HOW TO END A YEAR - One Bread, One Body, 12/31/2022

Saturday, December 31, 2022, Pope St. Sylvester I

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

HOW TO END A YEAR
"Children, it is the final hour; just as you heard that the antichrist was coming, so now many such antichrists have appeared." —1 John 2:18

Many “antichrists have appeared.” “It was from our ranks that they took their leave — not that they really belonged to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have stayed with us” (1 Jn 2:19). There are baptized Christians who are officially members of the Church but do not belong to the Church in their hearts. These people have joined the Church socially and culturally but have not totally given their lives to Jesus and His Body, the Church. They have been sacramentalized but not evangelized and are in danger of becoming antichrists.

On this last day of the secular year, may each of us make a total commitment to Jesus. Jesus is God (Jn 10:30; cf Jn 8:58). He is the eternal and incarnate Word of God (Jn 1:1, 14). “Through Him all things came into being, and apart from Him nothing came to be” (Jn 1:3). Jesus is “the real Light Which gives light to every man” (Jn 1:9). We are not doing Jesus a favor by giving our lives to Him. We are privileged that He has given us the life, freedom, breath, faith, and love to give our lives to Him. How could we not give our lives to Him! Let’s not allow another year, day, hour, or minute go by without giving everything to Jesus. “To His own He came, yet His own did not accept Him. Any who did accept Him He empowered to become children of God” (Jn 1:11-12). Let’s not only be in the ranks of the Church, but let’s belong to Christ and His Church. Let’s live for Christ and not be antichrists.

Prayer: Abba, as I begin a new year, I respond to Your love by renewing my baptismal promises.

Promise: "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, and we have seen His glory: the glory of an only Son coming from the Father, filled with enduring love." —Jn 1:14

Praise: Pope St. Sylvester I initiated construction of both the Basilica of St. Peter and the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome.



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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

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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HEROD IN YOUR HOME - One Bread, One Body, 12/30/2022

Friday, December 30, 2022, Holy Family

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
Colossians 3:12-21
Psalm 128:1-5
View Readings

HEROD IN YOUR HOME
"Herod is searching for the Child to destroy Him." —Matthew 2:13

Modern-day “Herods” are still searching for children to destroy (Mt 2:13). These Herods gain entry to the home right under the nose of the parents, who are paralyzed or asleep on the watch (see Mt 26:40). Once the new Herods gain access to the home, they attempt to take over formation of the children in that home.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton prophesied in the 1800’s that evil would come into every home through a “black box.” There are many such “boxes” in the modern home. Television is a major point of entry for modern Herods. Yes, there are godly TV channels and programs. Yet Herod constantly lurks, a mere thumb-click away from infiltrating the child’s mind and soul. Video games and cartoons often immerse children in violence. The child is gradually desensitized to human suffering, which can lead to violent attitudes and behaviors. Herod works through the internet, “prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Pt 5:8). Herod enters a child’s soul through his eyes and ears. Children listen to secular music with ungodly lyrics for hours through black “boxes” such as tablets, smartphones, etc.

Parents, create a holy home environment. With God, you can more than conquer the culture of death (Rm 8:37). Evict Herod from every room of your home. Welcome Jesus to take Herod’s place (see Rv 3:20). Make Jesus the Lord of your home. Your house is His, and He wants it to be “full” (Lk 14:23) of love and faith.

Prayer: Father, give parents the strength to "test everything; retain what is good" (1 Thes 5:21). May parents be holy in their conduct (1 Pt 1:15) so evil has no foothold in the home.

Promise: "Over all these virtues put on love, which binds the rest together and makes them perfect." —Col 3:14

Praise: "Give to the Lord, you families...give to the Lord glory and praise" (Ps 96:7).

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

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

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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OBEDIENCE: THE ROAD TO LOVE - One Bread, One Body, 12/29/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Advent (December-January) Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your request.
Please include the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Thursday, December 29, 2022, St. Thomas Becket

1 John 2:3-11
Psalm 96:1-3, 5-6
Luke 2:22-35
View Readings

OBEDIENCE: THE ROAD TO LOVE
"Whoever keeps His word, truly has the love of God been made perfect in him." —1 John 2:5

The purpose of the Christmas season is to grow greatly in love for Jesus. To grow in love requires God’s grace, our willingness to accept His grace, and a process by which we are transformed and made more capable of loving. We go through this process of transformation by taking step after step in obedience. “By obedience to the truth” we purify ourselves “for a genuine love” (1 Pt 1:22). “The way we can be sure of our knowledge of Him is to keep His commandments” (1 Jn 2:3).

