Grace to you!
 
When I was in kindergarten, a nun showed us a movie about the rich man and Lazarus. The movie depicted how uncaring the rich man was. Whenever the rich man crossed the entrance to his home, he would refuse to offer bread to the poor man (Lazarus) who sat begging for food. 
 
I had a very bad impression of the rich man, believing he was heartless, too callous as not to help a poor, dying beggar. However, as I grew up, I started to read the bible myself and discovered that the movie exaggerated the rich man’s story. At face value, the rich man wasn’t really that mean; he behaved the same way many of us do today. 
 
Look at the true story as it is presented in Scripture (Luke 16:19-31). Read it prayerfully. Lazarus never begged for bread. He only wished to have the scraps from the rich man’s table. No one gave him anything to eat. He only wished, he never asked. Pay attention to this distinction because, in my opinion, it is important. So, how is it that the rich man is found guilty of an offense he never committed? How is it the Lord depicted his action as those deserving of eternal punishment? Afterall, Lazarus never asked.
 
If one were to follow the law of the time during which the parable was told, the rich man did not commit any offense because Lazarus never made any request. Isn’t it a common expectation that when people don’t ask, they shouldn’t expect to receive? Lazarus never asked. One may say, as is usually the case nowadays: “He is neither my buddy nor my family, so who cares.” Often, many of us have this kind of attitude in response to situations that require our moral sensitivity and response.  
 
Nonetheless, regarding praiseworthy morality, what is right and wrong is not measured only by what we have done, but also by what we have failed to do. At least, this is basic Catholic moral sense of responsibility. It isn’t simply about what evil we may have done. It is also about the good deeds we failed to do. The two go together. The latter is even more inspiring since it is more evidently connected with the law of charity. It is in this that the rich man got it wrong; completely wrong.  
 
We have to understand that failure to do good may be the same as doing evil. Note that St. Augustine described evil as the absence of good (none being). Offenses against God and humanity aren’t only about actively committing sin or doing evil things, but also failing to do good. It is failing to be that moral light and existence which we are and should lead. 
 
At the beginning of the celebration of the Eucharist, during the penitential rite, we Catholics recite the Confiteor (I Confess). We pray to be forgiven, for what we have done and what we have failed to do. All traditional Catholic prayers for repentance, including the Act of Contrition,contain the same element—what we have done wrong and what good we have failed to do. 
 
The sin of the rich man was that he failed to notice that at the corner of his luxurious home (I suppose) and in contrast to his flamboyant garb, was a poor person who could have lived longer had he been given food and basic care. The sin of the rich man was negligence; or in moral theology, what is called sin of omission. 
 
Negligence is, therefore, as serious an offense as the active commission of a sin. Doing just enough to get by is not right. Basic hospitality and generosity to the poor around us is a Christian duty, not simply an option. Christians are called to go the extra mile. Our practice of virtue goes the extra mile. Our spiritual life isn’t couched in simply avoiding evil or sin, as it is about doing what is good, honorable and virtuous. 
 
As we go about our schedules this new week, let us also know that God expects us to be more conscious of the needy, and needy situations, around us. Also, it is important to be sensitive to a number of people who, though are dying of need, may not be courageous enough to ask. It is even worse when they ask, and we fail to help when we can. 
 
May we, therefore, look around our homes, streets, places of work, schools, clubs, etc., to see if there is a Lazarus. That Lazarus may need some help from us. It’s wonderful, actually virtuous, if we notice and offer some help. 
 
Remember, if good isn’t done, evil has a field day. Just like the practice of virtue is, invariably, the stifling of vices. Go for the good!
 
Praying for more grace of generosity. Amen. 
 
 
God love you. God bless you. 
 
Fr. Maurice Emelu
 
 
[26th Sunday C: Am 6:1, 4-7; 1 Tm 6:11-16; Lk 16: 19-31] 

Grace to you,
 
In my reflection yesterday, I talked about the need to look around us, admire and share the good we see. There is much good around us. It takes a positive mindset, a virtuous heart to see the good and spread the good news. 
 
