Review of -An Encounter: A Daily Discovery in the Divine Word

Recently I received the daily devotion, An Encounter: A Daily Discovery in Divine Word by Father Maurice Nkem Emelu to review. Father Maurice is a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Orlu in Nigeria. He also is an assistant professor of communications at John Carroll University. The University is located in the US. Father Maurice is the founder of Gratia Vobis Ministries, Inc.

I received Volume II and III of his seven-volume daily meditative series. Volumes II and II are written to accompany the season of Lent.

With Easter being the holiest of all seasons, I looked forward to reading and receiving this Bible study. While I have not read it every single day, I have most days. I received the book in Week three of Lent and have enjoyed Father Maurice’s insight into Lent and how to prepare for the Easter Season.

Findings

The book is divided by the weeks of Lent and the days of the week. It starts out with an both an Old and New Testament reading. Then Father Maurice shares his lesson for the day. This is followed by a prayer. I appreciate the uplifting words, but most of all that he makes the lesson apply to daily life. While we read the verses that loving God is the most important law, with loving our neighbor second, he explains why. “Love of God without the love of neighbor isn’t the love that God prescribes.”

Father Maurice explains God’s words in simple terms bringing hope. He ended this Friday’s Bible study with “I wish for this love to inspire the discouraged to rise from their despair. I wish for it to bring solace to the sad and peace to warring peoples….”

While I am not Catholic, this Bible study seems to be one perfect for any Christian wishing to learn more about their faith in Jesus. For those preparing for the Easter season, the study is a great way to immerse yourself in this Holy season!