THE ANSWER TO THE PROBLEM - One Bread, One Body, 01/28/2026

Wednesday, January 28, 2026, St. Thomas Aquinas

2 Samuel 7:4-17
Psalm 89:4-5, 27-30
Mark 4:1-20

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THE ANSWER TO THE PROBLEM
"Some landed among thorns, which grew up and choked it off." —Mark 4:7

Christian parents are rightly and deeply concerned about an unusual phenomenon in the Western world. This phenomenon is the fact that many young people leave the Christian faith in their teenage years. This is unprecedented in Christian history and limited to the Western part of the world.

How can parents prevent this tragedy from continuing? First, we should understand that many young people who have left the external practice of the faith have never made a personal, total commitment of their lives to the Lord. They have not left the faith because they have never accepted the faith (see 1 Jn 2:19).

What about those young people who have accepted the faith? How can their parents prevent the seed of God’s Word from being choked off in their children by the thorns of  “anxieties over life’s demands, and the desire for wealth, and cravings of other sorts”? (Mk 4:19) Pope St. John Paul II has given a tremendous insight into protecting our young people from losing their faith. The Pope has taught: “Only by praying together with their children can a father and mother — exercising their royal priesthood — penetrate the innermost depths of their children’s hearts and leave an impression that the future events in their lives will not be able to efface” (The Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World, Pope St. John Paul II, 60).

Parents, pray together daily with your children.

Prayer: Father, may Christians be holy families who pray together.

Promise: "Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before Me; your throne shall stand firm forever." —2 Sm 7:16

Praise: St. Thomas Aquinas was praying before a crucifix near the end of his life. A voice asked Thomas what he wanted as the reward for all his service to God. Thomas answered, "None but Yourself, O Lord."



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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 THEM TALK - One Bread, One Body, 01/27/2026

Tuesday, January 27, 2026, St. Angela Merici

2 Samuel 6:12-15, 17-19
Psalm 24:7-10
Mark 3:31-35

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LET THEM TALK
"David, girt with a linen apron, came dancing before the Lord with abandon." —2 Samuel 6:14

A characteristic of David’s life is that he gave himself to “the Lord with abandon” (2 Sm 6:14). David didn’t hold back on giving to God, no matter what others said about him.

David was upset that Goliath was insulting God (1 Sm 17:26) and was determined to defend God’s honor by fighting the giant. David’s brothers “grew angry with David,” insulting and belittling him (1 Sm 17:28). Goliath insulted David as well (1 Sm 17:42ff). David, however, paid no attention to the insults, but abandoned his life for the honor of God’s name (1 Sm 17:45ff).

David not only danced with abandon before the Lord, he gave the procession his all. He organized hundreds of people to carry the ark, to process in worship, and sing God’s praises (see 1 Chr 15:3-25). David gave it all financially as well, by providing a meal for every person in Israel, as he had called the entire nation to the procession (1 Chr 15:28; 16:3). He held nothing back when it came to worshipping God. Yet his reward was to be “despised” (1 Chr 15:29) and insulted by his wife, Michal, for a seeming lack of royal dignity in his worship (2 Sm 6:20). David paid no attention to the insult, and responded by telling her that he would now worship God with abandon “even more” (2 Sm 6:22).

Be like King David, St. Mary Magdalene, St. Stephen, and today’s saint, St. Angela. Abandon yourself so completely to the Lord that you notice only His glory.

Prayer: Jesus, may I love you so much that I can only rejoice when I am ill-treated for Your sake (Acts 5:41; 13:52; Mt 5:11-12).

Promise: Jesus said: "Whoever does the will of God is brother and sister and mother to Me." —Mk 3:35

Praise: St. Angela's work in the pioneering of homeschooling helped elevate women, education, and the importance of family.

(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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WHEN CHURCH IS NOT UNITED... - One Bread, One Body, 01/26/2026

Monday, January 26, 2026, Sts. Timothy & Titus

2 Timothy 1:1-8 or
Titus 1:1-5
Titus 1:1-5
Mark 3:22-30
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WHEN CHURCH IS NOT UNITED...
"If a kingdom is torn by civil strife, that kingdom cannot last." —Mark 3:24

According to Jesus’ words, the Church in a state of division will not survive (Mk 3:24). “If a household is divided according to loyalties, that household will not survive” (Mk 3:25). However, we know that the Church will last forever because the Lord has promised this (see Mt 16:18). Therefore, we know the Church will be united. This unity will be achieved (Eph 2:15) by God’s grace, accepted by faith, and expressed in repentance.