May I advance that reflection further by suggesting that there are many bearers of the good news around us. News is about people, places and events. Bearers of good news are people. It’s people who shine the light for everyone to see. It’s people who announce or live the story. 
 
When the poor in India saw the unequalled care, love and attention of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, they found, after all, Christ in that woman of incredible virtue. She was indeed a sister of Jesus. You wouldn’t need to second-guess the qualification of being a brother or sister of the Christ. The answer is straight from the horse’s mouth. 
 
The Lord said, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it” (Luke 8:21). The Blessed Virgin Mary heard God’s word and acted on it. She is the archetype of true faith and true charity. Her role as a model is unique. 
 
Christians are so called because they emulate Christ. They also spread the good news of Christ. They live the Word of God. 
 
Several times, you may have seen people in your circles who have been Christ to you; offering hope and inspiration by their words and lifestyle. Christ in us is the seed of that goodness. 
 
The Church is rich, providing us with great models of faith to emulate. From the contemplatives to the extroverts, advocates to monastics, from the religious to the laity, the military to politicians; from every nation and people and language, name it. The Church has models relatable to all and for any. The Church is truly Catholic—universal; and has an appeal across the centuries and across the world, in the sense that whatever spiritual model you desire, and no matter where you are located, you would find it in the Church.  
 
In the spiritual life, it’s always inspiring to know many have gone the route of holiness in Christ in his Church before us; and that we would, by the grace of God, be part of the story. Someday. 
 
It will be the most beautiful thing that our hearts’ desire will be to hear God’s word and follow it every step of the way. May praising God and shinning the light for everyone to see be our passion. How I wish we desire and love to be saints. 
 
This wish is a prayer with a hope-filled divine blessing. Amen. 
 
God love you. God bless you!
 
Fr. Maurice Emelu
 
[Tuesday Week 25 Ordinary Time: Ezr 6:7-8, 12, 14-20; LK 8:19-21]

 Grace to you!
 
One of the most honest confessions (not sacramental confession) I have heard from a wealthy man is that having made so much money, he feels not happier than when he had nothing. 
 
How much money is enough and when can one say, "let me rest my oars and enjoy my gains." Even for the person who is dying, and the doctor has predicted when his or her health will likely give way, attachment to money or wealth could be the most worrisome. It is difficult to let go. 
 
Anxiety connected with ambitious desires for wealth could be a terrible monster, ripping inner peace from any person. They say, the love of having increases by having. 
 
We love good things. The more we get one, the more we want the other. When would all this end so we are free to love the way we will in the final homecoming? 
 
What is fraud or scam if not a fall into the trap of greed and love of money. How sad institutions and leaders, in families, churches, public and political offices are disgraced because of love for money. 
 
Scripture reminds us to be completely detached from love of money because "the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Tim 6:10). 
 
Nowhere did the Holy Book condemn money or denounce wealth. Money is good to pay our bills and put food on the table. Assurance that our basic needs are met is healthy too. There is nothing wrong with that. In love of money is where the evil lies. That allure for wealth pushing us to tell lies or to step on others’ toes and cheat to acquire it, shouldn’t worth our loyalty. In the end we realize it doesn’t buy us joy. 
 
Do you want peace of mind and peace of soul? Place money or wealth where it belongs. It belongs in the corner, not in front, of your destiny. 
 
If you have money, live as if it means nothing to you. Let it not determine the ultimate desire of your life and sense of fulfillment. Use money. Let it not use you. 
 
For those who don't have money, do not grieve as if to say without money you mean nothing. You are priceless, not because you have money, but because you are human. Be encouraged. I pray you have money too, so you see it means nothing other than a tool in your hand. It’s a means to the end you seek.  
 
For all, may we use money to make the world a better place in which to live. By so doing we are giving glory to God.
 
God love you. God bless you. 
 
Fr. Maurice Emelu 
 
[Friday Week 24 A: 1 Tim 6:2-12; Lk 8:1-3]
​

Grace to you!
 
I apologize for not providing you with my daily reflections for three days in a row. I had an unpredicted, unusually hectic schedule that affected my productivity level. Hope you understand. 
 
