THE FUNNIES - One Bread, One Body, 8/1/2019

Thursday, August 1, 2019, St. Alphonsus Liguori

Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38, Psalm 84:3-6, 8, 11, Matthew 13:47-53
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080119.cfm

THE FUNNIES

"The reign of God is also like a dragnet." -Matthew 13:47

Some years ago, it was popular to ask the question: "Are we having fun yet?" Those living for God's kingdom would respond: "No, I'm not having fun and I don't expect to." This is not to say that kingdom-living is a "drag," although it is like a dragnet. Being in a dragnet containing old shoes, tires, tin cans, seaweed, or whatever garbage they had in Biblical times is not a pleasant trip (see Mt 13:48). Therefore, if you're struggling in your Christian life, that's to be expected. "It comes with the territory."

To use the examples of Isaiah (see Is 64:7) and Jeremiah (see Jer 18:6), we are like clay which is being pounded, drenched, swirled, cut, molded, and fired. This is not something we feel like doing every day. Kingdom-living does not come under the category of fun. It's beyond that. Kingdom-living is better than fun; it is "inexpressible joy" (1 Pt 1:8). Kingdom-joy is not the absence of suffering, but is proportionate to the sufferings we endure for Jesus (1 Pt 4:13).

Human beings eventually get sick of having fun. Having fun becomes a drag. Look at some of our young people near the end of summer vacation. We eventually want more than fun, diversion, and trivialities. Deep down, we want life to the full (Jn 10:10). We want to seek first God's kingdom (Mt 6:33), even if it is like a dragnet. The question is not: "Are you having fun yet?" but "Are you living in the kingdom yet?"


Prayer: Father, may Your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven (see Mt 6:10).

Promise: "The cloud covered the meeting tent, and the glory of the Lord filled the Dwelling." -Ex 40:34

Praise: St. Alphonsus Liguori was declared patron of moral theologians by Pope Pius XII in 1950.

(For a related teaching on "The Truth Will Set You Free", order, download, or view 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" covering the period from August 1, 2019 through September 30, 2019
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 15, 2019

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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"THY KINGDOM COME" - One Bread, One Body, 7/31/2019

Wednesday, July 31, 2019, St. Ignatius of Loyola

Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99:5-7, 9, Matthew 13:44-46
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/073119.cfm

"THY KINGDOM COME"

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant's search for fine pearls. When he found one really valuable pearl, he went back and put up for sale all that he had and bought it." -Matthew 13:45-46

St. Thomas Aquinas stated that Jesus taught us in the "Our Father" not only how to pray but also how to desire (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2763). He taught that the order, that is, the priority of our desires, should be the order of the petitions of the "Our Father." Thus, our first desire should be for our Father's name to be hallowed because of the holiness of His children (Mt 6:9). After holiness, our second desire should be for God's kingdom to come (Mt 6:10).

The kingdom should be sought above all else (Mt 6:33). We enter His kingdom by water and Spirit, that is, by Baptism (Jn 3:5). We live for His kingdom by giving everything we have to the Lord (Mt 13:44ff; Acts 2:44-45; Catechism, 546). We celebrate the kingdom by centering our lives on the Mass (see Mt 26:29). Because the kingdom is a matter "of justice, peace, and the joy that is given by the Holy Spirit" (Rm 14:17), we repent (see Mk 1:15) of quenching the Spirit (1 Thes 5:19). We go to Confession and return to the kingdom. We will even volunteer to be poor (Mt 5:3) and to accept persecution for the sake of righteousness so as to possess the kingdom now (Mt 5:10). Like Jesus, we are preoccupied with God's kingdom. Our lives pray: "Your kingdom come."


Prayer: Father, I accept the privilege of living and dying for the kingdom.

Promise: "As Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the commandments in his hands, he did not know that the skin of his face had become radiant while he conversed with the Lord." -Ex 34:29

Praise: As a soldier, St. Ignatius of Loyola was seriously wounded in battle. His long convalescence led to a deep conversion to Christ. His Spiritual Exercises remain prominent today.


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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" covering the period from June 1, 2019 through July 31, 2019
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 24, 2018

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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GOD'S LOVE WINS - One Bread, One Body, 7/30/2019

Tuesday, July 30, 2019, St. Peter Chrysologus

Exodus 33:7-11; 34:5-9, 28, Psalm 103:6-13, Matthew 13:36-43
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/073019.cfm

GOD'S LOVE WINS

"As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him." -Psalm 103:13

I was blessed to be born into a family with a compassionate, loving father. So it is natural for me to understand the love of God the Father from my own life experience. As my own father had compassion on me and my siblings, I can grasp to some extent the love of my heavenly Father (Ps 103:13).

It is important for us fathers to love and have compassion on our children in a public way. It's not just your children who see and receive your fatherly love. Loving fathers also witness to a hurting world the love of God the Father for each of his children. When a father loves his children with compassion, someone may be watching who did not have a compassionate earthly father, and by seeing this fatherly love, that person may receive a deeper insight into God the Father's personal love for them.

God's love "is so great that it turns God against Himself, His love against His justice" (God is Love, Pope Benedict XVI, 10). God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and of great kindness (Ex 34:6; Ps 103:8). Fathers, love your wives and children. Thereby you will enable a hurting world to glimpse what they most need to experience: the overflowing love of God the Father.


Prayer: Father, I dedicate my life to showing Your merciful love to a world which desperately needs to experience it.

Promise: "The Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as one man speaks to another." -Ex 33:11

Praise: St. Peter Chrysologus (meaning "golden word") mastered the art of the short sermon. Thirteen centuries later the power of his preaching earned him a new title: Doctor of the Church.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.) (Presentation Ministries' Discipleship Retreats equip you to imitate, Christ in His character and mission. To see the schedule of retreats, visit www.presentationministries.com to see the variety of retreats we have throughout the year.)

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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" covering the period from June 1, 2019 through July 31, 2019
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 24, 2018

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
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WHO GOES FIRST? - One Bread, One Body, 7/29/2019

Monday, July 29, 2019, St. Martha

Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34, Psalm 106:19-23, John 11:19-27, or Luke 10:38-42, or Matthew 13:31-35
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072919.cfm

WHO GOES FIRST?