How will the Holy Spirit convict us of our sins of division in the body of Christ? One of the outstanding ways in which the Spirit will lead us to repent may be related to the massacre of millions of babies through abortion. Many people have come to realize that a united Church would have used her God-given authority to prevent and stop abortion. Hence the results of our disunity are not minimal but catastrophic. If this doesn’t motivate us to repent, we must not love babies, their parents, or the Lord, their Creator and Savior.

When we are in unity, we are in power. When Christians are in power, we are not trapped in a “culture of death” (Pope St. John Paul II) but instead we usher in a “civilization of love” (Pope St. Paul VI) and of life. To choose life, we must choose unity and repentance. Repent! (Mt 3:2, RSV-CE)

Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit to make us one as You and Jesus are one (Jn 17:21).

Promise: "I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God bestowed when my hands were laid on you. The Spirit God has given us is no cowardly Spirit, but rather One that makes us strong, loving, and wise." —2 Tm 1:6-7

Praise: St. Timothy persevered at St. Paul's encouragement to stir into flame the Holy Spirit (2 Tm 1:6).



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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 THE WORD SHINE - One Bread, One Body, 01/25/2026

Sunday, January 25, 2026, 3rd Sunday Ordinary Time
Sunday of the Word of God

Isaiah 8:23—9:3
1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17
Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14
Matthew 4:12-23
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LET THE WORD SHINE
"Preach the gospel — not with wordy "wisdom," however, lest the cross of Christ be rendered void of its meaning!" —1 Corinthians 1:17

Jesus chose the uneducated, those who did not speak well (1 Cor 1:27-28). The Lord called St. Paul, who admitted he did not speak well (2 Cor 11:6) and was unimpressive in person (2 Cor 10:10). God called Moses, who was “slow of speech and tongue” (Ex 4:10) and a “poor speaker” (Ex 6:12). However, God told Moses that He Himself would assist him in speaking (Ex 4:12).

Apollos was an eloquent speaker (Acts 18:24). We do want to present the Gospel as skillfully as we can. But we don’t want to obscure the cross and its power by our human wisdom (1 Cor 1:17; 2:1). We want people to follow the crucified Jesus rather than a particular person, however dynamic they might be. People follow a charismatic personality, but when that person dies, the followers tend to disappear (see Acts 5:36-37).

No wonder that St. Paul, a few verses after warning about preaching with “wordy” wisdom (1 Cor 1:17), said that he would speak of nothing but Jesus and Him crucified (1 Cor 2:2). That is the power of God leading to salvation (Rm 1:16).

It’s a balancing act that only the Holy Spirit can bring to perfection. We want “to do well” in skillfully presenting the Gospel (1 Tm 5:17),  but we don’t want to obscure the message and power of the cross. Lift high the cross. Come, Holy Spirit!

Prayer: Father, give me the grace to serve Your Word skillfully while also letting Your Word speak powerfully through my life.

Promise: "A people living in darkness has seen a great light." —Mt 4:16

Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, the incarnate and eternal Word!

(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 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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OUT OF OUR MINDS - One Bread, One Body, 01/24/2026

Saturday, January 24, 2026, St. Francis de Sales

2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27
Psalm 80:2-3, 5-7
Mark 3:20-21

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OUT OF OUR MINDS
"Alas! The glory of Israel, Saul, slain upon your heights; how can the warriors have fallen!" —2 Samuel 1:19

David deeply grieved the death of King Saul in battle (2 Sm 1:11). He grieved for the man who multiple times hunted him down to kill him. David should have been Saul’s general, but Saul expelled him. If David was fighting in Saul’s army, the Israelites might have won the battle because the Lord had made David successful in war (1 Sm 18:13ff). Additionally, King Saul “was out of his mind” (see Mk 3:21), even seeking advice from the very medium he had outlawed (1 Sm 28:3, 7ff). Saul had an “evil spirit” (1 Sm 18:10). He was subject to fits of depression. Yet David forgave Saul and spared his life (1 Sm 24:5ff), even though Saul’s poor decisions led the entire nation to defeat.