In today’s reflection, I share the sentiments of true love that arises from perfect contrition. 
 
Perfect contrition is a technical concept in our Catholic moral theology. It means that kind of remorse or feeling of guilt which arises from a deep love for God who loves us so much, and we failed to return the love. It is also called a contrition of charity because one feels sorry for hurting oneself, who deserves better; and more importantly, for not reciprocating God’s love. 
 
In perfect contrition, the sinner isn’t repenting for fear of eternal punishment. The sinner is repenting because they are in love with God and in gratitude to the unimaginable grace of God which is lavished on them despite their unworthiness. Such remorse is the best of all. Such a contrite heart is pleasing to the Lord. It’s justified. 
 
In the Gospel of Luke 7:36-50, I see an example of a person who is drawn to the feet of the Lord with contrition of charity. The sinful woman who has been shown much love and mercy and forgiveness by the Lord comes kneeling at the Lord’s feet. She bathes the Lord’s feet with her tears and wipes them with her hair. She has received so much from the Lord. In gratitude and love, she demonstrates her love to the one from whom she has been healed of the wound of sin.  
 
The Lord uses her gesture to teach us the truth worth spreading. To the critical onlookers, such as Simon to whom the Lord directly addressed, the Lord says: “I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little” (Lk 7:47).
 
I ponder why here the Lord makes a connection between forgiveness of sin and increased love. Consider that if there is no vulnerability, or realization of incompleteness, one would hardly need another person. We respond in love because we feel we are not utterly complete. We feel some incompleteness. Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen would suggest that in our heart, God has left a hole to be filled in Him. This is similar to Saint Augustine’s idea that we find rest in God. 
 
The need for community, friendship and relationships relate to this incompleteness. In that incompleteness too is sentiment of gratitude when we find it. In it is also sentiment of love when we are taken and welcome in a lovefest despite our weaknesses. 
 
I have never seen where love grows when the lover feels they are utterly perfect. I have never seen the depth of love in the heart of a person who feels he or she is superior to the other whom the person loves. Rather, I see formalistic, one-sided relationship in which the person takes the so-called loved one as a tool or an instrument at his or her service. 
 
The woman in the gospel demonstrates that true love grows because the lover is a humble disciple of the blessings of love. The lover knows he or she isn’t perfect. The lover knows he or she is in need of the grace coming from Divine Love. That grace is expressed in forgiveness of sins. It is expressed in salvation. Such is a welcome healing, satisfying the heart. 
 
I pray that like this woman, we learn the healing grace of contrition of charity. Amen.
 
God love you. God bless you.
 
Fr. Maurice Emelu
 
[Thursday Week 24 Ordinary Time: 1 Tim 4:12-16; Lk 7:36-50]

Grace to you!
 
Many immigrants are very adventurous. Tough. Dogged. Resilient. Yet many of them are vulnerable. Or they become victims, no thanks to ignorance. 
 
An Asian immigrant narrated her experience of coming to America on a student visa, and how wrong piece of advice from a Green Card holder would have landed her in trouble. Often, people who come to the United States on a work visa give wrong recommendations to those who come on visiting or student visas. If the non-immigrants don’t dig deeper, look for legal immigration resources to know the facts, it could mess up their immigration status. Many have been out of status due to ignorance.
 
Lack of true knowledge of things is a real challenge to true freedom. Ignorance of things one is supposed to know is limiting in many ways. For instance, ignorance of basic online activities could compromise one’s securities and make one venerable to scammers. The same principle applies in the spiritual life also. It may be why God speaking to the prophet says: “My people are dying because of ignorance” (Hosea 4:6).
 
Another example: A student was absent in class for health reasons. Unfortunately, it was during the final week of revision – the most important in view of examination preparations. He asked the friend to update him on what areas of interest the teacher wanted them to focus for the exams, and the friend did.
 
Unfortunately, during the exam, the student couldn’t see any of the so-called areas of interest. He barely had a pass in that exam. When he inquired from the friend what went wrong, he realized that his friend got everything wrong. He actually failed the exam, didn’t even make a pass. He had everything the teacher said upside down. 
 