"She had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord's feet and listened to His words." -Luke 10:39

Martha is a great saint because she accepted Jesus' correction. Jesus corrected Martha not because she was too busy, anxious, or critical. Jesus corrected Martha because she was only a worker for the Lord and not a disciple of the Lord.

A mere worker sets the agenda. A disciple sits at the feet of Jesus, prays each morning for the Lord to open his ear (Is 50:4), and then takes orders from his Lord.

A worker can feel anxious and upset because he's in charge of his life and work (see Lk 10:41). A disciple is at rest, for Jesus' yoke is easy and His burden light (Mt 11:30).

A person who works for the Lord but isn't His disciple prays for God's help, while a disciple prays to help God.

A mere worker for the Lord initiates activity, but a disciple doesn't move until the Lord moves (see Ex 40:37; Ps 123:2). With Jesus, we as disciples do nothing by ourselves but only what we see the Father doing (Jn 5:19).

The Lord wants more than workers for the harvest (see Mt 9:37); He wants disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19). Don't just invite Jesus into your life; rather, be a disciple and lose your life in Him (see Lk 9:23-24).


Prayer: Father, "I have decided to follow Jesus" and not to tell Him to follow me.

Promise: "I am the Resurrection and the Life." -Jn 11:25

Praise: St. Martha made one of the greatest professions of faith: "I have come to believe that You are the Messiah, the Son of God: He Who is to come into the world" (Jn 11:27).


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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" covering the period from June 1, 2019 through July 31, 2019
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 24, 2018

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/obob/obob.asp

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PM eNewsletter 17th Sunday in ordinary time

July 28th 17th Sunday in ordinary time.


Jesus, this week Your church celebrates a saint who tried with all of her being to be the perfect hostess.

She got upset when her sister Mary just wanted to sit at Your feet and listen to You.

Lord, helping others is very important, but we need to be fed to truly be able to do that.

Give us the grace to listen to Your church, and learn how to be just stewards of our time and talent.

Lord, help us to see others with Your eyes, and always with the understanding that we must be strong to
help others get strong.

Jesus, help us to come to You everyday in every way.

Amen and Amen.

Thank You Lord, for loving us totally.
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One Bread, One Body

This weeks readings and reflections


Sunday I DARE YOU
https://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?lang=en&d=7/28/2019

"Lord, teach us to pray." -Luke 11:1

One of the most daring things we can do in life is to ask Jesus to teach us to pray. St. Augustine called
prayer "the exercise of our desires." St. Thomas Aquinas says in reference to the Lord's Prayer, "In it we
ask, not only for all the things we can rightly desire, but also in the sequence that they should be
desired" (Catechism, 2763). Authentic prayer is about exercising, screening, and correcting our desires.
Prayer concerns crucifying our "flesh with its passions and desires" (Gal 5:24). Prayer is laboring
(see Gal 4:19) and struggling not to get what we want from God but to give up what we want so as to obtain
the desires of His heart. This means that the Lord frequently tells us "no" in prayer because our desires
are out of order.

This is so frustrating that we feel like quitting. However, we must persist (see Lk 11:8), not to win God
over to our desires but to let ourselves be broken of our selfishness and rebellion. The Holy Spirit "helps
us in our weakness" in prayer (Rm 8:26). In the Spirit (see Lk 11:13), we persist in prayer until we let God
knock down the sand-castles of our desires.

As we used to say before praying the "Our Father," I dare you to ask Jesus to teach you to pray.


Prayer: Father, impelled by love in the Spirit, I have decided to enroll in Jesus' school of prayer.

Promise: "Even when you were dead in sin and your flesh was uncircumcised, God gave you new life in company
with Christ." -Col 2:13

Praise: "Praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His majesty is above earth and heaven"
(Ps 148:13).



Monday WHO GOES FIRST?
https://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?lang=en&d=7/29/2019

"She had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord's feet and listened to His words." -Luke 10:39



Tuesday GOD'S LOVE WINS
https://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?lang=en&d=7/30/2019

"As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him." -Psalm 103:13



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PM Internet Prayer Requests
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Today I pray, based on the gospel according to John(4:43-54), and believe that you will cure my husband
of his back injury and leg pain/restless leg. PLEASE keep promises over my husband. I believe in the
healing power of faith and prayer and I ask you to begin your mighty work in the life of my husband.
Please reach down and surround my husband with peace and strength and give him the faith to believe that
all things are possible for you. Protect him from discouragement and let his healing begin. I ask this
through Christ our Lord, please. Amen.
(Virginia, NV, , 7/27/2019 10:21:18 AM)

Fear is useless. LORD please look kindly on the petitions posted and all the requests said silently in our
hearts. LORD please help me be a true humble Christian presence and a true humble Christian inside. Please
LORD guide me to bring myself and others closer to JESUS today
(Jim, Wisconsin, , 7/27/2019 9:59:29 AM)

Please heal us inside and out. Thanks for all the blessings love and acceptace.
(Anonymous, , 7/27/2019 9:04:25 AM)

I have learned much in life,but I still haven't learned how to resist sin as I think I should. I once ran
from it,then I ran to it and now it seems and feels like a ball and chain! In Jesus's name I want to be
released from this bondage and serve my Lord in ways only He will dictate! Jesus if it is Your will may it
if you're reading this,pray for me and my family. Thank you so much
(Joseph, New York, , 7/27/2019 8:12:01 AM)

Thank you Lord for another week.Father I give it all to you,I pray for my daughter's wedding that is 2
weeks from today,please prepare them spiritual and bless both family in Jesus name we pray Amen.
(Naa, , 7/27/2019 7:35:32 AM)

Father, I give you glory and praise for the amazing gifts you have given me. I pray for your peace, purity,
healing and protection in all our lives. Your Will be done. I especially beg for a holy spouse for my
daughter. Help her not to fall into hopelessness, but know You are working in her life. Thank you for
hearing my humble prayer.
(Anonymous, , 7/27/2019 6:38:52 AM)


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Bible Telephone Line

The Bible Telephone Line (BTL) has been in operation for 27 years. Begun by Fr. Al in 1991, it now
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Presentation Ministries. The BTL provides callers with a short teaching on the readings for the
daily Mass. It is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Callers may also leave a short prayer
request which will be shared on the line with the other callers the next day on a separate line.

