WHY EVANGELIZE? - One Bread, One Body, 12/27/2024

Friday, December 27, 2024, St. John

1 John 1:1-4
Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12
John 20:1-8

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WHY EVANGELIZE?
"...so that you may share life with us." —1 John 1:3

One would think St. John the Apostle shared his Gospel so that his hearers would believe in Jesus the Messiah. After all, he testified that this was why he wrote his Gospel (Jn 20:31). Yet John also writes that he testifies to Jesus so that his readers might share fellowship with his own community. The members of John’s community share fellowship with God the Father and God the Son (1 Jn 1:3). Knowing that his readers could experience such communal fellowship would make John’s joy complete (1 Jn 1:4).

This is God’s viewpoint. God greatly desires to have fellowship with us, even to the point of inviting us to share eternal life with Him (Jn 3:16). Jesus spread the Gospel to many, all the while greatly desiring to share the table fellowship of the Eucharistic meal with us (Lk 22:15).

As good as it is to spread the Gospel, it’s also good to want others to share life and fellowship with us (Acts 2:42; 1 Jn 1:3). St. John the Apostle learned this lesson personally. John didn’t want to share fellowship with Samaritans (Lk 9:52-54); he wanted to incinerate them! Jesus corrected him immediately (Lk 9:55). After Pentecost, John actually went to Samaria to pray with these same Samaritans so they could receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17).

We also need to learn John’s lesson. Are there people whom you would like to become believers, but only if they keep their distance from you? Ask the Lord for the grace to love these people as He does.

Prayer: Father, purify my motives so that I may spread Your Good News in the same manner as St. John did.

Promise: "He saw and believed." —Jn 20:8

Praise: St. John wrote: "God is Love" (1 Jn 4:8, 16).

(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 December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 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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IN THE SPIRIT OF STEPHEN - One Bread, One Body, 12/26/2024

Thursday, December 26, 2024, St. Stephen

Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
Psalm 31:3-4, 6, 8, 16-17
Matthew 10:17-22

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IN THE SPIRIT OF STEPHEN
"They proved no match for the wisdom and spirit with which [Stephen] spoke." —Acts 6:10

St. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. He “was a man filled with grace and power, who worked great wonders and signs among the people” (Acts 6:8). His ministry was that of a deacon ordained to distribute daily food supplies to the Jewish widows of Greek ancestry (Acts 6:1). Stephen and six other deacons were appointed to this task so that the apostles could “concentrate on prayer and the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). Stephen did carry out his food distribution ministry. In addition, through the Holy Spirit, he also ministered so powerfully in evangelization, signs, and wonders that the enemies of the Church killed Stephen even before the Twelve Apostles.

Jesus warned His disciples and apostles of this coming persecution (Mt 10:16-18). Yet persecution leads to the spread of the Gospel rather than its suppression. The world cannot chain the Word of God (2 Tm 2:9), no matter how hard it tries to suppress or persecute Jesus’ witnesses. “The blood of martyrs is the seed of Christians” and of the Church (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 852). Accordingly, Saul, the persecutor of the Church, who witnessed the martyrdom of Stephen, was transformed into a preacher of the faith he tried to destroy (Gal 1:23). Therefore, be a Stephen. Speak up for Jesus. The Lord says to you: “Do not be afraid. Go on speaking and do not be silenced, for I am with you” (Acts 18:9-10).

Prayer: "O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim Your praise" (Ps 51:17).

Promise: "For Your name's sake You will lead and guide me." —Ps 31:4

Praise: St. Stephen accepted the grace to forgive his murderers and saw Jesus in heaven before his earthly life ended.

(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 December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 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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FOOTPRINTS - One Bread, One Body, 12/25/2024

Wednesday, December 25, 2024, Christmas

Isaiah 52:7-10
Hebrews 1:1-6
Psalm 98:1-6
John 1:1-18
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FOOTPRINTS
"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of Him Who brings glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation." —Isaiah 52:7

We parents can spend much time gazing at our babies. We enjoy the way our infant’s feet and toes curl up and expand. We count the number of toes and fingers. Each little movement brings fresh delight. Before we know it, we’ve spent a half-hour contemplating our baby. We can spend hours looking at our own baby and never tire of it, because we love our baby so much.

