JESUS, CONSUME ME - One Bread, One Body, 06/22/2025

Sunday, June 22, 2025, Body & Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)

Genesis 14:18-20
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Psalm 110:1-4
Luke 9:11-17
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JESUS, CONSUME ME
"Every time, then, you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until He comes!" —1 Corinthians 11:26

When we celebrate the Eucharist at Mass or visit the Blessed Sacrament in Eucharistic Adoration, there are notes of discordance:

• we recall that the Eucharist is linked to Jesus being betrayed and handed over (1 Cor 11:23),
• we recall that the Body of Christ is broken (1 Cor 11:24),
• we recall that the Eucharist is a sacrifice. Jesus is the Lamb of God Who was slain (Rv 5:6) and offered as a Victim (Is 53:7), and
• the death of Jesus is proclaimed (1 Cor 11:26).

Reflecting on these painful aspects of the Holy Eucharist, we realize that we are being called, even commanded, to join in that sacrifice. By partaking of the Eucharist, we covenant with Jesus by being joined to His Body. We are called to embrace the cross.

We consume the Body and Blood of Jesus as our Food (Jn 6:55). Then we allow the Lord to consume us (see Heb 12:29). Knowing this, stop and reflect before you receive the Eucharist today. Will you let the Eucharistic Jesus consume you?

Prayer: Jesus, I am all Yours. Consume me and use me as You will.

Promise: "They all ate until they had enough. What they had left, over and above, filled twelve baskets." —Lk 9:17

Praise: "Sweet Sacrament, we Thee adore. O, make us love Thee more and more."

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(For a related teaching on the Eucharist listen to, download or order our AV 1A-3 or V 1A on our website.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 2024"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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“THE WINTER OF DISCONTENT” - One Bread, One Body, 06/21/2025

Saturday, June 21, 2025, St. Aloysius Gonzaga

2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Psalm 34:8-13
Matthew 6:24-34

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"THE WINTER OF DISCONTENT"
"I am content with weakness." —2 Corinthians 12:10

Naturally, all human beings have certain expectations. Naturally, these expectations are not always met. This upsets us. Then we wish we had a different vocation, spouse, child, body, job, home, car, etc. We are not content, although the Lord commands us: “Be it little or much, be content with what you have” (Sir 29:23; see also Heb 13:5).

We are especially discontented when we not only don’t have what we want, but are powerless to do anything about it. When we are too weak to change our lot, we no longer expect to get what we want but expect we will never get it. If we are not content, this leads to a crisis. To be content with our weakness, we must believe that God will change our lot (although we don’t see how), and we might also be required to change our original expectations by denying ourselves (Lk 9:23). Otherwise, we will be tempted to despair. A “winter of discontent” is ideally followed by a springtime of faith and unselfishness, but sometimes by a more bitter despair.

Sometimes our lot is not going to change on this side of death. Therefore, we must be content with our weakness, or we will be manipulated by discontent into despair. Be content with what you cannot change and with what God will not change now. “Be content” (Lk 3:14).

Prayer: Father, as we begin summer in the Northern hemisphere, end my "winter of discontent."

Promise: "If God can clothe in such splendor the grass of the field, which blooms today and is thrown on the fire tomorrow, will He not provide much more for you?" —Mt 6:30

Praise: St. Aloysius routinely rose during the middle of the night to pray.

(Our July 11-13 retreat is on Prophecy and Discernment, two spiritual gifts that are needed in our Church and world today. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com for details or to register.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 2024"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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INSANITY BEGINS WITH “I” - One Bread, One Body, 06/20/2025

Friday, June 20, 2025,

2 Corinthians 11:18, 21-30
Psalm 34:2-7
Matthew 6:19-23

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INSANITY BEGINS WITH "I"
"I am talking like an insane person." —2 Corinthians 11:23, RNAB

St. Paul founded the church at Corinth. After he left Corinth, various false apostles passed through town. These traveling preachers built up their own ministries (and their wallets) by pointing to their own “impressive” credentials rather than pointing to Jesus. By comparing Paul unfavorably to themselves, they undermined his position as father of the church in Corinth. More important in Paul’s eyes, they were undermining the true Gospel and leading people away from the Lord (2 Cor 11:3ff).