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Pope Francis, Shepherd of Truth
https://presentationministries.com/pope/fst2018-11.asp?navlink=latest

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

END HUNGER


WE CAN DO IT

We do indeed have the adequate means and framework so that beautiful words and good wishes may become an
action plan of substance that leads effectively to the eradication of hunger in our world. To this end we
need joint efforts, upright hearts, and persistent concern to firmly and resolutely make the other's
problems one's own.


"LACK OF POLITICAL WILL"

There is a fundamental lack of political will. What is needed is the willingness to end hunger, and this
ultimately will not happen without a moral conviction that is shared by all peoples and all religious
persuasions, where the integral good of the person is at the heart of all initiatives and consists in
"doing to another what we would want done to ourselves."


DON'T BE INDIFFERENT

... These are some reflections I wish to share with those men and women who do not allow themselves to
succumb to indifference; who hear the cry of those who do not have the minimum needed to lead a dignified
life.


(Source: Message for World Food Day 2018, issued 10/16/2018)
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I DARE YOU - One Bread, One Body, 7/28/2019

Sunday, July 28, 2019, 17th Sunday Ordinary Time

Genesis 18:20-32, Colossians 2:12-14, Psalm 138:1-3, 6-8, Luke 11:1-13
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072819.cfm

I DARE YOU

"Lord, teach us to pray." -Luke 11:1

One of the most daring things we can do in life is to ask Jesus to teach us to pray. St. Augustine called prayer "the exercise of our desires." St. Thomas Aquinas says in reference to the Lord's Prayer, "In it we ask, not only for all the things we can rightly desire, but also in the sequence that they should be desired" (Catechism, 2763). Authentic prayer is about exercising, screening, and correcting our desires. Prayer concerns crucifying our "flesh with its passions and desires" (Gal 5:24). Prayer is laboring (see Gal 4:19) and struggling not to get what we want from God but to give up what we want so as to obtain the desires of His heart. This means that the Lord frequently tells us "no" in prayer because our desires are out of order.

This is so frustrating that we feel like quitting. However, we must persist (see Lk 11:8), not to win God over to our desires but to let ourselves be broken of our selfishness and rebellion. The Holy Spirit "helps us in our weakness" in prayer (Rm 8:26). In the Spirit (see Lk 11:13), we persist in prayer until we let God knock down the sand-castles of our desires.

As we used to say before praying the "Our Father," I dare you to ask Jesus to teach you to pray.


Prayer: Father, impelled by love in the Spirit, I have decided to enroll in Jesus' school of prayer.

Promise: "Even when you were dead in sin and your flesh was uncircumcised, God gave you new life in company with Christ." -Col 2:13

Praise: "Praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His majesty is above earth and heaven" (Ps 148:13).

(For a related teaching on "Lord, Teach Us to Pray", order, listen to, or download our CD 57-3 or DVD 57 on our website.)

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

Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from June 1, 2019 through July 31, 2019
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 24, 2018

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.

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

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/obob/obob.asp

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

Copyright © 2019 Presentation Ministries

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FOREVER FREE - One Bread, One Body, 7/27/2019

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Exodus 24:3-8, Psalm 50:1-2, 5-6, 14-15, Matthew 13:24-30
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072719.cfm

FOREVER FREE

"His slaves said to him, 'Do you want us to go out and pull them up?' " -Matthew 13:28

In His kingdom, God lets the wheat and weeds grow together. He doesn't pull weeds until they die or He comes again (Mt 13:30, 40). He delays in pulling weeds so that they might change and become wheat. However, it's possible that, while waiting for the weeds to turn into wheat, the wheat may turn into weeds.

Therefore, "be solicitous to make your call and election permanent" (2 Pt 1:10). "After beginning in the Spirit, are you now to end in the flesh?" (Gal 3:3) "It was for liberty that Christ freed us. So stand firm, and do not take on yourselves the yoke of slavery a second time!" (Gal 5:1) We must not become lukewarm (Rv 3:16) and turn away from our first love (Rv 2:4). "Let anyone who thinks he is standing upright watch out lest he fall!" (1 Cor 10:12) "When men have fled a polluted world by recognizing the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and then are caught up and overcome in pollution once more, their last condition is worse than their first. It would have been better for them not to have recognized the road to holiness than to have turned their backs on the holy law" (2 Pt 2:20-21).

The Lord graces us to become free and stay free through His "holy law" (2 Pt 2:21), that is, His Word. The truth of God's Word frees us (see Jn 8:32). "The law of the Spirit, the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, has freed you from the law of sin and death" (Rm 8:2). Look "into freedom's ideal law and [abide] by it" (Jas 1:25). Abide in God's law, Word, and truth (see Jn 8:31-32). Stay free.


Prayer: Father, make me free always and forever.

Promise: "We will do everything that the Lord has told us." -Ex 24:3

Praise: Miraculously, instantaneously Jesus set John free from years of addiction.

(For a related teaching on "The Truth Will Set You Free", order or view 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" covering the period from June 1, 2019 through July 31, 2019
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 24, 2018

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
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THE THIRD COMMANDMENT - One Bread, One Body, 7/26/2019

Friday, July 26, 2019, Sts. Joachim & Anne

Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19:8-11, Matthew 13:18-23
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072619.cfm

THE THIRD COMMANDMENT

"Remember to keep holy the sabbath day." -Exodus 20:8

The Lord commanded us to remember to keep holy the new covenant's sabbath, that is, Sunday. Do you remember? Is the whole day set apart as special? Or do you just go to church on Sunday? If Jesus isn't "Lord of the sabbath" (see Mk 2:28), then He's not Lord of your life. If He's not Lord of all, He's not Lord at all.

