THE ANTICHRIST - One Bread, One Body, 01/05/2026

Monday, January 5, 2026, St. John Neumann

1 John 3:22—4:6
Psalm 2:7-8, 10-12
Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

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THE ANTICHRIST
"This is how you can recognize God's Spirit: every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ come in the flesh belongs to God, while every spirit that fails to acknowledge Him does not belong to God. Such is the spirit of the antichrist." —1 John 4:2-3

The antichrist “will appear as part of the workings of Satan, accompanied by all the power and signs and wonders at the disposal of falsehood — by every seduction the wicked can devise” (2 Thes 2:9-10). Thus it is humanly impossible to recognize the deceptions of the antichrist who will come at the end of the world and of the spirit of the antichrist which “is in the world already” (1 Jn 4:3). However, the Lord has provided a way to prevent us from being deceived. The spirit of the antichrist is recognizable because it refuses to acknowledge Jesus in the flesh (1 Jn 4:2).

Jesus is in the flesh in His physical body, His Eucharistic body (see Jn 6:51ff), and in the members of His Body the Church. The spirit of the antichrist will deny or de-emphasize Jesus’ Incarnation. This can be done by proclaiming Jesus’ divinity to the exclusion of His humanity or by denying Jesus’ divinity, making Jesus’ conception and birth no different than those of anyone else. The spirit of the antichrist may also ignore Jesus’ Eucharistic presence. It would make Holy Communion just a symbol and not central to Christianity. Finally, the spirit of the antichrist relegates the Church to being just a human organization. The antichrist promotes a churchless, individualized Christianity. Because it pretends that the Church is Christ’s Body only figuratively and not really, the spirit of the antichrist will not submit itself to the authority of the Church. “Such is the spirit of the antichrist” (1 Jn 4:3). “Thus do we distinguish the spirit of truth from the spirit of deception” (1 Jn 4:6).

Prayer: Father, by my obedience to You in Your Word in Your Church, may 2026 be a year of truth and not of deception.

Promise: "This is how we know that He remains in us: from the Spirit that He gave us." —1 Jn 3:24

Praise: St. John Neumann was the first bishop in the U.S. to introduce the Eucharistic devotion of "Forty Hours."



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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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 2025"

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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LET HIM HAVE IT - One Bread, One Body, 01/04/2026

Sunday, January 4, 2026, Epiphany

Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13
Matthew 2:1-12
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LET HIM HAVE IT
"All kings shall pay Him homage; all nations shall serve Him." —Psalm 72:11

Today’s great feast of the Epiphany celebrates the manifestation of Jesus to the nations. The wise men traveled a great distance, at much inconvenience, bringing valuable gifts to honor Jesus. The presence of the Baby Jesus manifested the love in their hearts.

King Herod likewise had his love of power made manifest for all the world to see. He pretended to be a worshipper to deceive the Magi (Mt 2:7-8). Eventually, his deception was made manifest, and all could see clearly the malice in Herod’s heart (see Mt 2:16ff).

Things inside us will also be made manifest. If we treasure anything besides Jesus, that attachment will eventually be made manifest to the world (see Mt 10:26-27; Lk 12:3). Is anything in your life more important than Jesus? You cannot give yourself to God and mammon; you will hate the one and love the other. You cannot have two masters (Mt 6:24).

What will be made manifest to the world in your life? Like the magi, lay it before Jesus as a complete self-offering. Let Him have it, before the whole world sees. Jesus will replace that with His grace, so what is displayed from your life to the world is “goodness” (Mt 5:16) and “good deeds” (Eph 2:10).

Prayer: Jesus, fill me with an insatiable desire to worship You.

Promise: "Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow." —Is 60:5

Praise: Praise You, Jesus, King of the universe. Alleluia!

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.) (As you make plans for the New Year, include time for spiritual growth. Attend one or more retreats at our Discipleship Center in Adams County, Ohio. See our website for more information.)