By obedience, Mary conceived Christ and loved Him more deeply than anyone has ever loved Him. By obedience, Joseph became the foster-father of Jesus and grew from love to love. By obedience, the shepherds and wise men saw the infant Jesus and began a new life of love forever. By obedience, Simeon “came to the temple” (Lk 2:27) where he met Jesus, the Light to the Gentiles, the Glory of Israel (Lk 2:32), and the God Who is Love (1 Jn 4:16).

Christmas is a journey into “the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ’s love” (Eph 3:18). We do not know the way, but Jesus, the Way (Jn 14:6), will tell us each step to take. Obey Love on the road to love.

Prayer: Abba, lead me to love with a martyr's love.

Promise: "This Child is destined to be the downfall and the rise of many in Israel, a sign that will be opposed — and you yourself shall be pierced with a sword — so that the thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare." —Lk 2:34-35

Praise: St. Thomas Becket, archbishop of Canterbury, refused to allow King Henry II to interfere in affairs of the Church. Four knights of the King killed Thomas in the Canterbury Cathedral.



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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

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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HERODS CAN BECOME “HOLY INNOCENTS” - One Bread, One Body, 12/28/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Advent (December-January) Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your request.
Please include the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Wednesday, December 28, 2022, Holy Innocents

1 John 1:5—2:2
Psalm 124:2-5, 7-8
Matthew 2:13-18
View Readings

HERODS CAN BECOME "HOLY INNOCENTS"
"...Rachel bewailing her children; no comfort for her, since they are no more." —Matthew 2:18

Why does the Lord permit evil? Why did He allow “the massacre of all the boys two years old and under in Bethlehem and its environs”? (Mt 2:16) One explanation is that He loves the Herods of the world very much and wants to save them all (see 1 Tm 2:4). The suffering of these innocents is the most powerful means in God’s plan of salvation for changing the most hardened Herod-hearts. We see this in the deaths of the martyrs and especially in the sufferings and death of Jesus, the most “holy Innocent” of all.

Why does the Lord permit the abortions of millions of “holy innocents”? One explanation is that He loves those who kill their children and even us who, by our sins, have shared in killing Him (see Rm 5:8). Abortions will be stopped when many of us (not only those directly involved in abortion) stop sinning, stop denying our sins, and start repenting (see 1 Jn 1:8-10). However, if we don’t accept the grace of repentance being poured out through His “holy innocents,” abortions will then stop only when we are stopped through death, judgment, and hell.

On this fourth day of Christmas, repent and allow the Lord to change the Herod in you into holy innocence.

Prayer: Father, in our contraceptive and abortifacient culture, may I choose life by choosing repentance.

Promise: "If we say, 'We have never sinned,' we make Him a liar and His word finds no place in us." —1 Jn 1:10

Praise: The Holy Innocents became the first victims for Jesus Christ. They empower us for holiness and innocence.

(For a related teaching on Be Holy, For I Am Holy, view, download or order our leaflet on our website.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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LOVE SUPREME, INFINITE, AND DIVINE - One Bread, One Body, 12/27/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Advent (December-January) Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your request.
Please include the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Tuesday, December 27, 2022, St. John

1 John 1:1-4
Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12
John 20:1-8
View Readings

LOVE SUPREME, INFINITE, AND DIVINE
"On the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb. She saw that the stone had been moved away, so she ran off to Simon Peter and the other disciple (the one Jesus loved) and told them..." —John 20:1-2

St. John has been traditionally identified with “the beloved disciple” (Jn 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7). However, the Church has also interpreted John 19:26 to mean that the beloved disciple may not be specifically named to show that he represents all of Jesus’ disciples for all times. All of Jesus’ disciples are beloved. All of His disciples can have a miraculous, mysterious relationship with Him in the Eucharist (see Jn 13:23). All of Jesus’ disciples must stand at the foot of the cross (Jn 19:26), deny themselves, and take up the cross each day (Lk 9:23). All of Jesus’ disciples can and must believe in the risen Lord (Jn 20:2) and exclaim publicly: “It is the Lord!” (Jn 21:7)

Christmas is the season when all the beloved disciples are especially invited to become more aware of being the beloved of Christ. Most of us know that Jesus loves us. However, no one knows how much He loves us. If we were to fully realize “one-millionth” of His infinite love for us, we would be so shocked we would die. Nevertheless, during this Christmas season, let us grasp as fully as we can with our human limitations “the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ’s love, and experience this love which surpasses all knowledge, so that [we] may attain to the fullness of God Himself” (Eph 3:18-19).

Prayer: Father, at the Masses of this Christmas season, reveal more deeply in Your Word Your Son's love for me.

