Grace to you!
 
Reverence for the things of God shows in many ways. If you are a Catholic, you don’t need to travel far to observe it. Simply visit a church and stay in the back of the pews in a church where the Blessed Sacrament is (reposed). 
 
Observe how people walk in and out of the church. You could tell who is reverent and who isn’t.
 
Another example, observe priests celebrate Mass. Before long you could tell who is reverent and who is behaving as if performing a duty he isn’t passionate about.  
 
Piety is that virtue that expresses reverence and deep devotion for the things of God. You see it as people come to church, receive communion or handle things related to worship. You could tell it by how people keep their bible or handle sacred books.
 
Some may say it doesn’t matter how I treat things related to God. It doesn’t matter how I behave during Liturgy (worship). Some may say what is important is to have faith and be a good person. They forget that the level of our faith and commitment to God shows in the way we revere things related to God. 
 
For instance, if you truly believe in Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, I suppose, it will shape the way you treat the Eucharist?

On our anthropological (human) level, if you believe in the sacredness of life, won’t it inform your decisions regarding life, from conception to natural death? If you believe that every person is created in the image and likeness of God, won't it manifest in reverence for the human person  irrespective of their race, sex or religion? Our reverence in worship overflows to reverence on the streets and at homes. 
 
May I give you an example from a story cast over 2200 years ago. It was about King Belshazzar who was the successor of King Nebuchadnezzar. He was so irreverent that he brought in the sacred cups and vessels used in the Jerusalem temple for worship and used them for his own party in his palace. By so doing, he blurred the line between the sacred and the worldly. He showed irreverence of the highest order. 
 
We read from the story that suddenly the “finger of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall in the palace of the king.” The writing declared the end of the reign of the king. Daniel, the reverent one, was the interpreter of the message. 
 
We are not to blur the line between what is sacred and our worldly concerns. Holy piety is a wonderful virtue. God and the things of God deserve our utmost reverence.
 
We learn from this story how not to be irreverent. Glorify God, honor and acknowledge Him, and “He will direct your paths” (Prov. 3:6)
 
God love you. God bless you. 
 
Fr. Maurice Emelu 
 
[Wednesday Week 34 A: Dn 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28; Lk 21:12-19]
 
 

Grace to you! 
 
When Padre Pio (St. Pio of Pietrelcina) was alive, many people traveled to Pietrelcina, Italy in long queues to meet with the Saint. His ability to discern hidden thoughts and have a clarity concerning complexities around people’s lives marveled many. 
 
Among his gifts included what is called the “power of reading souls.” This isn’t to be confused with mind reading when, through some magical ploys and new age rituals, people claim mystic insights and knowledge into people’s minds. 
 
For Saint Pio, the clarity from God penetrates the hearts and reaches far deeper into the meaning of life. St. Pio was not the only one with this kind of gift. Many Saints, such as Ignatius of Loyola, Catherine of Siena, Anthony of Padua (of Lisbon), Francis Xavier, Teresa of Calcutta, etc., had similar gifts. There are many holy men and women today, some of whom I know who, from time to time, manifest the same discerning gift. 
 
You may wonder how this happens? First is that it is a gift. It’s one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. God gives it to whom He pleases, depending on the need and the disposition of the receiver. 
 
It could manifest through purity of heart and spirit also. Events around us, and the deep thoughts of human hearts are not hidden from the Spirit of God. Sometimes, God reveals future things to his loved ones. In the prophesy of Amos, the prophet says that the Lord reveals what will happen to His prophet (Amos 3:7). The more spiritual we become, the clearer we see things and interpret reality in the light of the Spirit of God. 
 
Those who are in the Spirit do things that please God. They tend to have unique clarity about life and the world. They easily see things in the light of divine plan because the Spirit of God leads them. Discernment is difficult for many. However, those in the Spirit tend to have easier ways of discerning things and events.
 
Consider someone from the Old Testament, Daniel. We read he had the power of interpreting dreams, as well as the gifts of wisdom and vision. We learn from the Book of Daniel chapter two, how he was the only one to tell King Nebuchadnezzar of the dream the king had at night, as well as interpret the dream to him. None of the astronomers, seers and magicians of Babylon could do so.
 
When the news came to Daniel about the king’s frustrations and decision to execute his seers because they couldn’t tell him his dream when he asked them to do so, he prayed to God who revealed the dream to him.
 
