THE DAMAGE OF DISOBEDIENCE - One Bread, One Body, 12/05/2025

Friday, December 5, 2025,

Isaiah 29:17-24
Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14
Matthew 9:31

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THE DAMAGE OF DISOBEDIENCE
"Jesus warned them sternly...But they went off." —Matthew 9:30-31

Jesus sternly warned the two blind men He had healed: “ ‘See to it that no one knows of this.’ But they went off and spread word of Him through the whole area” (Mt 9:30-31). The disobedience of the two healed men resulted in some people continuing to have the wrong idea about the Messiah. This contributed to the rejection of Jesus’ claim to be the Messiah and eventually to His crucifixion and death. Disobedience is harmful, even to causing Jesus’ death on the cross.

Beginning this Advent, let us obey the Lord always and in detail. Let us delight to obey the Lord (see Ps 40:9). The Lord has a wondrous Christmas season planned for us, for He intends to come to us in a special way. However, we must follow His directions. The Lord’s plan for the coming year and for our lives is amazingly glorious. Yet only by our obedience will we live His plan for us. The Lord died on the cross and rose from the dead to make possible for us lives which are graced beyond anything we can ask for or imagine (see Eph 3:20). However, we must obey Him. All evils have entered the world through disobedience. But grace floods the world through the obedience of Jesus and our imitation of His obedience. Obey Him.

Prayer: Father, grace me to obey You and thereby to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:32).

Promise: "Out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see. The lowly will ever find joy in the Lord, and the poor rejoice in the Holy One of Israel." —Is 29:18-19

Praise: Carol always attentively listened to the attendant at the gas station and told him that Jesus loved him. One day he confided to her that he had been considering suicide. Later that same day she talked to him about how much God loved him, and he received the courage to choose life.

(Do you need to hear some Good News? Call 513-823-3111 to hear a short reflection of the Scripture readings of the daily Mass.)

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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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THE ROCK OR JINGLE BELL ROCK? - One Bread, One Body, 12/04/2025

Thursday, December 4, 2025, St. John of Damascus

Isaiah 26:1-6
Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27
Matthew 7:21, 24-27

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THE ROCK OR JINGLE BELL ROCK?
"Anyone who hears My words and puts them into practice is like the wise man who built his house on rock." —Matthew 7:24

Will Christmas this year be a “flash-in-the-pan” experience or a solid foundation for the new year? People in modern society are increasingly becoming more unstable. For most people, jobs don’t last as long as they used to. Houses and cars aren’t made to last for very long. Even marriages and families don’t often endure. We are a people constantly on the move. We are not pilgrims as much as refugees. We are repeatedly leaving somewhere to go nowhere.

However, Christ wants to have mercy on us and build our Christmases and lives on the rock foundation of hearing and doing His Word (Mt 7:24). “A strong city have we; He sets up walls and ramparts to protect us” (Is 26:1). “Trust in the Lord forever! For the Lord is an eternal Rock” (Is 26:4).

Let Jesus give you a Christmas you can count on, stand on, and build on. For Jesus to be your “Rock of ages,” let Him first be your Rock this Christmas.

Prayer: Father, stabilize and transform even the most chaotic lives.

Promise: "He humbles those in high places, and the lofty city He brings down." —Is 26:5

Praise: St. John of Damascus gave his gifts to others in the form of poems, hymns, and teachings, thus building up faith.

(To have a rocklike faith, read the Bible daily. For encouragement, listen to, download or order any or all of these CDs or DVDs on our website: Ignorance of Scripture is Ignorance of Christ, AV 82-1 or DVD 82; How to Pray the Bible on AV 82-3 or DVD 82; How to Read the Bible on AV 46-3 or DVD 46.)

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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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“I CAN’T GET NO SATISFACTION” - One Bread, One Body, 12/03/2025

Wednesday, December 3, 2025, St. Francis Xavier

Isaiah 25:6-10
Psalm 23:1-6
Matthew 15:29-37

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"I CAN'T GET NO SATISFACTION"
"They all ate and were satisfied." —Matthew 15:37, RSV-CE

A side effect of the Eucharistic miracle in today’s Gospel was that over four thousand people were satisfied after a meal (Mt 15:37). All too often in Scripture, a meal ends with dissatisfaction (Nm 21:5), breaking of faith (Gn 25:29-34), deception (Gn 27:25ff), and sometimes violence and death (Gn 37:25ff; Dn 5:1ff, 30).