Promise: "This is what we proclaim to you: what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked upon and our hands have touched — we speak of the Word of life." —1 Jn 1:1

Praise: St. John shared the Good News to make us "realize that [we] possess eternal life" (1 Jn 5:13).



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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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WITNESS STAND - One Bread, One Body, 12/26/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Advent (December-January) Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your request.
Please include the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Monday, December 26, 2022, St. Stephen

Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
Psalm 31:3-4, 6, 8, 16-17
Matthew 10:17-22
View Readings

WITNESS STAND
"You will be brought to trial before rulers and kings, to give witness before them." —Matthew 10:18

Christmas is a special opportunity to witness for Jesus. Because St. Stephen was the first witness to give up his life for Jesus the faithful Witness (Rv 1:5), it is appropriate that he is the first of the Christmas saints. Witnessing is not just saying good things about Jesus. Witnessing is communicating a personal experience of Jesus. St. Stephen was a witness not just because he spoke about Jesus, but because he saw Jesus at the Father’s right hand and proclaimed this to the crowd (see Acts 7:56). Witnesses for Jesus share not just what they have received from other human beings in conversation or instruction. Rather, their witness is based on their personal experience of revelation from Christ (Gal 1:12).

Moreover, witnessing is not just communicating a personal experience of Jesus. Witnessing is in the context of a trial. This may not be a legal trial but any situation where people have decided to cross-examine Jesus again and to pronounce judgment on His followers. These courts are set up at work, in politics, social events, entertainment, mass media, and even church. When we proclaim our personal experience of Jesus in a legal court or in a “kangaroo court,” we are witnesses for Jesus in the true sense of the word. Then the Holy Spirit will put words in our mouths (Mt 10:20). We will be persecuted and possibly even martyred. Then Sauls will become Pauls, and Christmas will be truly the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

Prayer: Father, may my simple, persistent witness shake the social fabric in which I'm involved.

Promise: "As Stephen was being stoned, he could be heard praying, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' " —Acts 7:59

Praise: "Stephen's face seemed like that of an angel" (Acts 6:15). St. Stephen, please pray the Holy Spirit will give us peaceful and courageous hearts.



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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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LOVE-CHRISTMAS - One Bread, One Body, 12/25/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Advent (December-January) Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your request.
Please include the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Sunday, December 25, 2022, Christmas

Isaiah 52:7-10
Hebrews 1:1-6
Psalm 98:1-6
View Readings

LOVE-CHRISTMAS
"The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." —John 1:14

“Jesus Christ is true God and true man” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 464). At His birth, Jesus moved from the womb of Mary to the outside world. This made it possible for people to relate to Him in a personal way. Jesus was then able to be held, kissed, touched, seen, and heard. He was also able to be hit, hurt, rejected, and crucified. The change from being in the womb to living in the outside world is dangerous. That’s why we celebrate a birth. A dangerous transition has been made without any serious problems, although the danger of living in a fallen world still remains.

By the power of the Holy Spirit, we can still relate to Jesus in a personal way. We can be like Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men, Simeon, and Anna. We can lavish our love on Jesus — person to Person. However, we can also be like Herod by rejecting Jesus and refusing to make any room for Him in our lives and hearts (see Lk 2:7). Christmas reminds us that Jesus remains available to us on a person to Person basis.

On this first day of the Christmas season, obey the first commandment of all. Love the Lord with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind (Lk 10:27).

Prayer: Jesus, on this Christmas Day, I decide to love You completely, unconditionally, and forever by Your grace.

Promise: "Of His fullness we have all had a share — love following upon love." —Jn 1:16

Praise: "I come to proclaim good news to you — tidings of great joy to be shared by the whole people. This day in David's city a Savior has been born to you, the Messiah and Lord" (Lk 2:10-11). Merry Christmas!



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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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THE CHURCH’S MORNING PRAYER - One Bread, One Body, 12/24/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Advent (December-January) Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your request.
Please include the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Saturday, December 24, 2022,

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16
Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29
Luke 1:67-79
View Readings

THE CHURCH'S MORNING PRAYER
"Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel because He has visited and ransomed His people." —Luke 1:68

Many hundreds of thousands of priests and religious have promised under pain of sin to pray each morning today’s Gospel reading, Zechariah’s canticle, as part of praying the Liturgy of the Hours. I promised to do this decades ago, and by God’s grace I have kept my promise.

