Live the best Single Mingle Christian Sharing Lifestyle [even if you are married ;) ]: May 2009

Sunday, May 31, 2009

THE GREATEST PENTECOST - One Bread, One Body, 5/31/2009

Listen to Fr. Lauer teach about Pentecost. There are 5 teachings about
Life in the Spirit at the link below. You can listen online or download
the MP3s.

http://www.presentationministries.com/tapes/tape.asp?pubID=319
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Sunday, May 31, 2009, Pentecost

Acts 2:1-11, Galatians 5:16-25, Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34, John 15:26-27;
16:12-15
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/053109.shtml

THE GREATEST PENTECOST

"All were filled with the Holy Spirit." —Acts 2:4

Today is Pentecost. It is not merely a reminder of a past event, but a
continuation of the Spirit renewing the face of the earth (Ps 104:30).
Today's Pentecost will not be a shadow of the first Pentecost, rather the
first Pentecost is a shadow of today's Pentecost. God's grace is abounding
all the more (see Rm 5:20). The Spirit is not diminishing His work in our
world, but increasing it. It will not be only thousands who come to Jesus
today (see Acts 2:41), but millions. The waters of the Spirit become
deeper as they flow further around the world and into history (see Ez
47:5).

Totally surrender your life to Jesus. Renounce Satan and all His works.
Repent of sin. Ask for the Spirit. Ask Spirit-filled believers to lay
hands on you. Receive the Spirit. As you receive prayers for the Spirit,
express your love for the Lord by praising Him in your native language and
in other languages. Go out and tell others about your love for Jesus.

Pentecost begins by taking little steps of repentance, prayer, praise, and
evangelization. If you obey the Lord, you won't stifle the Spirit (see 1
Thes 5:19). Pentecost is now. The greatest Pentecost is now. Come, Holy
Spirit!

Prayer: Father, give me the gifts to praise You in tongues, to prophesy,
and to evangelize.

Promise: "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh with
its passions and desires." —Gal 5:24

Praise: Praise Jesus, Whose Spirit is renewing the face of the earth (Ps
104:30). Alleluia!

(Open yourself to the gifts of the Spirit. Attend retreats on "Gifts of
the Spirit -" July 3-5, "Prophecy and Deliverance -" July 6-9, "Worship
and Evangelization -" July 10-11 and "Intercession and Healing - "July
17-18. Call 937-587-5464 or 513-373-2397.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from April
1, 2009 through May 31, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, October 3, 2008

The rescript 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 ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

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Saturday, May 30, 2009

INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER - One Bread, One Body, 5/30/2009

Listen to Fr. Lauer teach about Pentecost. There are 5 teachings about
Life in the Spirit at the link below. You can listen online or download
the MP3s.

http://www.presentationministries.com/tapes/tape.asp?pubID=319
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Saturday, May 30, 2009, Pentecost Novena - Day 9

Acts 28:16-20, 30-31, Psalm 11, John 21:20-25
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/053009.shtml

INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER

"Paul invited the prominent men of the Jewish community to visit
him." —Acts 28:17

Tomorrow is the great feast of Pentecost. The first Christian Pentecost
was an international, multicultural event. People of many languages
gathered to worship God. The Holy Spirit prompted the apostles to praise
God publicly in other languages, and all the various groups of people
understood them (Acts 2:6).

One main reason for the great power and conversions at Pentecost was that
many diverse people were gathered together (Acts 2:5-6). The Holy Spirit
used the first Pentecost to unite people who had been separated. Since God
is the same today as at the first Pentecost (Heb 13:8), He wants to bring
the same unity tomorrow.

Accordingly, God may want us to search out people not like ourselves with
whom to spend our Pentecost, people of a different race, religion, or
ethnic group. The Spirit didn't fill people individually and then bring
them together after they were already converted. Rather, diverse people
were gathered first, and then the Spirit miraculously brought unity (Acts
2:11).

Jesus will lead us toward Christian unity this Pentecost. Our business is
to follow Him (Jn 21:22).

Prayer: Father, may I make every effort to build unity which has the
Spirit as its origin and peace as its binding force (Eph 4:3).

Promise: "There are still many other things that Jesus did, yet if they
were written about in detail, I doubt there would be room enough in the
entire world to hold the books to record them." —Jn 21:25

Praise: After receiving Jesus in the Eucharist, Maria often feels
compelled to remain in silent thanksgiving.

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

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Friday, May 29, 2009

ON TRIAL FOR THE GOSPEL - One Bread, One Body, 5/29/2009

Pray the Pentecost Novena with us. Come Holy Spirit!

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/PentNovena.asp
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Friday, May 29, 2009, Pentecost Novena - Day 8

Acts 25:13-21, Psalm 103, John 21:15-19
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/052909.shtml

ON TRIAL FOR THE GOSPEL

"I issued orders that he be kept in custody until I could send him to the
emperor." —Acts 25:21

Paul's ongoing imprisonment featured a mockery of justice. Accusers
charged him with nonsensical "crimes." His case consisted of interminable
delays as he was handed from one authority to another. It seemed like Paul
was "for nothing, uselessly," spending his strength (Is 49:4). Yet from an
evangelistic standpoint, the aimless circumstances were not useless or
aimless at all. As persecutions and mismanagement increase, so did Paul's
opportunities to spread the gospel, witness to Jesus, and evangelize. Paul
wasn't frustrated or worn down, partly because the Holy Spirit mercifully
gave Paul advance notice as he traveled "from city to city that chains and
hardship" awaited him (Acts 20:23).

Paul could have interpreted the Spirit's warning as one of gloom, and
minimized his sufferings. Alternatively, Paul could have prepared his soul
for the upcoming trials. Paul decided to give evidence by his behavior of
his love for Jesus (Jn 21:15) by evangelizing those insulated from hearing
the gospel, such as Agrippa, Festus, and the Emperor. He realized that
without his testimony as a prisoner, these people might never hear the
gospel.

Paul heeded the Spirit's warning. He purified himself (Acts 21:26). He
testified to some disciples: "I am prepared to die for the name of the
Lord Jesus" (see Acts 21:13). When Paul's trials arrived, he could testify
powerfully to the resurrection of Jesus.

How about you? What warnings has the Spirit given you during this
Pentecost Novena? Will you receive the Spirit even though hardships await
you? Will you be ready to tell those you meet about Jesus? Will you love
Him enough to feed His sheep? (Jn 21:17)

Prayer: Jesus, may all prisoners who read this receive the Spirit on
Pentecost and joyfully witness to You. Bless them with hope.

Promise: "His kingdom rules over all." —Ps 103:19

Praise: Samuel praises God for being sent to prison because it was there
he found Jesus, his Savior.