Some students are like that. When the teacher says something, they understand another. A blind leading the blind… terrible partnership! 
 
The Lord speaking to the disciples, who were to be the leaders of his people asked: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?” (Luke 6:39)
 
Ignorance (blindness) is a terrible thing. And all of us are in some ways “blind.” At least figuratively speaking. There is no person without some speck. So, if we are to lead, the best way to do so is to first remove the speck from our eyes so we can see clearly how to show others the way. There would be no clearer vision when the speck of distractions is covering our spiritual sight of vision. 
 
Perhaps the project is: Have I been able to find my blind spots? I have to do so in order to lead better. Honesty in this matter is a good way to start. 
 
Remember that famous Greek quotation popularized by Socrates: “Man know thyself.”
 
I pray that the grace of the Holy Spirit would shed the light for us so we can see the specks, overcome them so as to lead better, spiritually and otherwise. Amen
 
God love you. God bless you. 
 
Fr. Maurice Emelu
 
 
[Friday of the 23 Week Ordinary Time:1 Tm 1:1-2, 12-14; Lk 6:39-42]
 
 

Grace to you!
 
From time to time, the Lord gives simple signs, or miracles to reassure us of His presence. He knows how to interject spiritual consolations at the right time. He doesn’t let us down.
 
In our everyday life as God’s children, we notice that tough moment of spiritual dryness, or what some spiritual writers call desolation, is often followed by spiritual consolation? 
 
A recent life story is an example: A devout Catholic who had been having some difficulties selling two of her family properties, which was costing them over fifty thousand dollars every year to maintain, witnessed one of those spiritual consolations. It came from responses to her prayer petitions; and for her, it was miraculous. 
 
She had asked a priest to remember her intentions in prayers. The priest promised to do so, adding, “Let’s see what happens within the next two weeks.”   
 
Actually, the priest felt a deep burden to lift the woman’s intention to the Lord. He offered Masses and the rosary for it. 
 
On the 13thday of the prayer, the excited woman called the priest to share her testimony. She sold the two properties the same day (the 13thday) to the kind of buyers she had wished would buy them. For her, it was simply a miracle, since for two years, she had explored all her connections and promotional skills to sell the properties, but no one showed any interest. Consolation!
 
In the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, we read how consolation and desolation (anguish) experiences are part of the spiritual life. For those who want only the consolation part, I’m sorry. You will be disappointed. 
 
Observe the pattern in the relationship of our Lord Jesus Christ with his disciples. From messages of consolation, he goes back to the cross; and from the cross he moves to consolation. It’s like a circle maturing in the final victory of the believer which happens when we die.
 
A couple of Scriptural examples will do for today’s reflection. First is the Transfiguration in Matthew 17:1-5, which was preceded by the discussion about the crucifixion of the Christ, plus the cross that will mark the life of the disciples (Mt 16:21-28). 
 
Second is the miracle that happened when the Lord told Peter to go to the sea, cast a hook, take the first fish he catches, open its mouth and there will be a shekel, enough to pay for his tax and Peter’s (see Mt 17: 24-27). Of course, everything happened as the Lord had told Peter. This subtle miracle was preceded by a saddening message from the lips of the Lord regarding his crucifixion? Scripture tells us the mood of the disciples after listening to that message: “They were greatly distressed” (Mt 17:23).
 
Perhaps, this reminds us that, “When the night is darkest, the dawn is near,” just like when the day is brightest, the dusk is near. 
 
I advise people: spiritual consolation has a price—the cross. The cross has a reward—glory. 
 
Hence, God isn’t going to let you suffer what is beyond your ability. Remember, when it seems too difficult to bear, your consolation is near. 
 
Tuck this word in your heart: “My [God’s] grace is sufficient for you.” (2 Cor 12:9)
 
God love you. God bless you.
 
Fr. Maurice Emelu 
 
[Monday 19thWeek. Readings: Dt 10:12-22; Mt 17:22-27]

Grace to you!
 
There are two broad approaches to growth in the spiritual life. There is the approach that focuses on what evil or bad behavior to avoid. There is the approach that is driven by what good to do. 
 