The Lord's word about the Lord's Day for many people has fallen on the footpath. We don't understand what God has sown in our minds, so the devil comes to steal it away (Mt 13:19). Some of us used to observe the Lord's Day. In fact, it was the most joyous day of the week. However, we gave all that up as our society changed. We had no roots (Mt 13:21). Some still believe in keeping Sunday holy; nonetheless, the pressures of work, the lure of shopping centers, and the spell of television (especially pro football) have choked it off (Mt 13:22).

However, there are a few, a remnant, who obey the third commandment, and they will bear fruit "a hundred - or sixty - or thirtyfold" (Mt 13:23). Let those who have ears, hear (Mt 13:9).


Prayer: Father, two days from now, may I obey the third commandment in Spirit and truth. Right now, may I begin to prepare for Sunday.

Promise: "In six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord has blessed the sabbath day and made it holy." -Ex 20:11

Praise: St. Anne and her daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, are the only two women in history to carry immaculately conceived children in their wombs.

(For a related teaching on "Keep Holy the Lord's Day", order, view, or download our leaflet or order, listen to, or download our CD 45-1 or DVD 45 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" covering the period from June 1, 2019 through July 31, 2019
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 24, 2018

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
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CROSSMEMBER - One Bread, One Body, 7/25/2019

Thursday, July 25, 2019, St. James

2 Corinthians 4:7-15, Psalm 126:1-6, Matthew 20:20-28
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072519.cfm

CROSSMEMBER

"While we live we are constantly being delivered to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be revealed in our mortal flesh." -2 Corinthians 4:11

Mary and a very few others were "near the cross" (Jn 19:25). Almost all of Jesus' disciples were nowhere near the cross. A few disciples were "looking on from a distance" (Mt 27:55). However, Jesus wants us to be as close to the cross as Simon of Cyrene, Veronica, and Mary were. The Lord wants us to be near the cross spiritually. The Lord wants us continually carrying "about in our bodies the dying of Jesus" (2 Cor 4:10) and "constantly being delivered to death for Jesus' sake" (2 Cor 4:11). The Lord keeps pushing us closer and closer to the cross while we, like Peter (see Mt 16:22), James, and John (see Mt 20:21ff) tend to put as much distance between us and the cross as possible.

Will you quit running from the cross and run to the cross? Will you embrace the cross as the sign of perfect love and the way of your salvation? Will you boast of nothing but the cross of Jesus? (Gal 6:14) Will you pray with St. Francis of Assisi: "We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You because by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world"?

Near the cross is the fountain of grace and love. Near the cross are Mary, James, and all the saints. You belong near the cross.


Prayer: Father, put me at the foot of the cross and keep me near the cross.

Promise: "Anyone among you who aspires to greatness must serve the rest, and whoever wants to rank first among you must serve the needs of all." -Mt 20:26-27

Praise: "During that period, King Herod started to harass some of the members of the Church. He beheaded James the brother of John" (Acts 12:1-2).

(For a related teaching on "Crucified to the World", order, listen to, or download our CD 40A-3 or DVD 40A 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" covering the period from June 1, 2019 through July 31, 2019
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 24, 2018

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
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HAVE IT YOUR WAY? - One Bread, One Body, 7/24/2019

Wednesday, July 24, 2019, St. Sharbel Makhluf

Exodus 16:1-5, 9-15, Psalm 78:18-19, 23-28, Matthew 13:1-9
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072419.cfm

HAVE IT YOUR WAY?

"Would that we had died at the Lord's hand in the land of Egypt, as we sat by our fleshpots and ate our fill of bread!" -Exodus 16:3

The Israelites had been freed from slavery in Egypt. Pharaoh, the Egyptian king, so oppressed them that he had their foremen beaten for not producing their quota of bricks, although Pharaoh did not provide the straw needed to make bricks (Ex 5:14). Pharaoh also commanded that every Israelite baby boy be thrown into the river (Ex 1:22). Pharaoh so hardened his heart that he still pursued the Israelites even after every Egyptian first-born male was killed (Ex 12:29ff). Obviously, slavery under Pharaoh was a living hell.

However, the Israelites wanted to return to slavery because they liked the food. So God gave the Israelites manna from heaven - "bread from heaven, ready to hand, untoiled-for, endowed with all delights and conforming to every taste" (Wis 16:20). Yet, the Israelites wanted meat on their manna sandwiches, so the Lord sent them quail (Ex 16:13). However, the people were still dissatisfied. Food was more important to them than freedom. "Their god is their belly and their glory is in their shame. I am talking about those who are set upon the things of this world" (Phil 3:19).

We too may have put greater value on the things of the world than on freedom in Jesus. If so, repent! "It was for liberty that Christ freed us. So stand firm, and do not take on yourselves the yoke of slavery a second time!" (Gal 5:1)


Prayer: Father, may I "live in freedom - but not a freedom that gives free rein to the flesh" (Gal 5:13).

Promise: "Part of it, finally, landed on good soil and yielded grain a hundred- or sixty- or thirtyfold. Let everyone heed what he hears!" -Mt 13:8-9

Praise: St. Sharbel Makhluf was a Maronite monk noted as a miracle worker. He was influenced by St. Maron, for whom the Maronite Catholic Church is named. St. Sharbel is an example of the Church breathing with two lungs, East and West.


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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" covering the period from June 1, 2019 through July 31, 2019
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 24, 2018

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/obob/obob.asp

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PROBLEM AREAS - One Bread, One Body, 7/23/2019

Tuesday, July 23, 2019, St. Bridget of Sweden

Exodus 14:21-15:1, Exodus 15:8-10, 12, 17, Matthew 12:46-50
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072319.cfm

PROBLEM AREAS

"The Israelites had marched on dry land through the midst of the sea, with the water like a wall to their right and to their left. Thus the Lord saved Israel on that day from the power of the Egyptians." -Exodus 14:29-30

Where's the Red Sea in your life? Where must you make an act of faith and leave the enemy behind? Possibly your marriage, children, church, health, or finances are situations where you need to believe God for a miracle. Stretch out the hand of faith (Ex 14:21), put your foot in the water, and expect God to be God.