The Church so emphasizes Zechariah’s prophecy because:

• It is a prophecy, and prophets are part of the foundation of the Church (Eph 2:20ff).
• Zechariah prayed this prayer when he was “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Lk 1:67). May we also be filled with the Holy Spirit when we pray it.
• This prophecy teaches us that each morning should remind us that Jesus is “the Dayspring” (Lk 1:78), the Dawn (see Rv 22:16), the Light of the world (Jn 8:12).
• This prophecy immediately precedes the Bible’s account of the first Christmas and praying this prayer has proven a good way to prepare to meet Christ in a new way during the Christmas season.

Although most of you are not obligated to pray Zechariah’s canticle each day, pray it today and each day of the Christmas season. You may decide to pray this prayer forever as Jesus guides your “feet into the way of peace” (Lk 1:79).

Prayer: Jesus, may I make any sacrifice necessary to give You myself as Your Christmas gift.

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

Praise: Gloria has prayed morning and evening prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours for twenty years.



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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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FATHERS: REPRESENT THE HEAVENLY FATHER - One Bread, One Body, 12/23/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Advent (December-January) Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your request.
Please include the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Friday, December 23, 2022, St. John of Kanty

Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24
Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14
Luke 1:57-66
View Readings

FATHERS: REPRESENT THE HEAVENLY FATHER
"...to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers." —Malachi 3:24

Many earthly fathers don’t have hearts for their children. In today’s culture, there is an epidemic of fatherless children. Sadly, too many children are “fatherless” even though their dad lives in the same house. Many fathers also do not have a heart for their possible future children. The job of a father is difficult and is intentionally under attack by Satan and his pawns who shape the modern, secular culture.

God calls fathers to one of the greatest causes in history: to represent God the Father to their wives and children. This is an irreplaceable role in a child’s life (cf Lk 1:17). God the Father loves all people with an everlasting love; fathers are called to teach this truth to their children through constant fatherly love (see Jer 31:3). God the Father knows what His people need and provides for them without fail (Lk 11:11-13); fathers are called to spend their lives trusting in God’s provision for their family and working diligently to provide for their children (see Mt 6:32ff).

Fathers, do you have more faith in God’s ability to provide for all the children He will send you, or do you have more faith in the constraints of a difficult economy, a rising cost of living, and soaring costs of education and health care? Do you use your tongues to bless God (Lk 1:68) or speak of all the reasons you shouldn’t have children?

By their trust or fear, fathers teach their children to either trust God the Father or not. Fathers, God has put the future of the world in your hands. So trust in God at all times (Ps 62:9).

Prayer: Father, raise up millions of godly fathers to transform this culture of death into a civilization of life.

Promise: "The friendship of the Lord is with those who fear Him." —Ps 25:14

Praise: "O Emmanuel, King and Lawgiver, Desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God."

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

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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THE “BLESSED” MOTHER - One Bread, One Body, 12/22/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Advent (December-January) Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your request.
Please include the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Thursday, December 22, 2022,

1 Samuel 1:24-28
1 Samuel 2:1, 4-8
Luke 1:46-56
View Readings

THE "BLESSED" MOTHER
"All ages to come shall call me blessed." —Luke 1:48

At her visitation to the house of Elizabeth and Zechariah, the Blessed Virgin Mary prophesied that all generations would call her “blessed” (Lk 1:48). This prophecy has been proven true. Throughout the history of the Church, she has been called the “Blessed Mother.” Likewise, she is called the “Blessed Virgin Mary” in the Eucharistic Prayers II, III, and IV of the Mass.

In the Hail Mary prayer, we likewise fulfill this prophecy by praying the words of Elizabeth: “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the Fruit of your womb” (see Lk 1:42). Surely many millions of times each day throughout the world, Mary is called blessed by each generation in countless rosaries (Lk 1:48).

Elizabeth called Mary blessed a second time: “Blest is she who trusted that the Lord’s words to her would be fulfilled” (Lk 1:45). Jesus also fulfilled Mary’s prophecy when He called her blessed because she heard the Word of God and obeyed it (Lk 11:28). In her Magnificat, which is quoted in today’s Gospel, Mary acknowledges that God has greatly blessed her, and promptly redirects the focus to God Himself. She proclaims the greatness of God, rejoices in Him, and praises His mercy and righteousness (Lk 1:46-55).

Imitate the Blessed Virgin Mary. Use your every blessing to proclaim “the greatness of the Lord” (Lk 1:46).

Prayer: "My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit finds joy in God my Savior" (Lk 1:46-47).

Promise: "I prayed for this child, and the Lord granted my request." —1 Sm 1:27

Praise: "O King of all the nations, the only Joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature You fashioned from the dust."