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

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Thursday, May 28, 2009

Meaningful male friendship in a disconnected age

Source: J. Lee Grady - Charisma

Despite the proliferation of iPhones, Blackberries, e-mail and social
networking Web sites-not to mention Starbucks locations-many Christian men,
if they are honest, will tell you they are lonely. They may Twitter several
times a day to co-workers; they may have occasional golf buddies; they may
even grab coffee with colleagues from time to time. But so many men who
attend church regularly are friendless.

This was made real to me last weekend when I spoke to a group of men at a
large charismatic church in Rochester, N.Y. I was talking about three
different types of relationships we need: (1) "Pauls," who serve as
spiritual fathers; (2) "Barnabases," peer-level encouragers who support and
challenge us; and (3) "Timothys," younger men we inspire and mentor.

I asked the guys in Rochester to write down the names of the men in their
lives who fall into each category. When the session was over, one man went
home to his wife and announced that he couldn't write down one name in any
of the categories. He had no meaningful relationships. Other men I spoke to
that night admitted that they don't have mentors and have never been
transparent with a male friend about personal problems.

Men are disconnected. And we wonder why the church is dysfunctional?

Secular psychologists can tell you why men struggle to build close
relationships with each other. But we rarely address this issue in the
church-and as a result many men who love God live in painful isolation. I've
identified the three biggest barriers to healthy male bonding:

#1. Macho stereotypes. The macho myth says a real man is a rugged
individualist: strongly independent, emotionally detached, covered in body
armour without visible weaknesses. The macho myth tells boys they must never
cry-even when they are in pain-and that when they become adults they cannot
be intimate with their wives or tender with their children. The macho myth
says they must maintain dictatorial power and control in relationships, even
if abuse is necessary.

Yet when we look at Scripture we see that Jesus Christ radically challenged
the macho culture promoted by the religious leaders of His day. The
Pharisees looked down on women, stayed aloof from children, and celebrated
their own importance while refusing to touch the needy. Jesus, on the flip
side, empowered marginalised women, held babies in His arms, touched lepers
and told a parable about a father who embraced and kissed his wayward son.
Jesus destroyed the macho myth by demonstrating that the strongest
masculinity is gentle and approachable.

#2. Fear of homosexuality. In my travels I've noticed that men in other
countries feel perfectly free to be affectionate. Men in Africa hold hands;
in Latin countries they kiss each other on the neck. Sociologists say male
affection was once more common in this country-but it waned around the same
time awareness of homosexuality increased. Nowadays, many straight men are
afraid to offer a consoling embrace to a friend lest it be viewed as a
sexual advance.

That's tragic for many reasons, mostly because all human beings need
affection to thrive. There are men today in their 60s and 70s who still
crave the affection their emotionally-repressed fathers never gave them. So
they live in shells and suffer in silence.

Many guys turn to homosexuality as a substitute for the healthy, non-sexual
male affection they should have received. (Then the devil is all too eager
to convince them they were "born that way.") The church could offer genuine
healing to guys who struggle with sexual identity issues, but it will
require us to offer fatherly or brotherly affection without fear.

#3. The competition trap. Let's face it: Guys are so insecure and so
work-oriented that we rate each other and ourselves solely on performance.
Whether on the fourth-grade playground or in the corporate boardroom, we are
so obsessed with the game that we can't let any other guy get ahead. We have
to win, so every other male becomes an obstacle to our goal.

Male pride is the single biggest reason we can't get close to our brothers.
It's the reason a Christian guy with a porn addiction can't be honest enough
to call a friend and share his ugly secret. It's the reason some pastors
can't admit their marriages are suffering. It's the reason successful
businessmen end up drinking on weekends instead of finding a support group.
A big, fat ego stands in the way.

Jesus showed us how to deal with male pride. Right before He went to the
cross He gathered His male followers together for the Passover, stripped off
His clothes and put on a slave's towel. Then He proceeded to wash His
disciples' smelly, dusty feet. When He finished the job He told His men they
should treat each other the same way.

The current epidemic of moral failure among men in the church today is
directly tied to our lack of healthy, honest relationships. The only way to
reverse the trend is to reintroduce men to the servant Saviour-who was so
humble that he took off His macho armour and became vulnerable.

J. Lee Grady is editor of Charisma.
Useful link: charismamag.com

"ONE IN THE SPIRIT?" - One Bread, One Body, 5/28/2009

Pray the Pentecost Novena with us. Come Holy Spirit!

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/PentNovena.asp
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Thursday, May 28, 2009, Pentecost Novena - Day 7

Acts 22:30; 23:6-11, Psalm 16, John 17:20-26
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/052809.shtml

"ONE IN THE SPIRIT?"

"I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their word, that all
may be one." —John 17:20-21

Jesus is praying at this moment that all peoples, nations, and
denominations be one as He and the Father are One (Jn 17:21). Therefore,
Jesus is praying for us to receive the Holy Spirit, for the Spirit is the
Source of our unity (Eph 4:3). Jesus is praying now for a new Pentecost.
Will we answer His prayers after He has answered ours for so many years?

Surprisingly, most of us don't want unity and so don't want the Spirit of
unity. We give "lip service" to unity, and few have "gone on record"
proposing the perpetuation of divisions and denominations. However,
whenever we seriously attempt unity, people "show their true colors." Too
many of us prefer the pain of separation to the pain of unconditional love
and unity. We prefer our divisions and denominations over God's plan of
salvation.

Therefore, we need a change of heart to want unity and the Holy Spirit of
unity. We must repent, go to Confession, and only then expect a new
Pentecost.

Prayer: Father, remove my love for disunity. Give me your heart for those
who are hard for me to tolerate.

Promise: "Keep up your courage!" —Acts 23:11

Praise: Judy laid down her life when she became her husband's caregiver.

(For more teachings on unity, read the Bible daily. We have several tape
series to help you. "Overview of the Bible" is six audio tapes starting
with AV 10A-1 or three video tapes starting with V-10A. "15-minute Bible
Teaching - New Testament" is forty audio tapes starting with #700. "An
Introduction to each Book of the Bible" is 32 audio tapes starting with AV
21-1 or 17 video tapes starting with V-21.)

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009

GUARD DUTY - One Bread, One Body, 5/27/2009

Pray the Pentecost Novena with us. Come Holy Spirit!

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/PentNovena.asp
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Wednesday, May 27, 2009, Pentecost Novena - Day 6, St. Augustine of
Canterbury

Acts 20:28-38, Psalm 68:29-30, 33-36, John 17:11-19
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/052709.shtml

GUARD DUTY

"Keep watch over yourselves, and over the whole flock the Holy Spirit has
given you to guard." —Acts 20:28

When we receive the Holy Spirit this Pentecost, many of us will be called
to proclaim God's word and/or shepherd His people. Both ministries will
put us in danger. The world will hate us for having been given the word
(Jn 17:14). We will need to be guarded from the evil one (Jn 17:15).