Daniel’s first words to the king before he revealed and interpreted the king’s dream were insightful: “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery which the king has asked, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries…” (Dn 2:27-28). God reveals hidden things and the future if He pleases.
 
Do you want a clearer insight into the events around you, or better discernment regarding the future?  Closeness to God opens the spiritual eyes in ways more than you could ever know. 
 
Praying for the gift of discernment. Amen. 
 
God love you. God bless you. 
 
Fr. Maurice Emelu 
 
[Tuesday Week 34 A: Dn 2:31-45; Lk 21:5-11]

Grace to you!
 
Daniel’s story in the Bible was one of those that fascinated me as a child. I loved listening to our K-2 religious teacher turn it into a melody: Daniel the wise…. Daniel the brave… Daniel a friend of Lions….
 
From the Book of Daniel chapter one, we are introduced to the four persons portrayed as models for bold faith-life. They are Daniel, Hananiah, Misha-el, and Azariah, from tribe of Judah.
 
We learn they were among the best of the best, chosen to be at the service of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (634-562 BC) who had conquered Judah. For their training, they would need to be properly fed on the King’s menu so they would look fresh, and lack nothing of needed nutrition. They must be physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually sound.
 
They were to be under the supervision of a “eunuch” (lets say he is a chef or steward), who must see to it they were well fed on the king’s menu. The menu included all sorts of delicious meat. Concerned that the meat may be contaminated with the Babylonian kind of rituals and worship, coupled with the fact that some of the animals may not be approved for food by their Jewish religion, the four boys asked to go vegan.
 
I was struck by their reasoning for choosing vegetables. They were concerned not to be spiritually contaminated. Or to put it another way, they were devoted to their faith so much so they would not like to make choices opposed to their inner yearnings, their rule of conscience and the laws of God.
 
One could argue about the this text. Biblical experts are engaged in that endless debate. Here, as consistent with our reflections, I see how it relates to my spiritual life and I hope yours too.
 
The simplicity and purity of heart informing the decision of these four boys inspire me.   Their childlike confidence in the providence of God, as well as their faithfulness to the Law is encouraging.
 
They were able to see the connection between spiritual health and health of the body. I also sense that health begins with spiritual health. When one is at peace with God and the rule of conscience, I mean well-formed conscience, you could perceive that inner peace reflected on the body as well.
 
Have you ever wondered why when people are depressed, or worried about something, it shows on their face? There seems to be a relationship between inner joy and facial countenance.
If you’ve ever taken a photo when you were worried, go back and look at that photo. You will notice how your worries may have affected your countenance.
 
When we are at peace, it shows. When we obey the laws of nature and the Law of God, there is that inner joy and tranquility from within. People seeing us may feel that joy and peace.
 
From Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah’s story, I learn that it is not necessarily a sumptuous meal that makes one wise, happy and peaceful. I agree that good food is a necessity. However, as the Lord says, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Mt 4:4, NRSV). As we eat healthy for the body, we feed the soul and spirit with the food of heaven also. Such is life to the fullest.
 
May we be nourished by the Word of God and the Eucharist. Amen.
 
God love you. God bless you.
 
Fr. Maurice Emelu
 
[Monday Week 34 A: Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20; Lk 21:1-4]

Grace to you!
 
One of my long time friends is an attorney. Very smart guy. From him I have learned a few things about laws and the meaning of some legal concepts.
 
One of his famous lines is: “It is not enough that justice be done. Justice must be seen to have been done.”
 
Unpacking this statement, I have come to relate it to many things, including the spiritual life. Sometimes one may suppose if “I feel okay about something” it doesn’t matter what others think or its consequences to others. This is not always the right way to see things. There are many situations that call us to reflect on the impact of our choices and examples on others.
 
I read the story of Eleazar in the Second Book of Maccabees chapter 6:18-31. I’m fascinated by how he discerned properly between his private choices and the impact on those who looked up to him, as well as its relevance to the faith of his people. He was one of the few Jews who were in the good books of the Greek government of the time. He was a prominent Scribe. One could say he was among those with some political connections.  He was well respected by the elite, the rich and the famous in the kingdom, probably including the king.
 