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

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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GOD DANCES OVER YOU - One Bread, One Body, 12/21/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Advent (December-January) Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your request.
Please include the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Wednesday, December 21, 2022, St. Peter Canisius

Song of Songs 2:8-14 or
Zephaniah 3:14-18
Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21
Luke 1:39-45
View Readings

GOD DANCES OVER YOU
"Your God is in your midst, a victorious Warrior. He will exult with joy over you, He will renew you by His love; He will dance with shouts of joy for you as on a day of festival." —Zephaniah 3:17, JB

Zephaniah 3:17 can be translated as “God will dance over you with joy.” Another possible translation is “God rejoices over you with bodily movement.” Of course, “God is Spirit” (Jn 4:24) and not man. Yet Scripture at times describes God in human terms, which makes it easier for us to relate to Him. God loves His people like a human father or mother (see e.g. Hos 11:4; Is 49:15-16; Lk 15:20ff). God is described as leaping over the mountains like a lover to be with us (Sg 2:8).

As wondrous as it is to bask in the wonder of God dancing over us, it is even more wonderful to consider that we human beings have the capacity to give the Creator of the universe joy (Zep 3:17). We can make Him happy, as it were. We can console the heart of the Lord.

God has no need of our praise, but He delights in His people (Ps 149:4). Let us spend our lives bringing joy to the One Who loves us so deeply. Let us receive God’s very own joy (Jn 15:11) and then return that joy to Him (see Lk 15:10, 32; Rv 4:9-10). Bring God great joy by your repentant, loving, obedient, and faithful life.

Prayer: "Take joy, my King, in what You hear. Let it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear."

Promise: "Blest is she who trusted that the Lord's words to her would be fulfilled." —Lk 1:45

Praise: "O Radiant Dawn, Splendor of eternal light, Sun of Justice: Come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death."



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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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GET IT? - One Bread, One Body, 12/20/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Advent (December-January) Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your request.
Please include the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Tuesday, December 20, 2022,

Isaiah 7:10-14
Psalm 24:1-6
Luke 1:26-38
View Readings

GET IT?
"The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; hence, the holy Offspring to be born will be called Son of God." —Luke 1:35

The Church encourages us to pray the “Angelus” on waking, at noon, and in the evening. Three times a day we pray and think about Jesus’ Incarnation. When we pray the rosary, we refer to the Incarnation fifty-three times — each time we pray the “Hail Mary.” We pray about the Incarnation when we pray the first joyful mystery of the rosary. The Holy Spirit has led the Church to be preoccupied with Jesus’ Incarnation.

Today, as the Gospel proclaims the Archangel Gabriel’s Advent announcement of the Incarnation, let’s pray that the thousands and hundreds of thousands of “Hail Marys” we have prayed would hit home. May we realize and be stunned by the fact that God became a man. Like the wise men, may we prostrate ourselves before the God-Man, the God-Baby (Mt 2:11). Like Joseph, may we be willing to change all our plans because of the Incarnation (Mt 1:20ff). Like Mary, may we offer our bodies and lives as living sacrifices to the Lord (Rm 12:1) and say: “Let it be done to me as You say” (Lk 1:38).

When we finally “get it,” catch on, and wake up to the fact that God loves us so much that He became one of us, we begin to tremble in fear of the Lord. This “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (see Ps 111:10) and new life in Christ. Get it?

Prayer: Jesus, at Mass today, may I bow down before You in adoration. May I never be the same after loving You today. Mary, pray for me now.

Promise: "Ask for a sign from the Lord, your God; let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky!" —Is 7:11

Praise: "O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel controlling at Your will the gate of heaven: come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead Your captive people into freedom."



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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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ROOM TO GROW - One Bread, One Body, 12/18/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Advent (December-January) Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your request.
Please include the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Sunday, December 18, 2022, Fourth Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 7:10-14
Romans 1:1-7
Psalm 24:1-6
View Readings

ROOM TO GROW
"God is with us..." —Matthew 1:23

In today’s Gospel passage, we read about the Incarnation, God becoming man in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Word became flesh (Jn 1:14), was born, and bore abundant fruit. “Blest is the Fruit of [Mary’s] womb,” Jesus (Lk 1:42).

Each reception of Holy Communion bears a similarity to the Incarnation in that God enters a human body. This indwelling of the Lord is meant for our growth. The Body of Christ lives in us (see Jn 6:57). We are then stretched as this life of God begins to grow within us. As the life of God remains and grows within us, we are then to bear the fruit of God (Jn 15:5, 8).