Jesus was called “out of His mind,” but He was truly sane. Yet He, like David, suffered for and forgave those who slandered and persecuted Him. Can you do likewise? Take on “the mind of Christ” (1 Cor 2:16). Be considered “out of your mind” because you are into His mind. Love the Lord “with all your mind” (Lk 10:27) and “be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Rm 12:2).

Prayer: Father, every day I will come before You in prayer and allow You to fill my mind with Your Word.

Promise: "Rouse Your power and come to save us." —Ps 80:3

Praise: St. Francis de Sales pastored his flock with gentleness, patience, understanding, and great love. He is the patron of journalists, writers, and editors. St. Francis de Sales, pray for us.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(For a related teaching on The Book of Forgiveness, 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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MERCY AND CHOICE - One Bread, One Body, 01/23/2026

Friday, January 23, 2026, St. Vincent of Saragossa
St. Marianne Cope

1 Samuel 24:3-21
Psalm 57:2-4, 6, 11
Mark 3:13-19

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MERCY AND CHOICE
"He then went up the mountain and summoned the men He Himself had decided on." —Mark 3:13

Throughout salvation history, God has been continually choosing His servants. God, through the prophet Samuel, chose David (1 Sm 16:12). Jesus chose the Twelve apostles (Mk 3:13). Jesus said: “It was not you who chose Me, it was I Who chose you” (Jn 15:16). Jesus even chose a man “who betrayed Him” (Mk 3:19).

In today’s psalm, the psalmist, David, prays: “Have pity on me, O God; have pity on me” (Ps 57:2). Through the apostles and their successors, God does have mercy on us (see Jn 20:21-23). He bestows abundant mercy through His Church. Do we want to receive His mercy through the Church, God’s chosen dispenser of mercy? Or do we want God to show mercy directly to us? Likewise Naaman wanted to receive mercy personally from Elijah. Naaman was too proud to receive mercy and healing in a way that seemed less catered to his wishes (2 Kgs 5:5ff).

We often think it’s our choice to serve God or not. This is partially true, as God has granted us free will to make such life-changing choices (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1730-1731, 1993). But first, God has chosen us and loved us (1 Jn 4:19). Accept His choice of you, as well as His choice of how He wishes for you to serve Him. May the mercy of God flow into you, and then through you to a hurting world.

Prayer: Father, thank You for choosing me. I ratify Your choice by freely saying "Yes" to You. Use me and use me up.

Promise: "May the Lord reward you generously for what you have done this day." —1 Sm 24:20

Praise: St. Marianne Cope was known as Mother Marianne of Molaka'i. She took over what Fr. Damien had started and brought new life and hope to the lepers on Molaka'i.

(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 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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CROWDED CONDITIONS - One Bread, One Body, 01/22/2026

Thursday, January 22, 2026,

1 Samuel 18:6-9; 19:1-7
Psalm 56:2-3, 9-14
Mark 3:7-12

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CROWDED CONDITIONS
"A great crowd followed Him from Galilee." —Mark 3:7

Jesus usually healed people in crowded conditions, such as when the press of the crowd was so great that He had to get into a boat to avoid being pushed into the water (Mk 3:9). The woman with the twelve-year hemorrhage had to fight her way through a pushing and shoving crowd to touch Jesus’ garment and be healed (Mk 5:30-31).

Crowd control was also a problem for those who tried to touch the tassel of Jesus’ cloak to receive healing (Mk 6:55-56). The men carrying the paralytic couldn’t even get close to Jesus because of the crowd (Mk 2:2ff), but had to make a hole in the roof and lower the man through it.

Healing still takes place in crowded conditions. The crowd for us is not so much outside as inside. Sin, fear, doubt, self-hatred, jealousy, unforgiveness, bitterness, and pride try to crowd out healing. We must fight our way through a crowd of interior obstacles to receive Jesus’ healing. Stand out in the crowd. Touch Jesus.

Prayer: Jesus, on this Day of prayer and penance for the unborn and the protection of human life and dignity, hear and answer our prayers. Grace us to not let ourselves be intimidated, blocked, or discouraged.

Promise: "My wanderings You have counted; my tears are stored in Your flask; are they not recorded in Your book? Then do my enemies turn back, when I call upon You." —Ps 56:9-10

Praise: Crowded with thoughts of fear, anxiety, and distress, Lisa received a healing at Mass during the "Our Father" when she recited the phrase, "Deliver us from evil."

(For a related teaching on Spiritual Adultery, listen to, download or order our AV 53-1 or DVD 53 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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