Jesus’ Eucharistic meal with His apostles, the Last Supper, also ended in betrayal, denial, and death. However, in the Eucharist, Jesus has triumphed over human sins and failings. He has transformed human dissatisfaction into satisfaction (Mt 15:37), thanksgiving (Mt 15:36), and the joy of the heavenly banquet to come (Rv 19:9; see also Is 25:6).

The world and the devil attempt to sow dissatisfaction in us. In fact, worldly advertisements aim at identifying our dissatisfaction or creating dissatisfaction in the lives of those who are currently satisfied. Therefore, we must break away from the messages of the world to be able to fully receive the Bread from Heaven and be satisfied according to God’s standards.

Numerous Catholics today do not receive the Eucharist with reverence, love, attentiveness, and holiness, thus putting themselves at risk of dissatisfaction and even bodily harm (1 Cor 11:27-30; Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1385). Jesus plans for His heavenly food to nourish rather than harm us, but it’s up to us to receive Him rightly. Fix your eyes on the Eucharistic Jesus (Heb 12:2). In the Eucharist, Jesus sacrificially satisfies our every need (Ps 145:16; 81:16, RSV-CE). Eat the flesh of the Son of Man (Jn 6:56) and be satisfied (Mt 15:37).

Prayer: Jesus, in the Eucharist, You have given me Your very best. May I be satisfied with this gift (Heb 13:5) and praise You always.

Promise: "Let us rejoice and be glad that He has saved us!" —Is 25:9

Praise: St. Francis Xavier obeyed Jesus' command to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. He evangelized many Asian people.

(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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GOD MAKES ALL THINGS NEW - One Bread, One Body, 12/02/2025

Tuesday, December 2, 2025,

Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17
Luke 10:21-24

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GOD MAKES ALL THINGS NEW
"Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. The cow and the bear shall be neighbors, together their young shall rest; the lion shall eat hay like the ox. The baby shall play by the cobra's den, and the child lay his hand on the adder's lair. There shall be no harm or ruin on all My holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord." —Isaiah 11:6-9

Can you picture this image? The Republican is a guest of the Democrat. The baby in the womb and the abortionist are friends; the progressive and the conservative dine together in harmony. Palestinians and Israelis send their border patrols home. There is no need for mandatory child protection training. Divorce is unheard of because all husbands and wives are living in joy and peace.

This scene is what we await as Christians. We believe God will bring about His kingdom of peace, in which people are so transformed in Jesus that mortal enemies become friends and co-workers. Those who prey on others shall have a totally new and different nature in Jesus (Gal 6:15). Lest we become skeptical, the above scenario has happened throughout salvation history (see e.g. Acts 9:18, 26-28; 10:13-15, 25ff; Mt 9:9-10; Jn 4:9, 39-42).

Skepticism melts in the glory that is the fear of the Lord (Is 11:3). Stand amazed at the omnipotent, almighty, loving-kindness of our God. Receive a new nature in Christ Jesus, Who makes all things new (2 Cor 5:17; Rv 21:5).

Prayer: Lord, You have overcome the world (Jn 16:33). May I be overcome with awe in Your presence and never doubt You again.

Promise: "Many prophets and kings wished to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it." —Lk 10:24

Praise: Alice has built her life around Jesus and has received Him daily in the Eucharist for forty years.

(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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ENTER IN, LORD - One Bread, One Body, 12/01/2025

Monday, December 1, 2025,

Isaiah 4:2-6
Psalm 122:1-9
Matthew 8:5-11

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ENTER IN, LORD
"I will come…" —Matthew 8:7

We’re getting our Christmas trees ready. We’re preparing for guests to enter the Christmas parties we host. We’ll let the guests we invite to our Christmas parties enter into our homes when they knock at our doors, but will we let Jesus in? Advent is about the Lord trying to enter. “Let the Lord enter, He is King of Glory” (see Ps 24:9).

St. Joseph knocked on many doors in Bethlehem, searching for a home that would open its doors to his family as Mary was about to give birth to Jesus. However, no one in Bethlehem let them enter (Lk 2:7). Elsewhere, some did let the Lord enter. The centurion was ready to welcome Jesus, even though he considered himself unworthy (Lk 7:6). Zacchaeus (Lk 19:5-6), St. Martha (Jn 12:2), and St. Matthew (Mt 9:10) welcomed Jesus into their homes.

How about you? Jesus stands knocking at your door (Rv 3:20). At Christmas, we will sing, “Let every heart prepare Him room.” Prepare your home and your heart for the Lord. Let Jesus enter under the roof of your mouth in the Holy Eucharist (see Mt 8:8). Go to Mass more frequently this Advent. He longs for you to let Him enter — into your mouth, body, soul, and home.