The Corinthians, in their foolishness, demanded that Paul once again “prove” his apostleship. In today’s first reading, Paul sarcastically “stoops” to their level in defense of the Gospel he preached. Notice that Paul uses the word “I” eighteen times. To Paul, this emphasis on self is “insane” (2 Cor 11:23). To be insane is to be completely out of touch with reality. The ultimate reality is that Jesus is Lord of heaven and earth (1 Cor 12:3). Everything in heaven revolves around Him (see Rv 4:8ff). The angels revolve around Him (Jn 1:51). Likewise, the earth, since it belongs to God (Ps 24:1), was created to revolve around the Son.

My mother was fond of saying, “The earth doesn’t revolve around me.” To St. Paul, this is the beginning of sanity. When we take our “eyes” off of “I” and fix them on Jesus (see Heb 3:1), our eyes are sound (Mt 6:22) and we are sane.

Die to “I” (see Lk 9:23). Live for Jesus (2 Cor 5:15).

Prayer: Father, I will gaze on Your loveliness forever (Ps 27:4).

Promise: "Look to Him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame." —Ps 34:6

Praise: Marcie, an elderly woman, brings hope and life to prisoners by sharing God's Word with them.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Our Lifestyle in the Spirit retreat, June 30-July 2, challenges the ways of the world that have ensnared many Christians. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com for details.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 2024"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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FALLEN AWAY? - One Bread, One Body, 06/19/2025

Thursday, June 19, 2025, St. Romuald

2 Corinthians 11:1-11
Psalm 111:1-4, 7-8
Matthew 6:7-15

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FALLEN AWAY?
"My fear is that, just as the serpent seduced Eve by his cunning, your thoughts may be corrupted and you may fall away from your sincere and complete devotion to Christ." —2 Corinthians 11:3

Many American Catholics who have registered in a parish are “fallen away” from fulfilling the obligation of attending Mass on every Sunday and Holy Day. Furthermore, how many are fallen away from meeting the standard that St. Paul enunciated? Paul was fearful that the “chaste virgin” church of Corinth would “fall away” from its “sincere and complete devotion to Christ” (2 Cor 11:2, 3). Moreover, if we love Christ less than we previously did, we are fallen away from our earlier love. If we love Him less than when we first loved Him, we have lost our first love (Rv 2:4). We are lukewarm and are nauseating to the Lord (Rv 3:16).

If we are “fallen away” in any way, we are in danger. A relationship where love is lessening is in trouble. If we love the Lord less, we are not loving Him with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind (Lk 10:27). Thus, we are not obeying the first of all the commandments and the basis for the Law and the prophets (Mt 22:40).

Let us repent, renew our baptismal covenant, go to Confession, and return immediately to our “sincere and complete devotion to Christ” (2 Cor 11:3).

Prayer: Father, You are Love (1 Jn 4:8, 16). May I never love You less and continue to love You more forever.

Promise: "This is how you are to pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.' " —Mt 6:9

Praise: St. Romuald founded the Camaldolese order and reformed monasteries and hermitages in Italy.

(For a related teaching on The Necessity of Confession for Renewal listen to, download or order our AV 70-1 or V 70 on our website.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 2024"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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PLAY-ACTING - One Bread, One Body, 06/18/2025

Wednesday, June 18, 2025,

2 Corinthians 9:6-11
Psalm 112:1-4, 9
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

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PLAY-ACTING
"Do not behave like the hypocrites." —Matthew 6:5

The root of the word “hypocrite” means “play-acting.” Jesus teaches that discipleship can never involve play-acting; being a disciple of Christ means to live righteously from the heart. Disciples live to please the Lord God (see 1 Thes 2:4), not to obtain a reward for themselves.

The word “repaid,” used by Jesus in today’s Gospel passage (see Mt 6:5), means a limited repayment, which only satisfies the “actor.” The disciple, on the other hand, leaves the reward, if any, in the hands of God.

God may choose to reward now, later, or not at all. God may reward a small or huge amount; true disciples leave that all up to Him. Unlike the hypocrite’s repayment, the disciple’s reward does not limit God’s generosity, but trusts in His providence (see 2 Cor 9:8). Play-acting limits the reward, limits the fruit, and directs attention to the hypocrite rather than to God. Discipleship places no limits on fruit or repayment. The fruit and the reward could be “bountiful,” if God chooses (see 2 Cor 9:6). All glory goes directly to God.