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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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 2025"

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 NAME TO PURIFY - One Bread, One Body, 01/03/2026

Saturday, January 3, 2026, Most Holy Name of Jesus

1 John 2:29—3:6
Psalm 98:1, 3-6
John 1:29-34

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A NAME TO PURIFY
"Everyone who has this hope based on Him keeps himself pure, as He is pure." —1 John 3:3

How can we ever keep ourselves pure, as Jesus is pure? (1 Jn 3:3)

• The name of Jesus. On this memorial of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, “our help is in the name of the Lord” (Ps 124:8). God purifies our lips (see Zep 3:9; Is 6:6-8) that we may call upon His name (Ps 116:13).
• Frequent Confession. In this Sacrament, God provides “a fountain to purify from sin and uncleanness” (Zec 13:1).
• The Holy Eucharist. We, who struggle to be pure, might think, “If only there was some medicine I could take that would give me the strength to be pure...” There is such medicine: the Holy Eucharist, “the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn 1:29). Desire to receive Holy Communion often, daily if possible.
• Daily Prayer. It’s easier to keep something pure that is cleansed daily. Sin “clings to us” (Heb 11:1), but daily prayer combats the impurity that is trying to keep a toehold in our lives. It’s like brushing our teeth daily; the impurities can’t readily cling to our teeth.
• The Holy Spirit. The Spirit fights against the flesh (Gal 5:17) and works to make us holy.
• The Word of God. Immerse yourself in the “purifying...bath of water by the power of the Word” (Eph 5:26; see also Jn 15:3).

Let Jesus take away your sins (see 1 Jn 3:5) and purify you.

Prayer: Jesus, refine and purify me like gold in the consuming fire of Your love (Mal 3:3; Heb 12:29).

Promise: "See what love the Father has bestowed on us in letting us be called children of God!" —1 Jn 3:1

Praise: The Holy Name of Jesus means "God saves." Praise You, Jesus, our Savior. Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess Your most adorable and holy name (Phil 2:9-11). Alleluia!

(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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 2025"

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 CHRIST OF CHRISTMAS - One Bread, One Body, 01/02/2026

Friday, January 2, 2026, St. Basil the Great
St. Gregory Nazianzen

1 John 2:22-28
Psalm 98:1-4
John 1:19-28

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THE CHRIST OF CHRISTMAS
"...he who denies that Jesus is the Christ. He is the antichrist." —1 John 2:22

Jesus Christ is God. “All were created through Him, and for Him. He is before all else that is. In Him everything continues in being” (Col 1:16-17­). Primacy is “His in everything” (Col 1:18). “Absolute fullness reside(s) in Him” (Col 1:19). Jesus Christ is “the faithful Witness, the First-Born from the dead and Ruler of the kings of earth” (Rv 1:5). He is “the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and End” (Rv 21:6).

“At Jesus’ name every knee must bend in the heavens, on the earth, and under the earth, and every tongue proclaim to the glory of God the Father: JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!” (Phil 2:10-11) Even Jesus’ enemies subtly imply His supremacy by being named “antichrists.” They are named in reference to Him. Jesus sets the standard. Everything is secondary to Him. Jesus is not called the anti-Satan or the anti­-evil. He is the Christ, and even antichrists can’t help but give witness (although unwillingly) to Jesus’ divinity.

We are in the middle of the Christmas season. Even time itself bows down before the Christ. Even antichrists exist in reference to Jesus.  How much more will true Christians proclaim the Christ of Christmas!

Prayer: "JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!" (Phil 2:11)

Promise: "Remain in Him now, little ones, so that, when He reveals Himself, we may be fully confident and not retreat in shame at His coming." —1 Jn 2:28

Praise: By the power of the Holy Spirit, St. Basil protected his diocese from heresy.

(For a related teaching on The Truth Will Set You Free, view, download or order our booklet 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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 2025"

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 YEAR OF HOPE - One Bread, One Body, 01/01/2026

Thursday, January 1, 2026, Mary, Mother of God

Numbers 6:22-27
Galatians 4:4-7
Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8
Luke 2:16-21
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THE YEAR OF HOPE
"They went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby lying in the manger." —Luke 2:16

At the end of what may be the major document of the twentieth century, Vatican II’s teaching on the Church, the Blessed Virgin Mary is proclaimed as a sign of sure hope (Lumen Gentium, 68). We pray: “Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.” Yes, many of us are in the valleys and are experiencing the banishment due to our sins. Of course, Jesus is our only Hope. But the Lord has chosen Mary to be part of the way He gives us hope. Mary shows to us “the blessed Fruit of her womb, Jesus.”

Today, once again, the Church has called us to begin the year by praying for peace. Mary also has called us for decades to pray for peace. Nonetheless, we may feel like saying: “All too long have I dwelt with those who hate peace. When I speak of peace, they are ready for war” (Ps 120:6-7). Is there any hope for peace? Mary points to Jesus, our only Hope, and she commands us: “Do whatever He tells you” (Jn 2:5).