In this final week before we celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus, “prepare the way of the Lord” in your heart (Mt 3:3). Unlike the innkeeper of Bethlehem, who had no room for Jesus (Lk 2:7), open wide the doors of your life to Christ (see Rv 3:20). Is there no room in your life for Jesus? Then your life is too full! Get rid of the “stuff” that clutters your life. Simplify your lifestyle so there will be room for the Eucharistic life of the Lord to grow and bear fruit within you. “Let every heart prepare Him room.”

Prayer: Father, You have given me the Bread from heaven (Jn 6:32) in the Eucharistic body of Your Son, Jesus. Give me the grace to change anything in my life so I can gladly receive Him in Holy Communion.

Promise: "Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." —Rm 1:7

Praise: "O sacred Lord of ancient Israel, Who showed Yourself to Moses in the burning bush, Who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: come, stretch out Your mighty hand to set us free."

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Is your family ready for Christmas? View, download or order our leaflet, Healing the Family Tree, on our website.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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DO YOU MISS YOUR FAMILY? - One Bread, One Body, 12/17/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Advent (December-January) Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your request.
Please include the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Saturday, December 17, 2022,

Genesis 49:2, 8-10
Psalm 72:1-4, 7-8, 17
Matthew 1:1-17
View Readings

DO YOU MISS YOUR FAMILY?
"A family record of Jesus Christ..." —Matthew 1:1

Today is the first day of the “Second Advent,” December 17-23. This period is akin to the Holy Week of Lent. For the first three weeks of Advent, the emphasis was on the Second Coming of Christ. Now we focus for a week on His first Christmas coming.

Today’s Scripture readings focus particularly on establishing the kingly identity of Christ. The genealogy of Jesus establishes that He is descended directly from King David (Mt 1:6, 17). He is also descended from Judah, whose tribe is kingly in nature (Gn 49:9-10). He shall reign with justice and profound peace, forever (Ps 72:1-2, 7).

The genealogy also shows that the line of Jesus is seriously flawed. Women prior to the Blessed Virgin Mary are only mentioned if there is some kind of embarrassment (Mt 1:3, 5, 6). Yet the genealogy also shows hope, for God transforms everything to a glorious outcome. Jesus enters our human existence as a Redeemer and transforms the family tree. So Jesus is not ashamed to call us His brothers and sisters (Heb 2:11; 11:16).

I’ve noticed over the decades that people tend to nod off or lose interest during the reading of the genealogy of Jesus at Mass. Yet tracing family history has become immensely popular during the digital age. DNA tracing shows whose children you are — people search for fathers, mothers, grandparents. They feel something is missing or incomplete until they know who they are.

As a child of God, Jesus is in your DNA. If you feel something is missing in your life, reach out to Jesus, the Prince of Peace (Is 9:5). You are a member of the family of God, and Jesus is your missing link. Meet Jesus, and discover who you are (Mt 10:39).

Prayer: Jesus, whenever I am missing peace in my life, may I reach out to You, the Prince of Peace.

Promise: "In [Jesus] shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed; all the nations shall proclaim His happiness." —Ps 72:17

Praise: "O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, You govern all creation with Your strong yet tender care."

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

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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SUNDAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY - One Bread, One Body, 12/16/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Advent (December-January) Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your request.
Please include the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Friday, December 16, 2022,

Isaiah 56:1-3, 6-8
Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 7-8
John 5:33-36
View Readings

SUNDAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY
"My salvation is about to come, My justice, about to be revealed." —Isaiah 56:1

This Christmas, the Lord’s salvation is about to come, and His justice about to be revealed. To receive His salvation and justice, we must “observe what is right, do what is just” (Is 56:1). We must especially keep the sabbath free from profanation (Is 56:2, 6). We must obey the Third Commandment and keep holy the Lord’s Day, Sunday, the sabbath of the new covenant (see Ex 20:8). In doing this, we will make our churches and homes houses of prayer (Is 56:7). This will prepare the way of the Lord (see Mt 3:3). In other words, Sunday is the key to Christmas Day; Sunday Mass is the key to Christ-Mass.

This revelation may come as a surprise to many of us who spend the Lord’s Day in general doing our own thing. For many of us, Sunday is our day, not the Lord’s Day. However, if we don’t make Sunday the Lord’s Day, then our lives are not the Lord’s lives. If we’re not under the lordship of Jesus, how can we accept Jesus into the manger of our hearts? How can we have a true Christmas?

Prayer: Father, I repent of disobeying the Third Commandment.

Promise: "These very works which I perform testify on My behalf that the Father has sent Me." —Jn 5:36

Praise: Peter's Christmas became Christ-filled when Jesus drew him back to His Church after decades away.