We, the guarded, have the job of guarding ourselves and the rest of the
flock from "savage wolves" who distort the truth and lead astray any who
follow them (Acts 20:29-30). Receiving the Holy Spirit puts us in
positions where we are in danger — where we need to be both guarded and
guarding. Most people don't like guard duty. It's too stressful.
Therefore, most people would prefer to skip the Holy Spirit if He's going
to put us in such stressful circumstances. However, we are called not to
live for ourselves, but for love.

We are called to ask for the Spirit even if that means asking for trouble.
We would rather suffer with Jesus than have pleasure without Him. We want
the Holy Spirit no matter what.

Prayer: "O Father most holy, protect them with Your name which You have
given Me [that they may be one, even as We are One]" (Jn 17:11).

Promise: "I gave them Your word, and the world has hated them for it; they
do not belong to the world [any more than I belong to the world]." —Jn
17:14

Praise: St. Augustine bore such an amazing amount of fruit, especially a
large number of new converts, that he was made the first bishop of
Canterbury.

(For a related teaching, order our tape "Staying Filled With the Spirit"
on audio AV 57-1 or video V-57.)

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Tuesday, May 26, 2009

SPIRITUAL RECYCLING - One Bread, One Body, 5/26/2009

Pray the Pentecost Novena with us. Come Holy Spirit!

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/PentNovena.asp
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Tuesday, May 26, 2009, Pentecost Novena - Day 5, St. Philip Neri

Acts 20:17-27, Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21, John 17:1-11
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/052609.shtml

SPIRITUAL RECYCLING

"The Holy Spirit has been warning me." —Acts 20:23

We are halfway through the Pentecost Novena. By this time in the novena,
the Holy Spirit has been quite active. The Holy Spirit has been working on
preparing our hearts for Pentecost. The Spirit has been consoling us,
instructing us (Jn 14:26), leading us to the truth (Jn 16:13), and warning
us about repentance and other changes we must make (Acts 20:23).

As the novena continues, the Spirit will be helping us pray, for we know
not how to pray as we ought (Rm 8:26). The Spirit will fight against our
sinful flesh (Gal 5:17), prompting us to repent more deeply and giving us
a greater desire to be holy. The Holy Spirit will give us a greater thirst
for Jesus (Jn 7:37-39). Then Jesus will pour out the Spirit in ever
greater abundance on us, for "He does not ration His gift of the Spirit"
(Jn 3:34). In turn, the Spirit will lead us to the Father, inspiring us to
"cry out, 'Abba!' (that is, 'Father')" (Rm 8:15). Then the Father will
pour out His love "in our hearts through the Holy Spirit" (Rm 5:5) and
Jesus will baptize us anew in the Holy Spirit (Mk 1:8). As Pentecost
approaches, we should be so immersed in Trinitarian love that we will
literally be "filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:4).

In five days, the Holy Spirit will be poured out anew at Pentecost. The
Holy Spirit is warning you (Acts 20:23) to prepare for an outpouring
beyond anything you can ask for or imagine (Eph 3:20). "Follow the
Spirit's lead" (Gal 5:25).

Prayer: Father, I set my heart on the gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor 14:1).

Promise: "Eternal life is this: to know You, the only true God, and Him
Whom You have sent, Jesus Christ." —Jn 17:3

Praise: St. Philip in obedience to his confessor became a priest at age
thirty-five and served through his priestly vocation for forty-four years.

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

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Monday, May 25, 2009

THE SPIRIT OF UNITY - One Bread, One Body, 5/25/2009

On May 4, 1897, Pope Leo XIII proclaimed: "We decree and command that
throughout the whole Catholic Church, this year and in every subsequent
year, a novena shall take place before Whit-Sunday (Pentecost), in all
parish churches." It has been reported that Pope Leo XIII was inspired to
mandate the Pentecost novena because of a letter from a housewife in
Italy. Pope John Paul II has reiterated Pope Leo XIII's command for a
worldwide Pentecost novena, although the novena can be prayed at any
time — not only before Pentecost.

On May 22nd the Pentecost novena begins for 2009. You can use our
Pentecost novena prayer booklet to help guide your prayer.

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/PentNovena.asp

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Monday, May 25, 2009, Pentecost Novena - Day 4, Venerable St. Bede, Pope
St. Gregory VII, St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi

Acts 19:1-8, Psalm 68:2-7, John 16:29-33
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/052509.shtml

THE SPIRIT OF UNITY

"You will be scattered." —John 16:32

The Holy Spirit gathers rather than scatters. At Babel (Gn 11:7-9), men
were scattered. At Pentecost, the Spirit gathered and united. Jesus came
to gather us together (Jn 11:51-52).

One thing is certain: unity is never reached by stifling the Spirit, the
Source of unity (Eph 4:3). To achieve the unity desired by the Holy
Spirit, we must be filled with the Spirit (Acts 2:4) and operate in the
gifts of the Spirit, which are always given for the common good (1 Cor
12:7).

How sad that sometimes one of the effects of the Life in the Spirit
seminar is to scatter a church into factions of charismatics and
non-charismatics. Therefore, those who are filled with the Spirit and
striving to daily operate in the gifts of the Spirit must "make every
effort to preserve the unity" (Eph 4:3) the Spirit is always working to
achieve.

Jesus wants unity very much. He prays that we all be one as He and the
Father are one (Jn 17:21). Jesus is always working to break down the
barriers of hostility (Eph 2:14) and bring reconciliation and peace
through the blood of His cross (Col 1:20).

Pray for the Holy Spirit. Do not stifle the Spirit out of fear of further
disunity. The Holy Spirit is the best Gift, and the Father is pleased to
give the Spirit (Lk 11:13). "Receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22) and "be
united in mind and judgment" (1 Cor 1:10).

Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit of unity! Jesus, pour out Your love in our
hearts through the Holy Spirit (Rm 5:5). Gather us together (Jn 11:52).

Promise: "The Holy Spirit came down on them and they began to speak in
tongues and to utter prophecies." —Acts 19:6

Praise: Pope St. Gregory's last recorded words were "I d justice and hated
iniquity."

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

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Sunday, May 24, 2009

PM eNewsletter Seventh Sunday of Easter

May 24th Seventh Sunday of Easter

Jesus, as we prepare for the birthday of Your church, Pentecost
Sunday, help us to intercede to God, the Holy Spirit, to enter into
our hearts and remove all that doesn't give You praise and glory.