Is there any hope to stop abortion, starvation, racism, war, and other common atrocities? By faith, at the side of Mary, look to Jesus, our only Hope and the only Hope we need.

Prayer: Father, with my eyes fixed on Your Son Jesus, give me a new year characterized by an invincible hope (see Heb 12:2).

Promise: "When the designated time had come, God sent forth His Son born of a woman, born under the law, to deliver from the law those who were subjected to it, so that we might receive our status as adopted sons." —Gal 4:4-5

Praise: "God Who is mighty has done great things for me, holy is His name" (Lk 1:49).



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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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 2025"

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 END - One Bread, One Body, 12/31/2025

Wednesday, December 31, 2025, Pope St. Sylvester I

1 John 2:18-21
Psalm 96:1-2, 11-13
John 1:1-18

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THE END
"Children, it is the final hour." —1 John 2:18

As this year ends, ask yourself: How is my relationship with God? The phrase “All’s well that ends well” is certainly true when it comes to our relationship with the Lord. It’s the state of our relationship with Him at the end that counts.

God tells us in His Word that the final state of our relationship with Him is what He judges us on. “If the virtuous man turns from the path of virtue to do evil...can he do this and still live? None of his virtuous deeds shall be remembered, because he has broken faith” (Ez 18:24). “If the wicked man turns away from all the sins he committed, if he keeps all My statutes and does what is right and just, he shall surely live, he shall not die. None of the crimes he committed shall be remembered against him; he shall live because of the virtue he has practiced” (Ez 18:21-22).

Consider the good thief (Lk 23:40-43). Despite a wasted life, he turned to Jesus in his “final hour” (1 Jn 2:18). Now he’s in heaven with Jesus. Conversely, you can guess how your spouse would evaluate your relationship if you said: “I gave you thirty years, but now I’m tired of you. I’m leaving you for someone else.” We must become faithful, and then remain faithful to the end (see Mk 13:13).

Since we are “certain that it is the final hour” (1 Jn 2:18), let us recommit our lives to Jesus. The Lord can do wondrous miracles and fulfill His promises in the last hour. “The one who perseveres to the end will be saved” (Mt 24:13, RNAB).

Prayer: Father, may I live each day as if it were my last day on earth. Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus! (Rv 22:20)

Promise: "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." —Jn 1:14

Praise: Pope St. Sylvester I helped end persecution against the Church.

(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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 2025"

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 JANUARY BLUES - One Bread, One Body, 12/30/2025

Tuesday, December 30, 2025,

1 John 2:12-17
Psalm 96:7-10
Luke 2:36-40

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THE JANUARY BLUES
"Carnal allurements, enticements for the eye, the life of empty show — all these are from the world." —1 John 2:16

“Have no love for the world, nor the things that the world affords. If anyone loves the world, the Father’s love has no place in him” (1 Jn 2:15). Christmas is nothing less and can be nothing more than receiving the Father’s love through Jesus in the Spirit. Therefore, if we love the world, both the Father’s love and Christmas are displaced, pushed out of our lives. Consequently, if we celebrate the worldly “Christmas,” paradoxically we deprive ourselves of the real Christmas.

Some are naive enough to think they can do both, but the Spirit and the flesh are diametrically opposed (Gal 5:17). We can’t serve two masters, even at Christmas time (Lk 16:13). “Are you not aware that love of the world is enmity to God?” (Jas 4:4)

May your Christmas be real and therefore lasting. May your Christmas continue throughout the entire new year and not leave you cold and empty with January blues. May you give thanks to God and talk about the Christ Child to all who look forward to the deliverance of God’s people (Lk 2:38). May you grow in strength, be filled with wisdom, and may the grace of God be upon you this Christmas and New Year (Lk 2:40).

Prayer: Holy Spirit, may I break with the world so as not to stifle You (1 Thes 5:19). May Christmas not disappear but continue and grow in my heart.

Promise: "She was constantly in the temple, worshiping day and night in fasting and prayer." —Lk 2:37

Praise: Father Tim took extra time during the week to listen to the Lord while preparing for Sunday Mass. During his homily, a man was moved to tears and accepted Jesus into his heart.

(Grow in holiness in the new year by praying the Bible each day. For encouragement, listen to, download or order How to Pray the Bible on our AV 82-3 or DVD 82 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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 2025"

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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