The Lord is our Savior. He didn't bring us this far to leave us. His love endures forever (Ps 118:1-4). "He's able." "He can make a way out of no way." He is the Way (Jn 14:6). Alleluia!

When the Red Sea is before you, the devil is behind you, and the mountains are around you, rejoice. There's a way out of trouble and a way into the promised land. Jesus is the Way! If you're in an impossible situation, remember "nothing is impossible with God" (Lk 1:37). If you're being pushed into a sea of problems, Jesus will either part the waters or have you walk on them (see Mt 14:29). Rejoice! Problems are merely occasions for God to manifest His all-conquering love.


Prayer: Father, may I see problems as opportunities to claim Your victory.

Promise: "Whoever does the will of My heavenly Father is brother and sister and mother to Me." -Mt 12:50

Praise: St. Bridget of Sweden was a wife and mother of eight children. Her holy witness led to the canonization of her daughter, St. Catherine of Sweden.

(For a related teaching on "Hold Fast to the Faith", order, listen to, or download our CD 71-1 or DVD 71 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" covering the period from June 1, 2019 through July 31, 2019
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 24, 2018

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/obob/obob.asp

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THE FREEDOM TRAIN - One Bread, One Body, 7/22/2019

Monday, July 22, 2019, St. Mary Magdalene

Exodus 14:5-18, Exodus 15:1-6, Matthew 12:38-42, or John 20:1-2, 11-18
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072219.cfm

THE FREEDOM TRAIN

"Far better for us to be the slaves of the Egyptians than to die in the desert." -Exodus 14:12

If we are willing to give up our freedom to get something or prevent something, Satan, who specializes in enslaving us (see Heb 2:15), will probably oblige us. If we and our freedom can be bought, he will "buy us out" of freedom. If we can be intimidated and manipulated, Satan, who enslaves through fear, will be willing to play the games by which we surrender our freedom. Consequently, to prevent Satan from robbing us of our freedom, we must accept the grace to continually make the statement: Our freedom is "not for sale." We must also resolve to die if necessary to keep our freedom in Christ. Isn't that what every martyr says in dying for Christ?

We are so zealous about being free because freedom is the basis of love. Because God is Love (1 Jn 4:8, 16), the meaning of our lives in Christ is love. Therefore, we cherish our freedom by which we can live the life of love. We love because Jesus first loved us and freed us (1 Jn 4:19). Because we live in freedom, we can live in love. Be free and remain free to love.


Prayer: Father, show me the relationship between compulsions and lack of love.

Promise: "My Strength and my Courage is the Lord, and He has been my Savior." -Ex 15:2

Praise: St. Mary Magdalene loved Jesus and she stood at his crucifixion, faithful to the end. She was the first person recorded in the Gospels to see the risen Jesus.

(For a related teaching on "Spiritual Warfare", order, view, or download our leaflet or order, listen to, or download our CD 57-3 or DVD 57 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" covering the period from June 1, 2019 through July 31, 2019
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 24, 2018

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.

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

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/obob/obob.asp

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PM eNewsletter 16th Sunday in ordinary time

July 21st 16th Sunday in ordinary time.


Jesus, we have all sinned and fallen far from Your presence.

We need to see examples of those who You have touched and freed them from their sinful ways.

This week, Jesus, Your church celebrates a feast of a lady who loved You dearly and followed You all the way
to the cross.

Mary Magdalene was a sinner who You freed from the clasp of satan.

When she was freed, she walked with You everyday for the rest of Your earthly life.

Give us all that same freedom from serious sin, and help us to follow You everyday, by picking up our crosses
of life, and knowing that You are with us always.

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 THE SCHOOL OF SUFFERING
https://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?lang=en&d=7/21/2019

"Even now I find my joy in the suffering I endure for you. In my own flesh I fill up what is lacking in the
sufferings of Christ for the sake of His body, the Church." -Colossians 1:24

Before we become committed to the Lord, we naturally choose to live a life of maximum pleasure and minimum
pain. Because true love often entails pain, the life of maximum pleasure and minimum pain amounts to a life
of maximum selfishness and minimum love.

If we repent, choose love, and totally commit our lives to the Lord, we choose a life of maximum love - no
matter what the pain. In effect, we choose to take up the cross daily and follow Jesus (Lk 9:23). We choose
to suffer redemptively in the pattern of Jesus' death (Phil 3:10).

As we grow in holiness, we not only accept suffering in Jesus but rejoice in it
(Col 1:24; see also 1 Pt 4:13). We rejoice to suffer with Christ because we love Christ and want to be like
Him. Moreover, we rejoice to suffer in Christ because we love others and we want all to be saved
(see 1 Tm 2:4). When we realize that "suffering, more than anything else...clears the way for the grace
which transforms human souls" (The Christian Meaning of Human Suffering, Pope St. John Paul II, 27), we
rejoice that the Lord's saving grace is being accepted through a sharing in Christ's suffering.

Are you committed to Jesus? Are you growing holier? To answer these questions, look at your attitude toward
suffering in Christ.


Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit to transform my attitude toward suffering.

Promise: "One thing only is required. Mary has chosen the better portion and she shall not be deprived of
it." -Lk 10:42

Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who freely chose to leave the glory of heaven to suffer on earth for our
salvation.



Monday THE FREEDOM TRAIN
https://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?lang=en&d=7/22/2019

"Far better for us to be the slaves of the Egyptians than to die in the desert." -Exodus 14:12


Tuesday PROBLEM AREAS
https://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?lang=en&d=7/23/2019

"The Israelites had marched on dry land through the midst of the sea, with the water like a wall to their
right and to their left. Thus the Lord saved Israel on that day from the power of the Egyptians."
-Exodus 14:29-30



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

Share an OBOB e-mail with a friend today! It's easy and quick and it will make Jesus smile!
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobDriveEmail.asp
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Brochures

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


This Week's Featured Publications


· The Presentation Story
https://presentationministries.com/publications/PresentationStory.asp

· The Secret of the Rosary
https://presentationministries.com/publications/SecretRosary.asp

· Seek Prophecy
https://presentationministries.com/publications/SeekProphecy.asp

· Seek First the Kingdom
https://presentationministries.com/publications/SeekFirst.asp

· Risen Life
https://presentationministries.com/publications/RisenLife.asp

· Who Am I in Christ?
https://presentationministries.com/publications/WhoAmIInChrist.asp

"He who seeks only himself brings himself to ruin, whereas he who brings himself to nought for
Me discovers who he is." -Matthew 10:39

We must know who we are before we .....................................