The first approach is classified under the negative way in fundamental theological thoughts. It begins with the assumption that we have to avoid evil. It grows from the deeper concern that evil must have to be rejected. 
 
So, when one focuses on this, one would have to measure one’s attitudes and behavior based on the stipulations of the law. For instance, when one is in a hurry going to work and is approaching a red traffic light, one would think of what the law says. Should I proceed or not proceed? Should I drive through the red light or not? What determines what not to do is what is stipulated by the law or the policy. This is not that simple, but I try here to represent this view in the simplest possible way. 
 
You would notice that this negative way does its functions. Without it, there will be a lawless society. Without it, one wouldn’t even know what the basic expectations in our relationships could be. In the organization, one wouldn’t know the metrics for improved performance or somehow, the measure for determining quality service delivery. 
 
But a life and spirituality based on this would not go too far. It would, for sure, not be rich in generous love and charity. In cases of dilemma or crisis, it would be depressingly stressful. It would lead to an utterly legalistic way of life and deprive us of the sweetness of holy creativity and affectionate relationship. 
 
In leadership, it would be an utterly static position which does not give room for creativity and innovation. Go back and check, organizations that hardly innovate or create do not grow. 
 
For all its worth, no one likes sleeping on the bed of law’s regulations. For all its worth, no co-creator (you and I) of the Creator would live without exploring the beautiful opportunities for the practice of charity. We become co-creators in doing and living of the seed through which life is born or regenerated. This seed is love, the charity that makes us live like God who is love. We want to live the law but not to be led by the law. We want to fulfil the law and breathe life into it because we are in love. 
 
The second approach takes the first to a more pleasant attitude. It is the approach that believes one becomes better by doing good. Evil is overcome by the practice of virtue. One could avoid evil as much as one wants, but without the practice of the opposite of that evil, the evil will continue to stick around and seriously distract the moral will. 
 
The Blessed Lord shows us this dynamic in his conversation with the so-called rich aristocrat (Mt 19:16-22). The man asks to know how to inherit eternal life. Without focusing on the problem of his mind-set, which makes him think he can earn eternal life by his own works alone—a topic I have reflected on somewhere else—, I want us to pay attention to the way the Lord responded. 
 
First was to propose to the man what he was used to doing. It is the evil to avoid. Notice the Lord tells him to avoid this and avoid that. The man responds he has done so since birth. But the man knows that what he had been doing hasn’t made him any better. Something was lacking. He wanted to build a moral life of avoidance, but he was certain in his heart the avoidance approach wasn’t enough. Being on the defensive wouldn’t guarantee victory in the line of battle. 
 
So, the Lord told him what was lacking. It is the ability to allow oneself to become a doer of good. One has to do something in order to change something evil. One has to practice virtue in order for vice to be overcome. One has to be proactive. 
 
It is symbolized in the Lord’s answer to“sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (Mt 19:21). For me, this implies the walk from avoidance approach, the negative way, to giving away of some values for a higher course, the positive way. And then, this is followed by service to others, “give to the poor”; and then commitment to the Lord, “come follow me.” 
 
There are three things involved here. One is the selling. The other is the giving. And yet the third is the following of the way of the Lord. The “selling” doesn’t mean the Lord wants us all to sell off our belongings or assets to live in the monastery and make a perpetual vow of poverty. This would be a myopic way of reading the Lord’s message. The “selling” has to do with the willingness to detach and give of ourselves in service. 
 
These three—the selling, the giving and the following—are processes in the practice of virtue. One has to detach. One has to serve others. One has to be a committed disciple of holiness. It is in doing these that one can mature in the depth of spiritual wealth and holiness. 
 
By following the Lord, and the Lord taking the lead, we find the home which the soul is searching. That home is God’s life. Anyone who follows the Lord receives the life of the Lord. The person receives it anyway because the person is following it anyway. 
 
So, do you want to be perfect, simply follow the Lord. 
 
Praying for the grace to do so. 
 
God love you. God bless you.
 
Fr. Maurice Emelu
 
[Monday Week 20: Jgs 2:11-19; Mt 19:16-22]