Prayer: Jesus, may I welcome You with the joy of Zacchaeus, Matthew, and Martha.

Promise: "For over all, His glory will be shelter and protection." —Is 4:6

Praise: Six-year-old Roger hid behind the altar when his mother asked him to dust the pews of the Church. From that spot, all he could see was the large crucifix on the wall. Viewing that crucifix instilled in his heart a lifelong love of Jesus crucified. Roger eventually became a Catholic priest and ministered for decades. Upon retirement from active ministry, the church was remodeled and the new pastor gave Fr. Roger that same crucifix to keep.

(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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PREPARATION DAY - One Bread, One Body, 11/30/2025

Sunday, November 30, 2025, First Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 2:1-5
Romans 13:11-14
Psalm 122:1-9
Matthew 24:37-44
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PREPARATION DAY
"It is now the hour for you to wake from sleep." —Romans 13:11

A thief preparing to break into your house wants to take your possessions (see Mt 24:43). Jesus, our Lord and King, also is preparing to enter your house, even standing and knocking at your door (Rv 3:20). First, He desires to have fellowship with you. Then, if you allow, He desires to take possession of your life and your home. He wants to be Lord of everything in your life. We prevent the thief from entering by making our house secure, but are we also guarding our possessions and hearts so strongly that we are preventing Jesus from entering?

Jesus says that even if we are prepared for His coming, we will be surprised at the timing (see Mt 24:36; 25:5). Accordingly, the best way to be prepared for the coming of Christ is to be prepared today. Make Him Lord of your house right now. “The time is short” (1 Cor 7:29). “Prepare the way of the Lord” (Mt 3:3).

Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us (Jn 14:2-3). We likewise are to be preparing a place for Jesus, so that He can dwell in our hearts, homes, work, and lives. Are we “on our guard” about some things, but completely off guard about the more important things, like the Second Coming of Christ?

The measure we measure with shall be measured back to us (Mt 7:2). When Jesus knocks on our door, if we tell Him, “I do not know where You come from. Depart from me” (see Mt 7:23; Lk 13:27), we should not be surprised if Jesus says the same to us when we knock on His door on Judgment Day (Mt 25:11-12). Therefore, prepare for His coming now (Mt 24:44).

Prayer: Father, I will put my secular Christmas preparations on hold until I have prepared for the coming of Your Son, Jesus.

Promise: "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the desires of the flesh." —Rm 13:14

Praise: All hail, King Jesus! Reign over this new year. Alleluia!

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Join us Oct. 18-19 for a study of the Gospel of Mark. This is a great way to rekindle your love, knowledge and commitment to the Lord. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com.)

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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 October 1, 2025, through November 30, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 2, 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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ALCOHOLICS UNANIMOUS - One Bread, One Body, 11/29/2025

Saturday, November 29, 2025,

Daniel 7:15-27
Daniel 3:82-87
Luke 21:34-36

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ALCOHOLICS UNANIMOUS
"Be on guard lest your spirits become bloated with indulgence and drunkenness and worldly cares." —Luke 21:34

Tomorrow we begin the season of Advent. Therefore, be on guard lest your hearts become loaded down with a headache, drunkenness, and life’s cares (see Lk 21:34). In this warning, Jesus seems to be describing a spiritual drunkenness and a spiritual hangover. Although we may not be physically drunk, we may frequently get intoxicated by indulging our senses. We can become spiritually drunk by staring at our phone or a TV for hours; smoking a few cigarettes; snacking for hours; watching videos; reading magazines; listening to music for an extended time; surfing the Internet for awhile; playing video games for a long time; or getting a caffeine fix by drinking cup after cup of coffee and can after can of caffeinated soft drinks, with an occasional candy bar. We can also get spiritually drunk without over-stimulating our senses. We can consume shot glass after shot glass of bitterness, unforgiveness, self-pity, fear, self-hatred, or anxiety.

Therefore, to be ready for Jesus’ final coming, we should repent of our sins, drastically simplify our lifestyles, forgive those who have sinned against us, be healed, and make every thought captive to Christ (2 Cor 10:5). “Live soberly” (1 Pt 1:13; 5:8).

Prayer: Father, train us "to reject godless ways and worldly desires, and live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age as we await our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of the great God and of our Savior Christ Jesus" (Ti 2:12-13).

Promise: "The kingship and dominion and majesty of all the kingdoms under the heavens shall be given to the holy people of the Most High, Whose kingdom shall be everlasting: all dominions shall serve and obey Him." —Dn 7:27

Praise: Praise You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for showering us with Your love.



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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 October 1, 2025, through November 30, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 2, 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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