Author: Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke

Human, son, brother, friend, Igbo, Christian, Catholic, priest, theologian and citizen.
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#RS – A Moment in the Sun

Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke

Trapped in my cubicle for days uncounted Stepping into the sun that got me tempted The courtyard was just a place to be A free empty space it gave to me There! All peaceful and serene Trees and flowers bubbly green Garden seats well seated and idle Sun lounger – a canoe without a paddle The gracious sun made all resplendent I lunched in for a moment transcendent Eyes shut as the rays rained Such a beauty that got me dazed Never knew I’ve grown so visibly pale And the frangipani lost its only belle The taste of the air … Continue reading #RS – A Moment in the Sun

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#SV – Mane Nobiscum

Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke

Hospitality is at the heart of the Eucharist, otherwise called the ‘Eucharistic Hospitality’, because it is first and foremost an invitation to share or participate in the Body and Blood of Christ. Hence, it is called ‘communion’, the Holy Communion. Now, there are quite a lot of issues regarding who is qualified or not in the actual reception, but there is no doubt that all of us are invited to fellowship together in the Eucharistic feast. However, we must become Eucharistic by living out hospitality following the example of Christ. Christ makes himself a place of welcome to all of … Continue reading #SV – Mane Nobiscum

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Religious Terrorism and the Hatchet Job of Politicians

Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke

On Easter Sunday, 21stApril 2019, 8 coordinated terrorist attacks took place in 3 churches and 2 hotels in Sri Lanka, killing many Christians and visitors. As a result, about 290 people died and over 500 injured. The sight of the remains of kids who had come to church on that fateful Easter Sunday for their First Holy Communion but ended up dead was very unsettling. Of all the reactions, particularly on Twitter, from some prominent American politicians, such as Barack Obama, Elizabeth Warren, Julián Castro and Hilary Clinton, Christians who were main victims of the attacks were simply referred to as … Continue reading Religious Terrorism and the Hatchet Job of Politicians

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#SV – Solidarity Lifestyle

Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke

The passage from the Acts of the Apostles (2:42-47) is so apt for the situation that the world is facing today, that I consider it important that we take a closer look at it once again. Read it in the light of the challenge that faces the church in this period of global crisis. Read it in the light of the fragile situation of international solidarity at the moment – with nations closing off boundaries, and WHO defunded, xenophobic and racist attacks. Enjoy: Communal Life.* 42y They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to … Continue reading #SV – Solidarity Lifestyle

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#SV – Alleluia?

Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke

Faith is more about how we believe than it is about what to believe, Richard Rohr reminds us. And this attitude is important at a time like this. How do we exercise faith in the face of the pandemic? How do we believe in the face of global suffering and difficulty? How do we respond to God at a time like this? If faith a relationship with God in which the darkness and light are constant elements – whereby the light continually overcomes the darkness of our lives, the uncertainty of our future, the hopelessness of the moment, and the … Continue reading #SV – Alleluia?