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

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

Fear is useless. LORD please look kindly on the petitions posted and all the requests said silently in
our hearts. LORD please forgive me my sins and please guide me to a closer life with you
(Jim, Wisconsin, , 7/20/2019 9:42:49 AM)

Please heal us inside and out Please make this weekend go smooth. Thanks for all the blessing love and
acceptance.
(Anonymous, , 7/20/2019 9:17:47 AM)

Please help her at the doctor with good news
(Anonymous, , 7/20/2019 9:16:16 AM)

please join me in praying for my 10 month grandson Christopher. for complete healing of the Allergies.
God.give the doctors wisdom on how to treat him. in Jesus Name we pray.
(Lidia , , 7/20/2019 9:07:21 AM)

Praise the Lord! please pray for my daughter Dianna and her hubby and the three boys Asher 8 Ethan 6
and Steffy 5 yrs old, they are heading out on a road trip to three diffent states starting from Florida.
First stop The smokey mountains then KY and returning to Atlanta to see the birtanical gardens and then
drivning back home to Florida, they will be away there and back for 8 days please pray for their safety
there and back please, their guidiance, happiness health and finance also their, my finances as well
please. safety Thank you God amen.
(monica m., Wesley Chapel, Florida, United States, 7/20/2019 12:32:18 AM)

Pray for holiness. Saints promote and welcome -The Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God -welcomes and
promotes the saints(Saints).
(Anonymous, , 7/19/2019 10:54:07 PM)


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

Audio by Topic
Catholic MP3 Talks & Teachings

The internet ministry for PM is highlighting our downloadable tapes online. The Gospels of Matthew,
Mark, Luke and John are featured as well as covering the entire New Testament thru Revelation.
Also available, 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
http://presentationministries.com/media/mediaCatalog.asp
________________________________________________

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

The Bible Telephone Line (BTL) has been in operation for 27 years. Begun by Fr. Al in 1991, it now
continues with one deacon of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and two lay teachers trained by
Presentation Ministries. The BTL provides callers with a short teaching on the readings for the
daily Mass. It is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Callers may also leave a short prayer
request which will be shared on the line with the other callers the next day on a separate line.

THE BTL RECENTLY WENT TO A SINGLE NUMBER FOR THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES

United States: 513-823-3111

Canada:
Toronto, ON CAN 647-723-9923
Ottawa, ON CAN 613-694-1257
________________________________________________

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 Francis, Shepherd of Truth
https://presentationministries.com/pope/fst2018-11.asp?navlink=latest

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

END HUNGER


"HOPES OF MILLIONS"

The annual celebration of World Food Day emphasizes ... the needs, yearnings and hopes of millions of
persons who lack bread each day. Increasingly, there are more people who sadly make up part of that
great number of human beings who have nothing, or almost nothing to eat. It should be the opposite and
yet recent statistics are a painful proof of how international solidarity appears to be cooling.


"EFFECTIVE HELP"

The poor expect from us an effective help that takes them out of their misery... In this twenty-first
century that has seen considerable advances in the field of technology, science, communications and
infrastructure, we ought to feel shame for not having achieved the same advances in humanity and
solidarity, and so satisfy the primary needs of the most disadvantaged.


"WE MUST DO BETTER"

We are all called to go further. We can and we must do better for the helpless. We must move to
concrete action, so that the scourge of hunger disappears completely.


(Source: Message for World Food Day 2018, issued 10/16/2018)
https://presentationministries.com/pope/fst2018-11.asp?navlink=latest
_______________________________________________

PM Ministry List

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

Bible Institute
https://presentationministries.com/bibleinst/biArchive.asp

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

My People Newspaper
https://presentationministries.com/mypeople/mypeople31-11.asp?navlink=latest

PM Newsletter
http://presentationministries.com/newsletter/newsletter19-1.asp?navlink=latest

St. John Bosco Youth Group
http://youth.presentationministries.com/

________________________________________________

2019 RETREATS
Online Registration

2019 RETREATS

· Singles' Retreat -- For Adults Over 30 (Aug 16-18)

Catholic Retreats
http://presentationministries.com/retreat/retreat.asp
________________________________________________

· Sign-up for the OBOB daily e-mail list
http://presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

________________________________________________

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THE SCHOOL OF SUFFERING - One Bread, One Body, 7/21/2019

Sunday, July 21, 2019, 16th Sunday Ordinary Time

Genesis 18:1-10, Colossians 1:24-28, Psalm 15:2-5, Luke 10:38-42
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072119.cfm

THE SCHOOL OF SUFFERING

"Even now I find my joy in the suffering I endure for you. In my own flesh I fill up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of His body, the Church." -Colossians 1:24

Before we become committed to the Lord, we naturally choose to live a life of maximum pleasure and minimum pain. Because true love often entails pain, the life of maximum pleasure and minimum pain amounts to a life of maximum selfishness and minimum love.

If we repent, choose love, and totally commit our lives to the Lord, we choose a life of maximum love - no matter what the pain. In effect, we choose to take up the cross daily and follow Jesus (Lk 9:23). We choose to suffer redemptively in the pattern of Jesus' death (Phil 3:10).

As we grow in holiness, we not only accept suffering in Jesus but rejoice in it (Col 1:24; see also 1 Pt 4:13). We rejoice to suffer with Christ because we love Christ and want to be like Him. Moreover, we rejoice to suffer in Christ because we love others and we want all to be saved (see 1 Tm 2:4). When we realize that "suffering, more than anything else...clears the way for the grace which transforms human souls" (The Christian Meaning of Human Suffering, Pope St. John Paul II, 27), we rejoice that the Lord's saving grace is being accepted through a sharing in Christ's suffering.