(For a related teaching on Keep Holy the Lord's Day, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order 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."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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LOOKING FOR LOVE - One Bread, One Body, 12/15/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Advent (December-January) Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your request.
Please include the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Thursday, December 15, 2022,

Isaiah 54:1-10
Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13
Luke 7:24-30
View Readings

LOOKING FOR LOVE
"What did you go out to see?" —Luke 7:24

Jesus asks the crowds and us: “What, really, did you go out to see — someone dressed luxuriously? Remember, those who dress in luxury and eat in splendor are to be found in” shopping malls, sleighs, and endless TV Christmas specials (see Lk 7:25). The crowds flock to see Santa, searching for glad tidings, good cheer, and perhaps, somehow, a measure of love.

Today, the Church proclaims to the searching crowds that good news and love are available in Jesus. He loves you “with enduring love” (Is 54:8). He has “sworn not to be angry with you, or to rebuke you” (Is 54:9). He assures you: “Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be shaken, My love shall never leave you nor My covenant of peace be shaken, says the Lord, Who has mercy on you” (Is 54:10).

Be like the wise men (Mt 2:11). They traveled a long distance, at great inconvenience and expense, until they found the Lord. They went out to see the Christ Child, and they found Love beyond all telling. Be like the bride in the Song of Songs. She spent her days and nights searching for the One Whom she loved (Sg 3:1-3). Seek the Lord and He will be found (Jer 29:13-14; Is 55:6). Look for Love, and He will find you.

Prayer: Father, may I look to You for love, not to the world.

Promise: "I assure you, there is no man born of woman greater than John. Yet the least born into the kingdom of God is greater than he." —Lk 7:28

Praise: Out of love for the Good Shepherd, Jacob, a veterinarian, frequently performs services for little or no charge for ranchers and farmers who are struggling financially.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(As the New Year approaches, don't forget the Lord in your resolutions. Plan to spend time at our retreat center in beautiful Adams County, Ohio. Visit our website www.presentationministries.com for upcoming retreats or consider a silent retreat.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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GOOD NEWS? - One Bread, One Body, 12/14/2022

Wednesday, December 14, 2022, St. John of the Cross

Isaiah 45:6-8, 18, 21-25
Psalm 85:9-14
Luke 7:18-23
View Readings

GOOD NEWS?
"Blessed is he who takes no offense at Me." —Luke 7:23, RSV-CE

In today’s culture, people are quick to take offense. Here are some aspects of Jesus’ teaching likely to offend the modern ear:

• the Church’s teaching on chastity and sexual purity, including no divorce and no birth control (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1650, 2370),
• showing mercy to offenders (Lk 15:22-32),
• forgiving those at whom you take offense, even abusive people (see Prv 19:11),
• denying your very self (Lk 9:23),
• the simple and uneducated being more blessed than the wise,
• poverty blessed rather than riches (Mt 5:3; Lk 6:20),
• serving, rather than being served (Mt 20:28),
• not DIY (do it yourself), but rather “let it be done” (Lk 1:38),
• only a nation under God will be firm (Is 26:1-3),
• Jesus is the only name by which man can be saved (Jn 15:5; Acts 4:12), for salvation comes through Jesus dying on the cross, not through self-help and strength,
• fasting and tithing, and
• the humble shall lead.

For many, the Gospel is not the Good News, but the bad news. They think it means stifling rules rather than freedom, foolishness rather than wisdom (see 1 Cor 1:18). If you were at a party and these topics came up in the course of conversation, would you be ashamed of the Gospel? (Rm 1:16) Repent and believe in the Gospel, for it is the power of God leading to salvation (Rm 1:16).

Prayer: Father, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done" (Mt 6:10). May I lay down my life for the Gospel.

Promise: "Only in the Lord are just deeds and power." —Is 45:24

Praise: St. John of the Cross is a Doctor of the Church. "I determined that while I was with you I would speak of nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Cor 2:2).

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

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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WANDERING WITHIN THE REFUGE - One Bread, One Body, 12/13/2022

Tuesday, December 13, 2022, St. Lucy

Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13
Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-19, 23
Matthew 21:28-32
View Readings

WANDERING WITHIN THE REFUGE
"I will leave as a remnant in your midst a people humble and lowly, who shall take refuge in the name of the Lord." —Zephaniah 3:12

Today’s readings spotlight the word “refuge.” God’s lowly people shall humbly take refuge in the name of the Lord (Zep 3:12). “No one incurs guilt who takes refuge in” the Lord; He “redeems the lives of His servants” (Ps 34:23). To make God our refuge, we also need to obey Him by humbly staying in the refuge and not wandering away from it. A refuge is a place of safe shelter from external dangers. Additionally, a refuge is a place where we are sheltered from anything that would distract us from the Lord Himself.