However, there was a problem. During the regular birthday celebration of the King, some of his delegates were to implement the king’s evil law promoting the cult of the king. The king, Antiochus Epiphanes, made a law for a one-world government, forcing a particular religious practice upon all in his kingdom. So, his delegates wanted to use Eleazar’s influence to woo the Jews to renounce their faith and follow the worship of the king. You may consider reading the story. It would be worth your time.
 
Eleazar was to be served with clean meat (such as beef), but pretend in public to be eating pork. Pork was forbidden by the Jewish religious custom. Eleazar wouldn’t do such a thing, arguing that it is living a pretentious life and misleading the people. The cost of his refusal would be death. He gladly welcomed the outcome and was martyred.
 
Some may ask about what is in eating the pork; afterall, many of us eat pork today. To reason like this is to miss the main lesson. It wasn’t so much about the pork as it was what the eating of the pork signifies.
 
Many times, there is the lure to undermine an ethical position because we’ve been offered something behind the scene. There is the enticing glare of pleasant promises, but underneath is a lie. A cover for a lie doesn’t make it less of a lie. It is living the lie.
 
Eleazar stands out as a model of authentic self-identity, freedom and straightforward life. He is a just man.
 
There is wisdom in properly discerning the craftiness of a lie. When some offer or opportunity is too good to be true, advance with caution. Not all that glitters is gold.
 
The righteous and those who live truthfully know that the end does not justify the means. One may have the entire public accolade, but if one were eating with deceit behind the scenes, such would lead to a colossal loss. The lie catches up with the liar.
 
From the story of Zacchaeus in the bible we learn how to turn the tide by reaching out to the Lord for redemption. Restitution is equally required for any harm or injustice done. Justice must be seen to have been done. Then we could hear those words from the Lord with power behind them: “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost" (Lk 19:9-10).
 
Praying that what we do in the dark would be what we practice in the open. Truthfulness in words and actions are our path to happy life.
 
 God love you. God bless you.
 
Fr. Maurice Emelu
 
 
[Tuesday Week 33 A; 2 Mac 6:18-31; Lk 19:1-10]

Grace to you!
 
Looking through the windows of my praying room, and seeing the blue skies and lush of green grass on the fields and the shades of colorful fading leaves of the trees as they open their arms to winter, I feel a unique connection with nature’s Maker.
 
I love nature. It strikes a chord in my deepest aspirations. Nature has a language. It speaks to me as it speaks to many who are open to its conversations.
 
It reminds me of people like Saint Francis of Assisi who was renowned for his deep connection with nature. As I hinted in my book, Our Journey to God, Saint Francis’ ability to see the imprint of divinity communicated through nature is profound. The Saint “found in nature God’s fingerprint and he deepened his relationship with God through contemplation of his beautiful handiwork…”
 
“The Little Flower, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, had a special connection with nature also, so much so that she could see the profundity of God in every flower. Lilies of the valley, daffodils, canyons, flowing waters, seasons—nature’s serenity reveals its order, and its order implies an Orderer.
 
This curiosity might also begin with looking at ourselves—human beings, the apex of creation, whose beauties and complexities make us wonder how we have been so intricately made. The psalmist draws from this aspect of God’s creatures in lyrics about the heavens and natural law—the orderliness of divine law flowing from the orderliness of natural law, which in turn flows from the perfection of the Creator, “The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.” (Ps. 19:2) 

This language of nature is the Creator’s gift. The Book of Wisdom points us to its revealing power and it is granted to the wise who understand that creatures point to the Creator.

“For all men who were ignorant of God were foolish by nature; and they were unable from the good things that are seen to know him who exists, nor did they recognize the craftsman while paying heed to his works” (Wis 13:1).

If you’re able to recognize God in nature around you, you are blessed. Thank God for that grace granted you. Not everyone has received the same grace. Pray for those who don’t have it. Be tender and compassionate towards them. Those who see nature as nature without a higher purpose are beckoning our prayers for deeper spiritual insight.

It is wisdom that you are able to see God through the work of His hands. It is equally wisdom to look with compassion on those who see it differently.

We thank God that He enables us hear him speak to us through the works of his hands. We are blessed when we hear nature speak to us about its Maker.
​
I pray that all things around us will be vehicles of divine conversation and  intimacy. Amen.
 
God love you. God bless you.
 
Fr. Maurice Emelu
 
[Friday Week 32 A: Wis 13:1-9; Lk 17:26-37]
 

Grace to you! 
 