Are you committed to Jesus? Are you growing holier? To answer these questions, look at your attitude toward suffering in Christ.


Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit to transform my attitude toward suffering.

Promise: "One thing only is required. Mary has chosen the better portion and she shall not be deprived of it." -Lk 10:42

Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who freely chose to leave the glory of heaven to suffer on earth for our salvation.


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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" covering the period from June 1, 2019 through July 31, 2019
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 24, 2018

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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DON'T CONTRADICT HIM - One Bread, One Body, 7/20/2019

Saturday, July 20, 2019, St. Apollinaris

Exodus 12:37-42, Psalm 136:1, 23-24, 10-15, Matthew 12:14-21
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072019.cfm

DON'T CONTRADICT HIM

"Here is My Servant Whom I have chosen, My loved One in Whom I delight. I will endow Him with My Spirit." -Matthew 12:18

Jesus has always been a "Sign of contradiction" (Lk 2:34, our transl). Some people respond to the contradiction by trying to destroy Him and His Church (see Mt 12:14-15), while others follow Him and are healed.

Jesus is the greatest Healer of all times. However, He wants to be known not primarily as a healer but as crucified Love (see 1 Jn 4:8, 16).

Jesus is the Lord of lords and the King of kings (see Rv 17:14), yet He comes to us as the Suffering Servant (see Mt 12:18ff).

Jesus proclaims justice (Mt 12:12), and He is Justice (1 Cor 1:30). Yet His "mercy triumphs over judgment" (Jas 2:13).

Jesus is our Judge, Who will, if necessary, accept our decision to be alienated from Him forever and to damn ourselves. However, Jesus has died and risen so that all might be saved and none would be damned (see 1 Tm 2:4).

Jesus is our Redeemer. He frees us only by making us His slaves (see Rm 6:16).

Jesus is God, Who emptied Himself to become a man (Phil 2:7). This means Jesus is simultaneously fully God and fully man. But how can this be? Totally give yourself to Jesus. Plunge into the paradox and mystery of His infinite love.


Prayer: Father, no one knows Your Son as You do (Mt 11:27). Send the Holy Spirit to lead me into the depths of Jesus (see 1 Cor 2:10-11).

Promise: "At the end of four hundred and thirty years, all the hosts of the Lord left the land of Egypt on this very date." -Ex 12:41

Praise: St. Apollinaris' life was exemplary for persistence. As bishop of Ravenna, Italy, he was expelled from the city an astounding four times! His final beating earned him a martyr's crown.


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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" covering the period from June 1, 2019 through July 31, 2019
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 24, 2018

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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MASS TRANSIT - One Bread, One Body, 7/19/2019

Friday, July 19, 2019

Exodus 11:10-12:14, Psalm 116:12-13, 15-18, Matthew 12:1-8
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/071919.cfm

MASS TRANSIT

"Although Moses and Aaron performed these various wonders in Pharaoh's presence, the Lord made Pharaoh obstinate, and he would not let the Israelites leave his land." -Exodus 11:10

After hundreds of years of slavery and nine plagues, the Israelites were immediately freed from slavery by the last plague culminating in the Passover. The Passover was the grandest finale of God's most awesome works to that point in time.

The Mass is the new Passover (see Lk 22:15). At the end of Jesus' astounding public ministry, just before He was arrested and crucified, Jesus had the Last Supper, the first Mass. Jesus had the second Mass at the end of the day of His Resurrection (Lk 24:29ff). The Mass, as the new Passover, is the grandest finale of God's greatest works.

Some of us have traveled long journeys. We're so close to being healed or freed. To cross the finish line, to finally break through, we need the Mass. Ten plagues cannot get us out of slavery, but ten plagues plus the Passover changes the world. Several miracles and graces may not necessarily get us "over the top," but miracles plus the Mass effect more than we could ever ask for or imagine (see Eph 3:20).

Don't fall short of God's greatest plans for you. Go to Mass. Live the Mass. Center your life on the Mass.


Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit to teach me about the place and power of the Mass.

Promise: "This day shall be a memorial feast for you, which all your generations shall celebrate with pilgrimage to the Lord, as a perpetual institution." -Ex 12:14

Praise: Once a "church-hopper," Louise is now a daily communicant.

(For a related teaching on "Every Mass Should be Spirit-Filled", order, listen to, or download our CD 49-1 or DVD 49 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" covering the period from June 1, 2019 through July 31, 2019
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 24, 2018

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
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DARE TO SAY "ABBA" - One Bread, One Body, 7/18/2019

Thursday, July 18, 2019, St. Camillu de Lellis

Exodus 3:13-20, Psalm 105:1, 5, 8-9, 24-27, Matthew 11:28-30
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/071819.cfm

DARE TO SAY "ABBA"

"If they ask me, 'What is His name?' what am I to tell them?" -Exodus 3:13

Moses asked God to reveal His name. Several hundred years after making Abraham the father of the nation of Israel, the Lord told His chosen people His name. God said that His name was "I AM WHO AM" (Ex 3:14). God called Himself the supreme, eternal Being Who is the Cause of all being. God's name is extremely mysterious and holy.

Well over a millennium later, Jesus, the Son of God, told us how to address God. We were no longer to think of God as only the great I AM. We were also to address Him as "Abba," that is, "Daddy" (Lk 11:2; Mt 6:9). This was more than shocking. It was apparently blasphemous. The only justification for saying such a thing was that Jesus, "true God from true God," told us we could dare to do this.

Therefore, address God as "Abba." This means He has adopted you as His child. You are chosen and loved. He has made you "a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people He claims for His own" (1 Pt 2:9). With and in Christ, you are an heir of Abba's kingdom (Rm 8:17). The whole world has stopped and been transformed because Jesus told us to call God "Abba."


Prayer: Abba...

Promise: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." -Mt 11:28, RSV-CE

Praise: St. Camillus de Lellis initially followed in his father's footsteps, living a dissolute lifestyle. His father repented on his deathbed and received last rites. Camillus was shaken by the ordeal, thus beginning his journey to sainthood. He devoted his life to the care of the sick and was ordained to the priesthood at the age of thirty-four years. He founded an order of priests to carry on his mission.