Jesus took on flesh and became a Baby Boy (Jn 1:14). Now we can relate to Him in a way that we couldn’t previously. As a parent delights in admiring each aspect of their newborn, so we can reflect on the many aspects of the incarnate Infant, Jesus.

This Christmas season, as you contemplate the Baby Jesus, reflect especially upon Jesus’ beautiful feet (Is 52:7). He traveled dusty roads to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God (Mt 10:14). He let His feet be washed by the penitent woman (Lk 7:44-45) so we would know that love overcomes a multitude of sins (1 Pt 4:8). He allowed His feet to be pierced and nailed to a cross and bleed for our salvation. His feet pushed painfully upon the nails so He could breathe enough to speak His last words on the cross.

Choose the better portion this Christmas (Lk 10:42). Sit at the beautiful feet of Jesus and listen to His words (Lk 10:39).

Prayer: Jesus, give me such a love for You that I never tire of meditating on You. Thank You for coming to earth to save us all.

Promise: "Any who did accept Him He empowered to become children of God." —Jn 1:12

Praise: "Glory to God in high heaven, peace on earth to those on whom His favor rests" (Lk 2:14).

(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 December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 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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ADVENT PREGNANCY - One Bread, One Body, 12/24/2024

Tuesday, December 24, 2024,

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16
Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29
Luke 1:67-79

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ADVENT PREGNANCY
"Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, uttered this prophecy..." —Luke 1:67

To give birth, a mother must be pregnant for approximately nine months. To give birth this Christmas, a Christian must be filled with Jesus for at least a few weeks. The birth of every creature requires a pregnancy of varying duration. Have you carried the baby long enough? Have you reached full term? How far apart are the contractions? Tomorrow is birth day, Jesus’ birthday. Are you ready for birthing?

St. Zechariah went through the nine-month pregnancy with his wife. It was a difficult pregnancy. Zechariah was mute, and at the end of nine months was hardly any closer to bringing forth life. Yet finally he obeyed the Lord; “his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed” (Lk 1:64). He gave birth to a prophecy that has echoed throughout the ages: “Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel because He has visited and ransomed His people” (Lk 1:68).

The prophet Nathan heard about King David’s plan of building God a house. He went to sleep that night and woke up laboring to give birth to the greatest prophecy of the old covenant, the establishing of David’s house forever (2 Sm 7:16).

You have reached the full term of Advent pregnancy. Expect to go into labor soon and deliver the prophetic Word.

Prayer: Jesus, I can hardly wait for the birth of Your new life. "Come, Lord Jesus!" (Rv 22:20)

Promise: "He, the Dayspring, shall visit us in His mercy to shine on those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." —Lk 1:78-79

Praise: "Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel because He has visited and ransomed His people" (Lk 1:68).

(For a related teaching on Seek Prophecy, 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 December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 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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ZECHARIAH’S SCHOOL OF SILENCE - One Bread, One Body, 12/23/2024

Monday, December 23, 2024, St. John of Kanty

Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24
Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14
Luke 1:57-66

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ZECHARIAH'S SCHOOL OF SILENCE
"At that moment his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God." —Luke 1:64

St. Zechariah the priest had spent long years serving the Lord in the Temple. However, he failed his test when the archangel Gabriel appeared to him and announced the good news of answered prayer (Lk 1:13ff). Zechariah thus entered the school of listening to the Lord, a school of silence. To ensure that Zechariah would be attentive to his lessons, the archangel Gabriel removed his ability to speak (Lk 1:20, 62).

Zechariah’s first three months of school were elementary school. During his wife’s first trimester, Zechariah could not yet see the baby growing, but had to learn to cultivate faith. Months four through six of Zechariah’s school of silence were high school level lessons. He still couldn’t speak, but he could see his wife’s womb gradually stretching, and he too was stretched. Like his son in St. Elizabeth’s womb, Zechariah’s faith was growing.

For the final three months of Zechariah’s school of silence, the Blessed Virgin Mary arrived to teach the graduate school courses: listening, wisdom, trust, and obedience (Lk 1:56). Zechariah passed his final exam with highest honors by obeying the command of God to name his son John (Lk 1:13, 63). He regained his speech. Zechariah’s commencement address, his Benedictus, was a prophecy that has been repeated by the Church in Morning Prayer for centuries (Lk 1:68-79).