Jesus, let the Holy Spirit renew us, and grace us, to receive any
gifts of love that He wants to give us, so that we might be more
effective in helping others to come to Your table of love.

Let us, Jesus, come to the fire of love, and let it enkindle us and
set us free of fear.

Let our hearts, souls, and mind become one in the Triune God,
and let us know the peace that only knowledge of You can give.

Let us be vessels of love to all that You bring into our lives.
Amen and Amen

Thank you Lord, for loving us totally.
________________________________________________

For more on the teachings of Father Al Lauer see the home
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One Bread, One Body

This weeks readings and reflections

Sunday ATTENTION SPAN
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/24/2009

"No sooner had He said this than He was lifted up before their
eyes in a cloud which took Him from their sight." —Acts 1:9

When the Holy Spirit is mentioned, the evil spirit tries to change
the subject. Jesus promised: "Within a few days you will be
baptized with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 1:5). The apostles responded
by asking: "Lord, are You going to restore the rule to Israel now?"
(Acts 1:6) When the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit at
Pentecost, the people responded: "They have had too much new
wine!" (Acts 2:13)

When Jesus mentioned the Holy Spirit for the final time, He
ascended into heaven (Acts 1:8-9). This may have been Jesus'
way of indelibly impressing on us His last reference to the Spirit.
When someone ascends into heaven, we have the tendency to
remember their final words. Thus, the disciples took to heart
Jesus' last reference to the Spirit. They waited and prayed for
the coming of the Spirit.

Today's Holy Day celebration of Jesus' ascension serves to help
us fix our eyes on Jesus. When we, with the eyes of faith, see
Him ascend, we keep our attention on the Holy Spirit and receive
the Spirit in power (see 2 Kgs 2:9-10; Sir 48:11-12). When we are
baptized in, immersed in, preoccupied with Jesus, we don't
change the subject; we let the Spirit change us.

Monday THE SPIRIT OF UNITY
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/25/2009

"You will be scattered." —John 16:32

Tuesday SPIRITUAL RECYCLING
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/26/2009

"The Holy Spirit has been warning me." —Acts 20:23

For more readings and inspiration from Presentation Ministries,
check us out at
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GIFT-LISTS

"Seek eagerly after love. Set your hearts on spiritual gifts." —1
Corinthians 14:1

Pope John Paul II has taught: "The Holy Spirit, while bestowing
diverse ministries in Church communion, enriches it still further with
particular gifts or promptings of grace, called charisms...The charisms
are received in gratitude both on the part of the one who receives
them, and also on the part of the entire Church. They are in fact a
singularly rich source of grace for the vitality of the apostolate and
for the holiness of the whole Body of Christ (The Lay Members of
Christ's Faithful People, 24).

Pope John Paul II has also taught: "The Spirit of Jesus,
received by the humble and docile heart of the believer, brings
about the ..........................

· Speaking in Tongues
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PM Internet Prayer Requests
http://www.presentationministries.com/prayer/prayer.asp

I pray dear Lord for all those who are in need of Your gentle touch
and protection from the evil one in their lives. In the Name of Jesus
Christ that all the evil spirits be cast in hell where they came from
and deserve to be! And may the spirit of holyness, the holy spirit
fill the space left behind. May there be truth honesty fellowship
and love, Amen
(M.M., Madalena, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, 5/23/2009 7:35:49 PM)

Pray for the President of the United States that he will be guided
by the Holy Spirit in all of his decisions regarding the sanctity of
ALL HUMAN LIFE from conception to natural death. In addition,
that the President receive the wisdom to act from the Divine
Mission of God's Kingdom on Earth rather than the
secular/humanistic mission that he is engulfed in without any
thought of God's message and Truth!
(M.T.H., Dade City, Florida, United States, 5/23/2009 6:50:33 PM)

I pray for my parish priest to be more open to us and especially
those who believe they can do anything and get away with it help
him to be more responsive in the building of our church physical
and spiritually amen
(J.B., St George's, Grenada, 5/23/2009 6:08:58 PM)

During the third hour, I pray… Jesus of Divine Mercy, please pour
out Your Mercy on the souls who are detained in purgatory. In
recognition of Memorial Day; for all who have lost their lives in
defense of Freedom. For all Military Chaplains. For all care-givers,
faith-givers, prayer-givers and peace-givers. For guidance.
(K., Texas, 5/23/2009 3:12:57 PM)

Dear Father, please help me to solve my financial problem with
the bank and get my money back. Those money is so meaningful
for me and my family to survive from many difficulties.
(Y.X., Chicago, IL, 5/23/2009 12:47:22 PM)

Please follow link to additional prayer intentions.
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MP3 4 You

The internet ministry for PM is highlighting our downloadable
tapes online. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
are featured as are The Acts of the Apostles Part 1 thru 4, 1
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many MP3 formatted Audio tapes of most epistles in the bible
and numerous 15 minute Bible studies by Fr. Al Lauer.

Take a moment and check the link below
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Small Christian Community Resources

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Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth

Notable quotations from Pope Benedict XVI and official
teachings of the Roman Catholic Church

RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS

GROW IN TRUST

We must pray that the whole Christian people grows in its trust
in God, convinced that the "Lord of the harvest" does not cease
to ask some to place their entire existence freely at His service
so as to work with Him more closely in the mission of salvation.

CAREFUL LISTENING AND DISCERNMENT

What is asked of those who are called ... is careful listening
and prudent discernment, a generous and willing adherence to
the divine plan, and a serious study of the reality that is proper
to the priestly and religious vocations, so as to be able to
respond responsibly and with conviction

(Source: Message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations, May 3, 2009, dated
1/20/09)
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2009 RETREATS
Online Registration

2009 RETREATS

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ATTENTION SPAN - One Bread, One Body, 5/24/2009

On May 22nd the Pentecost novena begins for 2009. You can use our
Pentecost novena prayer booklet to help guide your prayer.

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/PentNovena.asp

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Sunday, May 24, 2009, Ascension, Pentecost Novena - Day 3

Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 4:1-13, Psalm 47, Mark 16:15-20
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/052409.shtml

ATTENTION SPAN

"No sooner had He said this than He was lifted up before their eyes in a
cloud which took Him from their sight." —Acts 1:9

When the Holy Spirit is mentioned, the evil spirit tries to change the
subject. Jesus promised: "Within a few days you will be baptized with the
Holy Spirit" (Acts 1:5). The apostles responded by asking: "Lord, are You
going to restore the rule to Israel now?" (Acts 1:6) When the disciples
were filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the people responded: "They
have had too much new wine!" (Acts 2:13)

When Jesus mentioned the Holy Spirit for the final time, He ascended into
heaven (Acts 1:8-9). This may have been Jesus' way of indelibly impressing
on us His last reference to the Spirit. When someone ascends into heaven,
we have the tendency to remember their final words. Thus, the disciples
took to heart Jesus' last reference to the Spirit. They waited and prayed
for the coming of the Spirit.