Resist the temptation to play at being a disciple of Jesus. Take up your cross each day and follow in His footsteps (Lk 9:23). Give the Lord your all in love.

Prayer: Father, may I never limit You in any way. Give me a generous and bountiful heart that lives for You alone.

Promise: "He who sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will reap bountifully." —2 Cor 9:6

Praise: Jesus healed Roger of cancer of the esophagus.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Seek First the Kingdom of God retreat, June 27-29, will help you get your heart focused on the most important goal in your life. Call 513-373-2397 or see our website.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 2024"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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A PERFECT MAKE-OVER - One Bread, One Body, 06/17/2025

Tuesday, June 17, 2025,

2 Corinthians 8:1-9
Psalm 146:2, 5-9
Matthew 5:43-48

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A PERFECT MAKE-OVER
"You must be made perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect." —Matthew 5:48

Some translations render Matthew 5:48 as “be perfect” as your heavenly Father is perfect. The 1970 New American Bible translation says “be made perfect.” This is an important distinction. Following Jesus is not a “do it yourself” endeavor. We cannot be perfect, no matter how hard we try. Following Jesus is truly a “Let it be done to me according to Your will” endeavor (see Lk 1:38).

It is the Father Who is engaged in the work of perfecting us. Our role is to fully cooperate with His work in us. If we try by our own efforts to be perfect, we sentence ourselves to a lifetime of repeated frustration. Rather than focusing on, “How am I doing?”, we instead ask, “Father, what do You want of me? Thy will be done” (see Mt 6:10).

The “better way” is to place ourselves at Jesus’ feet and listen to His words (see Lk 10:39, 42). Devour God’s Word (Jer 15:16), so as to know “what kind of conduct befits a member of God’s household” (1 Tm 3:15). Learn the Scriptures and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. “Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 133) and ignorance of the way God wants to make us perfect. Thus you will know the Lord and know His plan for the behavior, mindset, and lifestyle God has chosen to make you perfect.

Prayer: Father, change anything in me that keeps me away from You. Do in me whatever You must in order to do through me whatever You will.

Promise: "You are well acquainted with the favor shown you by our Lord Jesus Christ; how for your sake He made Himself poor though He was rich, so that you might become rich by His poverty." —2 Cor 8:9

Praise: Charles and Susan's children continue to defend life and chastity as they go off to college.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 2024"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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THE NOW WORD OF SALVATION (see Ez 33:30) - One Bread, One Body, 06/16/2025

Monday, June 16, 2025,

2 Corinthians 6:1-10
Psalm 98:1-4
Matthew 5:38-42

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THE NOW WORD OF SALVATION (see Ez 33:30)
"The Lord has made His salvation known." —Psalm 98:2

Through today’s Mass readings, the Church makes known to you the salvation of God. Salvation is the way of suffering persecution, insult (Mt 5:39), hardships (Mt 5:41), afflictions (2 Cor 6:5), and more. That’s what the Lord has made known. We might say, “If this is salvation, I don’t want it!” From the natural, worldly mindset, that’s understandable. However, God’s Word makes known a new “mentality” (see 1 Pt 4:1). “We must undergo many trials if we are to enter into the reign of God” (Acts 14:22).

Now that the Lord has made known His way of salvation “in the sight of the nations” (Ps 98:2), there is an urgent choice to be made. “Now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor 6:2). Now, “today,” is the time to prepare for a salvation that involves hardships, sufferings, and persecution.  If you can’t accept this way of salvation, admit it to God “now” (2 Cor 6:2). If you don’t deal with this, it will eventually consume you (see Ps 32:3-5).

Salvation is a “now” word (see Ez 33:30). What if today is the last day you would ever be able to say “Yes” to the Lord’s offer of eternal salvation? We must see God as our loving Father “today,” so we can accept a merciful Savior. “Delay not your conversion to the Lord, put it not off from day to day” (Sir 5:8).

Prayer: "Lord, save me!" (Mt 14:30)

Promise: " 'In an acceptable time I have heard you; on a day of salvation I have helped you.' Now is the acceptable time! Now is the day of salvation!" —2 Cor 6:2

Praise: Rachel reached out to love a difficult, elderly neighbor. She felt blessed when this neighbor turned to her in time of grave sickness.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(For a related teaching on Accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior and God view, download or order our leaflet on our website.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 2024"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Copyright © Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to https://www.presentationministries.com/subscribe/email

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