. He was banished from social contact with faithful, law-abiding Jews. This does…
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