I love the beautiful way Saint Paul addresses the Romans in the Letter to the Romans chapter 15:14-15. He validates them first before going ahead to remind them of what they’ve already been taught. 
 
He also lets them know how he feels about their commitment. He was sort of giving them the benefit of the doubt. “I myself am convinced about you, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to admonish one another” (Rom 15:14).   
 
His approach is called supportive communication. It's the kind of conversation where one speaks with the tone of respect, kindness and trust. It assumes that there is something good in everybody. It sees what is good in anyone being addressed, even if the person acts like a jerk. It recognizes the good even when pointing to the areas that needs improvement. 
 
We also hear how passionate Saint Paul is about his priestly vocation. Not wanting to be a beneficiary of others’ sweat (hard work), he works hard to break new grounds for the gospel. He is a true pioneer of evangelization. Saint Paul never settles for the blessings or gains of the moment. He pushes the limits even when it gets him into trouble.
 
Certainly, not all have the gifts and grace to break new grounds. But if you do, let not the risks and sacrifices involved deter you from embracing the responsibilities. Taking holy risks is a good sign of pushing the limits so our gifts could be used more graciously. Calculated risks are prudent. 
 
Saint Paul’s zeal to bear witness to the good news to places or forums not yet exposed to it is to be emulated. His concern was to go beyond the usual comfort zones. He engages with the extra opportunities many rarely want to be bothered with because they’re more demanding. 
 
If we dream big for our material wealth, shouldn’t we dream bigger for the things of God? Shouldn’t we dream bigger for evangelisation?
 
When God inspires you to go extra mile, do you embrace it or do you settle for the comfortable. How I wish our hearts were on fire for the Lord. Greatness lies in the ability to go that extra mile, embrace the uncomfortable and make that sacrifice. 
 
I pray we find joy in going extra mile for the Lord. Amen 
 
God love you. God bless you. 
 
Fr. Maurice Emelu 
 
[Friday Week 31 A: Rom 15:14-21; Lk 16:1-8]
 
 

Grace to you! 
 
One of the theological understandings of the Church attributed to Saint Paul is the metaphor of the Church as the Body of Christ. From this was developed the concept of the Church as the Mystici Corporis (mystical body) of Christ.
 
Pope Pius XII made the concept more popular in his 1943 Encyclical letter Mystici Corporis Christi (Mystical Body of Christ). The Pope explored the organic, living reality of the Church as supernatural/spiritual but also as an institution with physical characteristics. It is a body with varied diverse gifts and talents flowing from Christ the giver of the gifts. The book is a wonderful read.
 
Saint Paul tells us: “[Brothers and sisters]: So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness” (Rom 12:5-8).
 
Every one has been gifted. Our gifts are to serve. The good thing about using our gifts is that it doesn't make it less. God's gifts are not like money or perishable goods that dwindle as they are used. Rather, the more we use our gifts, the more God gives. "No one outdoes God in generosity." 
 
One of the greatest Christian inspirations I have seen comes from those who don't hold back from using their gifts. Holding back isn't good stewardship. You have received freely, be generous with your gifts too.
 
Remember every gift you have is meant for service. They are to be used for the good and growth of the family, the church, the community and society at large. They are for the common good. They help bless others. Imagine what happens if the gifts you’ve received are used so much so those around you (believers and none believers) become beneficiaries of them. I tell you, you are indeed a blessing to them if you allow your gifts to flourish. 
 
In every little thing, we are to be a blessing. Every little gift used for service adds up. It matters.
 
Whenever and wherever good is done, God is glorified. Whenever our gifts are used, God is glorified. No gift is too small. Everything you have is crucial. Use it. 
 
I understand sometimes the desire to be humble makes us want to hide our gifts. We don’t want to be in the spotlight. Fair enough. Nonetheless, there are some gifts that when you begin to use them, you can’t run away from the spotlight. That’s the way things are.
 
Let the concern not to be in the spotlight not stop us from using God’s gifts. Rather, let it keep us humble; and always remember to let the glory go to God, the giver of the gifts. So, embrace what you have and use it.
 
I pray that God will give us the discernment to know our gifts, courage to use them, and wisdom and prudence to know how and when to use them. 
 
God love you. God bless you. 
 
Fr. Maurice Emelu 
 
[Tuesday Week 31 A: Rom 12:5-16; Lk 14:15-24]