Today's Holy Day celebration of Jesus' ascension serves to help us fix our
eyes on Jesus. When we, with the eyes of faith, see Him ascend, we keep
our attention on the Holy Spirit and receive the Spirit in power (see 2
Kgs 2:9-10; Sir 48:11-12). When we are baptized in, immersed in,
preoccupied with Jesus, we don't change the subject; we let the Spirit
change us.

Prayer: Father, may I refuse to take my eyes off of the ascended Jesus.
May I soon receive the Spirit in a new way.

Promise: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes down on
you." —Acts 1:8

Praise: Praise You, risen and ascended Jesus, for sending Your Spirit.
Come, Holy Spirit! Alleluia!

(For a related teaching, order our tape on "Holy Spirit, Our Hope" on
audio AV 81-3 or video V-81.)

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Saturday, May 23, 2009

CONVERTING THE PASTOR - One Bread, One Body, 5/23/2009

On May 22nd the Pentecost novena begins for 2009. You can use our
Pentecost novena prayer booklet to help guide your prayer.

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/PentNovena.asp

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Saturday, May 23, 2009, Pentecost Novena - Day 2

Acts 18:23-28, Psalm 47, John 16:23-28
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/052309.shtml

CONVERTING THE PASTOR

"When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him home and explained to
him God's new way in greater detail." —Acts 18:26

When does God call parishioners to preach to the pastor? When do common
folk have the power to convert men and women of eloquence who are
authorities on Scripture? (see Acts 18:24) When the parishioners and
common folk are alive in the Spirit, God will use them to convert pastors
and professionals.

The common folk will not have to conduct board meetings or seminars;
they'll just invite their pastors, teachers, or DREs home for supper. The
common folk will just be themselves, speak from their hearts, and share
their faith. The pastors and professionals will rise from that supper and
leave that home transformed by the Holy Spirit — or at least moving in
that direction.

The Lord chose "uneducated men of no standing" (Acts 4:13) to convert the
religious leaders of His day. He chose Ananias to convert the
well-schooled Saul (Acts 9:17). The Lord chooses "those whom the world
considers absurd to shame the wise" (1 Cor 1:27). He chooses "the world's
lowborn and despised, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing
those who were something" (1 Cor 1:28).

You can be a Priscilla, Aquila, or Ananias to lead the Apollos and Sauls
of the world to Christ. Allow the Spirit to work through you.

Prayer: Father, as I begin the Holy Spirit novena, may I thirst (Jn 7:37)
for all to be saved (1 Tm 2:4). Make me thirsty for the Spirit.

Promise: "Ask and you shall receive, that your joy may be full." —Jn 16:24

Praise: After having dinner with a parishioner, Fr. Tom developed deeper
devotion to the Blessed Mother.

(For a related teaching, order our leaflet, "Celebrating Mass in the Power
of the Spirit", or our tapes on "Every Mass Should be Spirit-filled" on
audio AV 49-1 or video V-49.)

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Friday, May 22, 2009

THE BEST AND WORST OF TIMES - One Bread, One Body, 5/22/2009

Friday, May 22, 2009, Pentecost Novena - Day 1, St. Rita of Cascia

Acts 18:9-18, Psalm 47, John 16:20-23
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/052209.shtml

THE BEST AND WORST OF TIMES

"Then [the Corinthians] all pounced on Sosthenes, a leading man of the
synagogue, and beat him in full view of the bench." —Acts 18:17

The church at Corinth may have had the worst problems and the greatest
power in the Holy Spirit. They had been "richly endowed with every gift of
speech and knowledge" (1 Cor 1:5). When they had a prayer meeting so many
people displayed so many gifts they found it hard to keep order (1 Cor
14:33ff). This church was supercharged in the Holy Spirit. But, since it
so threatened the devil, he attacked it viciously. It fell into sins of
division, immorality, injustice, violence, disorder, and heresy.
Paul needed a special vision of the Lord to allay his fears and encourage
him to persevere (Acts 18:9).

Let's not fall into the temptation to stifle the Spirit because we are
afraid of the dangers of life in the Spirit. We shouldn't surrender to
stop the war. We should seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit, despite the
spiritual warfare. Let's put on the full armor of God (Eph 6:13) and be
careful not to fall into sin and the devil's trap. Today is the first of
nine days of prayer, the Pentecost Novena, for the Holy Spirit. The devil
is trembling and raging; we are praying and trusting. Come, Holy Spirit!

Prayer: Father, on this first day of the Holy Spirit novena, I pray to
thirst for the Spirit more than for anything else (Jn 7:37).

Promise: "You are sad for a time, but I shall see you again; then your
hearts will rejoice with a joy no one can take from you." —Jn 16:22

Praise: St. Rita's constant prayer for her abusive husband bore fruit as
he repented of his sins on his deathbed.

(For a related teaching, order our tape on "Don't Stifle the Spirit" on
audio AV 56-3 or video V-56.)

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Thursday, May 21, 2009

Stressed Out? You Might Need Sleep

Source: Rusty Wright
Snapping at your kids or spouse, stewing in checkout lines, shouting at road
hogs . . . cultural negativity abounds. A National Sleep Foundation (NSF)
poll suggests links between sleep deficiencies and negative attitudes and
behaviour.

Over one-third of respondents said they are sleepy during daytime at least a
few days monthly. Those who slept under six hours on weeknights reported
tiredness, stress and sadness more than eight-hour sleepers did. In general,
sleepy people reported more dissatisfaction and anger while better sleepers
said they were "full of energy," "relaxed" and "happy."

The NSF detects what may be a possible trend toward declining sleep and
claims that as many as 47 million sleepy adults may be at risk for injury,
health problems, even overeating. NSF Executive Director Richard L. Gelula
notes that, "Some of the problems we face as a society--from road rage to
obesity -- may be linked to lack of sleep or poor sleep."

I'll bet that's why just recently, two inconsiderate drivers blew their
horns at me in sticky traffic situations. At least I thought they were
inconsiderate. In retrospect, I probably could have been more careful. Their
angry horns brought feelings of surprise, shock, tension and a bit of anger.
Perhaps we all needed more sleep.

Fatigue can hamper coping and make life seem gloomy. But emotional stress
can also hamper sleep. The NSF found this especially true after September 11
attacks. The aftermath of the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington
saw reported sleep problems rise. Respondents claimed stress or anxiety as
chief causes, citing fear, depression and nightmares as well.