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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" covering the period from June 1, 2019 through July 31, 2019
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 24, 2018

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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HOW TO BETTER ONESELF - One Bread, One Body, 7/17/2019

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Exodus 3:1-6, 9-12, Psalm 103:1-4, 6-7, Matthew 11:25-27
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/071719.cfm

HOW TO BETTER ONESELF

"Moses decided, 'I must go over to look at this remarkable sight.' " -Exodus 3:3

To become better, live better, pray better, and work better, we must know God better. To become better husbands, wives, parents, religious, or people, we must know God better. For example, Moses, to do better than be a shepherd, had to know God better in the burning bush (Ex 3:2ff). Isaiah (Is 6:1ff), Jeremiah (Jer 1:5ff), and Ezekiel (Ez 1:4ff) all had to know God better before they could fulfill their prophetic ministry. Paul had to know God better before he could become the great missionary to the nations (see Gal 1:17ff).

We know God better through the Holy Spirit, Who "scrutinizes all matters, even the deep things of God" (1 Cor 2:10), guides us to all truth (Jn 16:13), and teaches us everything (Jn 14:26). After the apostles received the Holy Spirit at the first Christian Pentecost, they began to know God much better. Then they lived in a new dimension. They became transformed people who knew God is what life is all about. Either we "perish for want of knowledge" of God (Hos 4:6), or we "come to rate all as loss in the light of the surpassing knowledge of [our] Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil 3:8). Because of the Holy Spirit, "the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the Lord, as water covers the sea" (Is 11:9). Plunge into the sea of the knowledge of God and emerge with a new life.


Prayer: Father, may I not settle for mediocrity but receive a new Pentecost, new knowledge, and new life.

Promise: "Father, Lord of heaven and earth, to You I offer praise; for what You have hidden from the learned and the clever You have revealed to the merest children." -Mt 11:25

Praise: Before delving into Bible study, Thomas prayed and the Lord opened up the meaning of the Scriptures for him (see Lk 24:32).


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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" covering the period from June 1, 2019 through July 31, 2019
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 24, 2018

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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HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD - One Bread, One Body, 7/16/2019

Tuesday, July 16, 2019, Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Exodus 2:1-15, Psalm 69:3, 14, 30-31, 33-34, Matthew 11:20-24
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/071619.cfm

HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD

"Pharoah's daughter...adopted [Moses] as her son." -Exodus 2:10

Pharoah, out of fear of the prospering Hebrew people, issued the command to kill every baby boy born to the Hebrews. In a wonderful reversal of this brutally unjust law, God, in His mercy and justice, led Pharoah's very daughter to break her father's law and thus begin the deliverance of the Hebrew people. Last week we read about God bringing about a similar reversal in the case of Joseph. His brothers meant evil in trying to kill him, but God reversed Joseph's fortunes for the good (Rm 8:28; Gn 37-50).

The Lord always has the upper hand. In any situation of injustice and depravity, God undermines the evil regime in the most wonderfully creative ways. In addition, evil undermines itself as well, and sows the seeds of its own downfall. The power of God has no limit. He can work all things, including evil, to bring about good (Rm 8:28; Gn 50:20). Where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more (Rm 5:20).

We live in the midst of a faithless, perverse, and corrupt generation (Phil 2:15; Mt 11:21ff). We are bombarded by the apparent triumphs of injustice and unholiness, and so it is possible to lose hope in the powerful coming of God's kingdom. "Fix your eyes on Jesus" (Heb 3:1). Jesus has conquered sin, evil, unholiness, and death. The Lord knows what He is doing. Difficult times require great faith, and we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor 5:7). The deliverance of Moses by Pharoah's own daughter teaches us that with God, all things are possible (Mt 19:26).


Prayer: Father, make me stop looking at everything but You.

Promise: "For the Lord hears the poor, and His own who are in bonds he spurns not." -Ps 69:34

Praise: Hermits lived on Mt. Carmel in the 12th century. By the 13th century they became known as "Brothers of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel." They have always championed Mary and her Immaculate Conception. Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.

(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" covering the period from June 1, 2019 through July 31, 2019
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 24, 2018

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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A THROW-AWAY CULTURE - One Bread, One Body, 7/15/2019

Monday, July 15, 2019, St. Bonaventure

Exodus 1:8-14, 22, Psalm 124:1-8, Matthew 10:34-11:1
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/071519.cfm

A THROW-AWAY CULTURE

"Throw into the river every boy that is born to the Hebrews." -Exodus 1:22

Pharaoh, afraid that the enslaved Israelites would grow more numerous and powerful than his Egyptian people, ordered his subjects to throw all Israelite baby boys into the Nile River (Ex 1:22). This would prevent the Israelites from ever having enough soldiers to rebel against Egypt in the future. What the culture didn't value was to be thrown away, even if it was human life. Pope Francis has repeatedly spoken against the "throw-away culture" of secular humanism. This cultural mindset to dispose of whatever is not valued by the culture de jour is not new; it goes all the way back to the ancient Egyptians.

On the other hand, Jesus would not allow anyone to throw away the leftover loaves and fishes which He miraculously multiplied (Mk 6:43). Jesus didn't dispose of the lives of serious sinners (e.g. Jn 8:11; Lk 23:43) or those cast off by society, such as lepers or the blind (see Mk 1:40ff; Jn 9:1ff). "All are alive for Him" (Lk 20:38). Everyone and everything is valued by the Lord.

Is there anything or anyone that we thoughtlessly discard? Ask the Lord for the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16). Embrace what the culture throws away.


Prayer: Father, transform me by the renewal of my mind (Rm 12:2).

Promise: "Whoever gives a cup of cold water to one of these lowly ones because he is a disciple will not want for his reward." -Mt 10:42

Praise: St. Bonaventure, a bishop and doctor of the Church, was endowed with exceptional spiritual and intellectual gifts. He wrote profoundly about theology and philosophy.

(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" covering the period from June 1, 2019 through July 31, 2019
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 24, 2018

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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