Zechariah’s silent schooling was forced because his faith in God was weak. It need not be that way with us. Come to God in silence each day and actively listen for His voice (see Lam 3:26).

Prayer: Father, make me a docile student in Your school of silence so that many might learn of Your love through me.

Promise: "The friendship of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and His covenant, for their instruction." —Ps 25:14

Praise: "O Emmanuel, King and Lawgiver, Desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God."

(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 December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 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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JESUS, PEACE ON EARTH - One Bread, One Body, 12/22/2024

Sunday, December 22, 2024, Fourth Sunday of Advent

Micah 5:1-4
Hebrews 10:5-10
Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
Luke 1:39-45
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JESUS, PEACE ON EARTH
"He shall be peace." —Micah 5:4

The angels heralding Jesus’ birth proclaimed “Peace on earth” as Peace Incarnate entered the world (Lk 2:14). In doing His Father’s will (Heb 10:7), Jesus, the Ruler, brings peace to His people (Mi 5:1, 4). Jesus our Peace (Eph 2:14) comes to bring peace. When He appeared to His apostles on the evening of His Resurrection, Jesus’ first words were, “Peace be with you” (Jn 20:19).

How ironic and sad that Peace should be hunted down by the government as an Infant (Mt 2:16) and forced to flee as a Refugee to a foreign land (Mt 2:13ff). Finally, Peace was persecuted, brutalized, and crucified. Jesus is still hunted down and crucified by present-day governments. For example, Jesus was ejected from the American public schools. Decades later, some high schools hire armed guards to try to keep the peace. How many acts of violence have been committed in the public schools since Peace was thrown out? Jesus laments to all who reject Him: “If only you had known the path of peace this day; but you have completely lost it from view!” (Lk 19:42)

Do we really want peace on earth? Would we rather have worldly peace, which is often merely the temporary cessation of war, or true “shalom” peace, which overturns (see Jn 2:14ff) the world’s systems, cultures, societies, and lifestyles? True world peace can be achieved only by opening our lives, homes, social structures, schools, institutions, and governments to Jesus, Who is Peace (Eph 2:14).

Prayer: Jesus, "Prince of Peace" (Is 9:5), let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me receiving You as Lord of my life.

Promise: "We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." —Heb 10:10

Praise: "O King of all the nations, the only Joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature You fashioned from the dust."

(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 December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 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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SALUTATIONS AND VISITATIONS - One Bread, One Body, 12/21/2024

Saturday, December 21, 2024, St. Peter Canisius

Song of Songs 2:8-14 or
Zephaniah 3:14-18
Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21
Luke 1:39-45

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SALUTATIONS AND VISITATIONS
"Hark! my lover — here he comes springing across the mountains, leaping across the hills." —Song of Songs 2:8

At the very beginning of her pregnancy, the Blessed  Virgin Mary visited St. Elizabeth. “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leapt in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out in a loud voice: ‘Blest are you among women and blest is the Fruit of your womb. But who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?’ ” (Lk 1:41-43) Both St. Elizabeth and St. John responded to Jesus’ presence and Mary’s visitation with praise in the Holy Spirit.

At the very end of Mary’s pregnancy, she and St. Joseph visited an inn to find a place to have their Baby. The innkeeper responded to Jesus’ presence and the holy family’s plight with rejection (Lk 2:7). His inn and his heart had no room for God-made-man.

The Lord continues to visit His people. He continues to be accepted by some and rejected by others. “He was in the world, and through Him the world was made, yet the world did not know Who He was. To His own He came, yet His own did not accept Him. Any who did accept Him He empowered to become children of God” (Jn 1:10-12). If we can be like Elizabeth and John in accepting Jesus, we can be like Mary in giving Him to the world.

Prayer: Jesus, may I become so sensitive to Your presence that even a greeting or a word would stir up the Holy Spirit in me. Give me the Holy Spirit of Christmas.

Promise: "Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty Savior." —Zep 3:16-17

Praise: "O Radiant Dawn, Splendor of eternal light, Sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death."

(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 December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 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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