Sleeplessness influences stress, and anxiety influences sleeplessness. How
to break the vicious circle?

Admitting your sleep needs can be a start. NSF spokesman and University of
Minnesota neurology professor Mark Mahowald, MD, told WebMD that some see
sleep deprivation as a "badge of honour." "We never brag about how much
sleep we get," he notes. "We only brag when we get too little sleep."

NSF president James Walsh recommends scheduling "worry time" during the day
to consider troublesome issues and plan to resolve them. Then when worries
shout for your attention at bedtime, knowing you already have an action plan
can bring comfort.

Developing inner stability can enhance personal peace. One ancient Jewish
king thought he had it all. Wealth, power and pleasures were his to enjoy.
But in the end it all brought him pain. As he reflected on his life, he
concluded that strengthening spiritual roots was essential to contentment.

"The reverence of the Lord leads to life," he wrote, "So that one may sleep
satisfied." He felt that faith even had implications for work:

"Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is useless. Unless
the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good. It is
useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night,
anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones."

Workaholics take heed: Get more sleep. Your family and co-workers may thank
you. You might become happier, safer, saner, even thinner. And consider
that-just maybe- knowing and following the One who makes life possible might
help bring you pleasant dreams.

Useful link: www.probe.org/Rusty

Stressed Out? You Might Need Sleep

Sleeplessness influences stress, and anxiety influences sleeplessness. How
to break the vicious circle?

"The reverence of the Lord leads to life," he wrote, "So that one may sleep
satisfied." He felt that faith even had implications for work:

Useful link: www.probe.org/Rusty

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MAKE ROOM FOR PENTECOST - One Bread, One Body, 5/21/2009

Thursday, May 21, 2009, St. Christopher Magallanes, & Companions

Acts 18:1-8, Psalm 98, John 16:16-20
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/052109.shtml

MAKE ROOM FOR PENTECOST

"You will grieve for a time, but your grief will be turned into
joy." —John 16:20

Jesus tells us: "Whoever asks, receives; whoever seeks, finds; whoever
knocks, is admitted. What father among you will give his son a snake if he
asks for a fish, or hand him a scorpion if he asks for an egg? If you,
with all your sins, know how to give your children good things, how much
more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?"
(Lk 11:13)

Tomorrow begins the Pentecost Novena, nine days of prayer in preparation
for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The nine days of a novena
have been compared to the nine months of pregnancy, and this analogy is
particularly apt for the Pentecost novena. The first disciples wanted the
Holy Spirit badly enough to dedicate themselves to intense, prayerful
preparation (Acts 1:14). We must likewise hunger and prepare for the
Spirit today.

God wants to lavish the Spirit on us this Pentecost (Ti 3:6). We can
contracept the coming of the Holy Spirit in our lives by ignoring the
novena. We can begin the novena, but abort the Spirit's coming to us by
deciding that the labor pains (Jn 16:21) are too much to bear. Or we can
complete the novena and bring Pentecost to birth by devoting ourselves to
constant prayer these next nine days (Acts 1:14).

Choose life! (Dt 30:19) To those who "wait" for the Spirit (Acts 1:4),
Jesus promises: "Within a few days you will be baptized with the Holy
Spirit" (Acts 1:5).

Prayer: Father, may I be as eager for the Holy Spirit as a newborn baby is
for milk (1 Pt 2:2).

Promise: "Many of the Corinthians, too, who heard Paul believed and were
baptized." —Acts 18:8

Praise: St. Christopher and his twenty-four companions in Mexico,
twenty-two priests and three laymen, chose eternal life by giving up their
earthly lives in martyrdom.

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

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Wednesday, May 20, 2009

TAKE THE HEAT - One Bread, One Body, 5/20/2009

Wednesday, May 20, 2009, St. Bernardine of Siena

Acts 17:15, 22—18:1, Psalm 148, John 16:12-15
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/052009.shtml

TAKE THE HEAT

"When they heard about the raising of the dead, some sneered, while others
said, 'We must hear you on this topic some other time.' " —Acts 17:32

When Paul began to preach to the Athenians, "some sneered," a typical
reaction to Paul's preaching of the gospel. When Paul preached, the
response was "hot or cold," but not lukewarm (Rv 3:16). People either
accepted Jesus or sneered in rejection. However, other Athenians replied
to Paul's preaching with the comment: "We must hear you on this topic some
other time" (Acts 17:32). "Indeed, all Athenian citizens, as well as the
foreigners who live there, love nothing more than to tell about or listen
to something new" (Acts 17:21). This was a lukewarm reaction. The gospel
was not considered any more important than some talk-show trivia. This
lukewarm reaction was devastating to Paul. When he "left Athens and went
to Corinth" (Acts 18:1), he came "in weakness and fear, and with much
trepidation" (1 Cor 2:3).

Jesus is also upset by lukewarmness. In fact, His stomach becomes so upset
that He feels like throwing up (Rv 3:16). Jesus prefers a cold rejection
to lukewarm apathy.

Therefore, we must never lose our first love (Rv 2:4). "Our desire is that
each of you show the same zeal till the end" (Heb 6:11). "Do not grow
slack but be fervent in spirit; He Whom you serve is the Lord" (Rm 12:11).
"Keep firmly in mind the heights from which you have fallen. Repent, and
return to your former deeds" (Rv 2:5).

Prayer: Father, during this Easter season, heat me up so I might repent of
my sins.

Promise: He "will announce to you the things to come." —Jn 16:13

Praise: St. Bernardine was filled with a zeal for God that led him to a
total life of service. He worked with the sick and later preached in his
own and other lands.

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Tuesday, May 19, 2009

TRANS-WORLD AIRLINES - One Bread, One Body, 5/19/2009

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Acts 16:22-34, Psalm 138, John 16:5-11
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/051909.shtml

TRANS-WORLD AIRLINES

"When He comes, He will prove the world wrong." —John 16:8

It's much better that Jesus' physical body is in heaven rather than here
on earth. After Jesus ascended, He sent the Holy Spirit to prove the world
wrong (Jn 16:7-8). Pope John Paul II has written in his encyclical letter
on the Holy Spirit that the Spirit proves the world wrong by taking us to
the cross (Dominum et Vivifacantem, Pope John Paul II, 27, 36). There
the Spirit shows us the connection between our worldly ways and Jesus'
suffering and death. Then we are crucified to the world and the world to
us (Gal 6:14). We no longer are amused by the world's distractions from
and disregard of Jesus' lordship.

By the Spirit, we are turned off to the world, make a clean break with it,
and no longer sinfully compromise with it. We now fully accept that Jesus
has called us out of the world (Jn 15:19). Once we are out of the world,
we can go to the world. We do not participate in its ways but offer those
trapped in the world the opportunity to be saved by Jesus, convicted by
the Spirit, and thereby rescued from the world. "The world with its
seductions is passing away but the man who does God's will endures
forever" (1 Jn 2:17).

Prayer: Father, may I love the world so much as to get out of it so I can
offer it salvation in Your Son.

Promise: "After a brief interval he led them out and said, 'Men, what must
I do to be saved?' Their answer was, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus and you
will be saved, and all your household.' " —Acts 16:30-31

Praise: The reverence with which Thomas received the Eucharist made others
repent of their irreverence.

(For a related teaching, order our tape on "Following the World (Spiritual
Adultery) "on audio AV 53-1 or video V-53.)

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Monday, May 18, 2009

NEXT WITNESS - One Bread, One Body, 5/18/2009

Monday, May 18, 2009, Pope St. John I

Acts 16:11-15, Psalm 149, John 15:26—16:4
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/051809.shtml

NEXT WITNESS

"You must bear witness as well." —John 15:27

The Holy Spirit witnesses on Jesus' behalf (Jn 15:26), and we must do the
same. The world is wrong about Jesus, and the Holy Spirit is calling us to
the witness stand to prove this (Jn 16:8). Our testimony will convict the
world on three counts — that it is wrong about sin, justice, and
condemnation (Jn 16:8).

Because the world is guilty and our witness will prove it, the world will
pressure us not to witness to the truth. It will make sure that if we
witness for Jesus, we will be persecuted, rejected even at church, and
possibly put to death (Jn 16:2).

Nevertheless, we must witness, for we are the evidence that Jesus is
innocent, and the world guilty. We are not going to let people continue to
reject Jesus. We are not going to let a rebellious, sinful world get off
because of a mistrial. We will give our witness with power so that others
have no doubt about the truth (see Acts 4:33). We must repent of any false
witness resulting from compromising with the world. We have to back up our
words with a life of total commitment to the Lord. We need power from the
Holy Spirit; then we will be Jesus' witnesses (Acts 1:8). The world will
then be proven wrong and challenged to repent and believe in Jesus.

Prayer: Father, give me the opportunity to correct any false impressions
I've given others about Jesus because of my lukewarmness and apathy.

Promise: "She already reverenced God, and the Lord opened her heart to
accept what Paul was saying." —Acts 16:14

Praise: Pope St. John I repaired a fifty-year schism between the Roman and
Byzantine churches.

(Presentation Ministries gives you the opportunity to be equipped with the
Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit through Discipleship Retreats
this summer beginning June 27. See www.presentationministries.com or call
937-587-5464 or 513-373-2397 for more information or to register.)

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Sunday, May 17, 2009

PM eNewsletter Sixth Sunday of Easter

May 17th Sixth Sunday of Easter

Jesus, you ascended into heaven, to sit at the right hand of
the Father to continue to intercede for all of us, your children.

Thank You, Jesus, for Your special love for us, and thank You
Jesus, for giving us a new and ever lasting covenant.

Jesus, You showed us by your ascension that there is eternal
life, and we, Your children, will all someday pass from this life
to the next, and live in eternal life forever.

Jesus, Your plan of love is so amazing that it is hard for us
to imagine this love.

Lord, bring us all to Your Body and Blood, and help us see
that in that great gift, we have the means to get the graces to
know, love and serve You and others. Amen and Amen.

Thank you Lord, for loving us totally.
________________________________________________

For more on the teachings of Father Al Lauer see the home
page of Presentation Ministries? Please take a look.
http://presentationministries.com/home/home.asp

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
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One Bread, One Body

This weeks readings and reflections

Sunday LOVING TO HAVE THE SPIRIT
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/17/2009

"Peter had not finished these words when the Holy Spirit
descended upon all who were listening." —Acts 10:44

If someone whispered the name "Jesus" to you, would that
trigger a movement of the Holy Spirit in your life? Cornelius
and his family were so open to the Holy Spirit that, when
Peter merely began to talk about Jesus, they were baptized
in the Spirit, spoke in tongues, and glorified God (Acts 10:44-46).
Few of us are as open to the Spirit as Cornelius. However, we
can become more open to the Spirit by praying, hearing God's
word, and repenting of our sin. In these ways, the Lord opened
His disciples to the Spirit at the first Pentecost. He will open
us to the Spirit in the same ways.

However, most of us have made good resolutions before.
Maybe before last Pentecost we resolved to pray as never
before, but we didn't persevere. Some of us have been putting
off going to Confession. To many of us, the Bible is still a
closed book, although we tried several times to get into God's
word. How can we expect to prepare for Pentecost this year
after having failed so many other years?

This year, ask the Lord to open your eyes to recognize those
people for whom He has given you a special grace to love.
Ask the Lord to help you realize that you will never be able to
love these people as you want unless you let the Holy Spirit be
much more active in your life. Motivated by love (2 Cor 5:14),
you will do what God wants you to do in preparing for Pentecost.

Monday NEXT WITNESS
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/18/2009

"You must bear witness as well." —John 15:27

Tuesday TRANS-WORLD AIRLINES
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/19/2009

"When He comes, He will prove the world wrong." —John 16:8

For more readings and inspiration from Presentation Ministries,
check us out at
http://presentationministries.com/home/home.asp

Brochures

" Over 90 Biblically based brochures. Many on topics you
don't usually hear addressed."

This Week's Featured Brochures
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/HowToRead.asp

· How to Teach the Bible in the Holy Spirit
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/HowToTeachBible.asp

· Additional Life-in-the-Spirit Seminars
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/MoreLife.asp

· The Book on Forgiveness
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/BookOnForgiveness.asp

· Seek the Gifts of the Spirit
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/SeekGiftSpirit.asp

GIFT-LISTS

"Seek eagerly after love. Set your hearts on spiritual gifts." —1
Corinthians 14:1

Pope John Paul II has taught: "The Holy Spirit, while bestowing
diverse ministries in Church communion, enriches it still further
with particular gifts or promptings of grace, called charisms...The
charisms are received in gratitude both on the part of the one
who receives them, and also on the part of the entire Church.
They are in fact a singularly rich source of grace for the vitality
of the apostolate and for the holiness of the whole Body of Christ
(The Lay Members of Christ's Faithful People, 24).

Pope John Paul II has also taught: "The Spirit of Jesus, received
by the humble and docile heart of the believer, brings about
the ..........................

· Praying for a New Pentecost
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/PrayPentecost.asp

· Pentecost Novena
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/PentNovena.asp

Brochures by Topic
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/brochures.asp
________________________________________________

PM Internet Prayer Requests
http://www.presentationministries.com/prayer/prayer.asp

Pray for Cindy .She has brain tumors.
(J.A.H., Downey, Ca., United States, 5/16/2009 7:51:59 PM)

Between the hours of 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm on Sunday afternoon,
May 17, you are encouraged to pray for the conversion of the
United States of America and for the sanctity of human life for
the unborn and the dependent. This is the same time that
President Obama is addressing the commencement ceremonies
at Notre Dame University, South Bend, Indiana.
(M.T. H., Dade City, Florida, United States, 5/16/2009 6:44:09 PM)

Please pray that the salary package offer of Al Rawabi Telecom
and Software Company in Saudi Arabia will be favorable for my
husband. In Jesus name. Amen.
(M.S.C., 5/16/2009 3:36:31 PM)

During the third hour, I pray… Jesus of Divine Mercy, please pour
out Your Mercy on all mankind and on all graduating students; we
pray for an increase in vocations to the priests and religious life.
In thanksgiving for the safe return of Pope Benedict to Rome. Let
us find strength in the words of Jesus: "If the world hates you,
realize that it hated me first."
(K., Texas, 5/16/2009 3:10:00 PM)

Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, DA And to depart
from evil is understanding.'"DAGreat God grant me the above
(K.P., New York, NY, United States, 5/16/2009 2:17:15 PM)

I offer a prayer for the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI, all
cardinals, bishops, priests, friars, brothers, nuns, seminarians.
Jesus, they all are Your chosen people, protect them from
every evil. Let them be Your good sons and daughters. Ones
that can make You proud. That they all will be strong in their
Catholic faith and that they can live in accordance with the faith,
which is love. Jesus, You have chosen St. Peter to be the
foundation of Your Church, please strengthen the Church You
Yourself have founded and protect us from evil and let us be
strong in You. Mother Mary, all saints and angels please pray
with us. Amen.
(Anonymous, 5/16/2009 1:06:28 PM)

I am 70 years old with limited mobility I need a good safe home
for I live alone. I should be affordable for I am on a limited income.
I am willing to relocate
(A.H., New York, NY, United States, 5/16/2009 11:30:07 AM)

Please follow link to additional prayer intentions.
http://www.presentationministries.com/prayer/prayer.asp
________________________________________________

MP3 4 You

Take a moment and check the link below
http://presentationministries.com/tapes/tape.asp?pubID=269
________________________________________________

Small Christian Communities

We believe the Lord is calling us to build hundreds of more
communities by raising up leaders who will form communities

PM's Small Christian Community Network

Learn about the Communities in our Network
http://presentationministries.com/community/hbcNetwork.asp

Small Christian Community Resources

Introduction to Small Christian Community
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/IntroCommunity.asp

"Unless the Lord Build the House..." — Psalm 127:
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/UnlessTheLordBuild.asp

Building Small Christian Communities (Team Manual)
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/CommunityManual.asp

Building Small Christian Communities (Guide Book)
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/CommunityGuidebook.asp

For more information contact: community@presentationministries.com
________________________________________________

Bible Telephone Line

Listen Online!
Inspired teaching on the daily Scripture readings of the Catholic
Church by Fr. Al Lauer

Best of Daily Bread Radio Program
http://www.presentationministries.com/dbread/dbread.asp
________________________________________________

Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth

Notable quotations from Pope Benedict XVI and official teachings
of the Roman Catholic Church

RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS

"A SPECIAL GIFT OF GOD"

The vocation to the priesthood and to the consecrated life
constitutes a special gift of God which becomes part of the
great plan of love and salvation that God has for every man
and woman and for the whole of humanity.

"GIVE THANKS TO GOD"

..Responding to the Lord's call and docile to the movement
of the Holy Spirit,... countless ranks of priest and consecrated
persons placed themselves totally at the service of the Gospel
in the Church. Let us give thanks to God, because even today
He continues to call together workers into His vineyard

"UNSHAKABLE CERTITUDE"

While it is undoubtedly true that a worrisome shortage of
priests is evident in some regions of the world, and that the
Church encounters difficulties and obstacles along the way,
we are sustained by the unshakable certitude that the one
who firmly guides her in the pathways of time towards the
definitive fulfillment of the Kingdom is He, the Lord, Who freely
chooses persons of every culture and of every age and invites
them to follow Him according to the mysterious plans of His
merciful love.

PM Ministry List

" The Lord works through PM in many different ways. Below
you can find information about some of our ministries.

Bible Institute
http://presentationministries.com/bibleinst/bi2005Home.asp

Word Gifts Ministry
http://presentationministries.com/general/prophecies.asp
________________________________________________

2009 RETREATS
Online Registration

2009 RETREATS

· Catholic Family Campout for Children (Jun 12-14)
· Life Style in the Spirit (Jun 26-27)
· Proclaiming God's Word (Jun 29-Jul 2)

http://presentationministries.com/pjdc/retreatSchedule.asp
________________________________________________

--------------------------------------------------

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LOVING TO HAVE THE SPIRIT - One Bread, One Body, 5/17/2009

Sunday, May 17, 2009, Sixth Sunday of Easter

Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48, 1 John 4:7-10, Psalm 98, John 15:9-17
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/051709.shtml

LOVING TO HAVE THE SPIRIT

"Peter had not finished these words when the Holy Spirit descended upon
all who were listening." —Acts 10:44

If someone whispered the name "Jesus" to you, would that trigger a
movement of the Holy Spirit in your life? Cornelius and his family were so
open to the Holy Spirit that, when Peter merely began to talk about Jesus,
they were baptized in the Spirit, spoke in tongues, and glorified God
(Acts 10:44-46). Few of us are as open to the Spirit as Cornelius.
However, we can become more open to the Spirit by praying, hearing God's
word, and repenting of our sin. In these ways, the Lord opened His
disciples to the Spirit at the first Pentecost. He will open us to the
Spirit in the same ways.

However, most of us have made good resolutions before. Maybe before last
Pentecost we resolved to pray as never before, but we didn't persevere.
Some of us have been putting off going to Confession. To many of us, the
Bible is still a closed book, although we tried several times to get into
God's word. How can we expect to prepare for Pentecost this year after
having failed so many other years?

This year, ask the Lord to open your eyes to recognize those people for
whom He has given you a special grace to love. Ask the Lord to help you
realize that you will never be able to love these people as you want
unless you let the Holy Spirit be much more active in your life. Motivated
by love (2 Cor 5:14), you will do what God wants you to do in preparing
for Pentecost.

Prayer: Father, use the love You have given me to open me in a radical way
to the Spirit of love.

Promise: "As the Father has loved Me, so I d you. Live on in My
love." —Jn 15:9

Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who spoke the name "Mary" with so much
love, she knew her beloved Lord had risen! (Jn 20:16)

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