Jesus says that no one can snatch us out of His protecting hands (Jn 10:28-29). However, once we are secure and safe in His hands, we might stop looking at Jesus and wistfully look back at our former life of sin, on our former so-called “freedom.” We can take our eyes off Jesus (cf Heb 12:2). We can “wander” in our minds within the safe walls of His refuge and long for the pleasures of our former life of slavery. The Israelites did this in the desert, longing to return to the fleeting pleasures of slavery in Egypt (Nm 11:4-6).

Fr. Al Lauer, founder and long-time author of One Bread, One Body, said near the end of his life, “The more I say ‘No’ to myself, the more I say ‘Yes’ to the Holy Spirit.” Say “Yes” to the Lord and “No” to yourself. “Fix your eyes on Jesus” (Heb 3:1). Refuse to look back (Lk 9:62). This Advent, remain in the refuge.

Prayer: Father, each moment, may I gratefully "take refuge in the shadow of Your wings" (Ps 36:8).

Promise: "I will change and purify the lips of the peoples, that they all may call upon the name of the Lord." —Zep 3:9

Praise: St. Lucy consecrated her virginity to Christ. This offended both the local Roman governor and the young man who wanted to marry her. Soon after, Lucy was tortured and killed for her faith.

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

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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CHRIST WITHIN - One Bread, One Body, 12/12/2022

Monday, December 12, 2022, Our Lady of Guadalupe

Zechariah 2:14-17 or
Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6, 10
Judith 13:18-19
Luke 1:26-38
or Luke 1:26-38
View Readings

CHRIST WITHIN
"Thereupon Mary set out, proceeding in haste into the hill country to a town of Judah, where she entered Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth." —Luke 1:39-40

When we think of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we think of her miraculous image on the tilma, the miracle of the roses, the great basilica, and especially the millions of conversions. The cause of all these wondrous works is symbolized by the black sash at the center of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This sash is a sign that Mary was pregnant with Jesus. Jesus, Who was in Mary, has done and continues to do countless miracles through Our Lady of Guadalupe. Jesus, through Mary, continues to convert millions to new life in Him.

On this great feast day, let us accept God’s grace to be like Our Lady of Guadalupe. Let us be filled with Jesus. Let us be like Mary and visit all the Elizabeths and Johns in our lives (Lk 1:39ff). Christ in us is our Hope of glory (Col 1:27). “There is One greater in you than there is in the world” (1 Jn 4:4). As we are conscious of Jesus living within us (see 2 Cor 13:5), Jesus will do miracles through us and give salvation to countless thousands.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us to be like you. May we let Jesus within us transform the world around us. We are servants of the Lord; let it be done to us according to His Word (Lk 1:38).

Prayer: Jesus, during Advent prepare us to be full of Life this Christmas, for You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Jn 14:6).

Promise: "Your deed of hope will never be forgotten by those who tell of the might of God." —Jdt 13:19

Praise: Approximately 10 million pilgrims visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City each year. Only St. Peter's Basilica in Rome receives more visitors annually!



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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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DIVINE PAYBACK - One Bread, One Body, 12/11/2022

Sunday, December 11, 2022, Third Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 35:1-6, 10
James 5:7-10
Psalm 146:6-10
View Readings

DIVINE PAYBACK
"With divine recompense He comes to save you." —Isaiah 35:4

Often I hear people express their impression that when God comes into their life, He will come with payback; they expect that He will come to repay each person according to their sins and failings with punishment and judgment. Similarly, St. John the Baptizer expected God to come as One mighty in judgment (Mt 3:10-11).

Today’s Scripture readings, and in fact the entire Gospel, proclaim a different message: God will come with mercy, kindness, and even vindication (see e.g. Ti 3:4ff). John the Baptizer expected a Messiah who would execute judgment (Mt 3:10-11). Apparently, many in the world expect the same. John himself was austere and severe. He was quite surprised that Jesus came as a gentle Rabbi, yet still One Who performed the miraculous works of God. John expected the cleansing fire of swift divine judgment, prophesying that “the chaff He will burn in unquenchable fire” (Mt 3:12). But John was surprised to find Jesus manifesting both power and humility (Mt 11:2ff).

Today’s Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday readings show a great cause to celebrate amidst the solemn waiting of Advent. God comes with kindness and mercy. He comes with both humility and justice to save. He pays back a sinful world with “divine recompense”; “He comes to save you” (Is 35:4).

Now the question is: will you rejoice and accept His merciful salvation, or will you refuse the season of mercy the Lord offers and settle for divine judgment?

Prayer: Father, change my heart to humbly receive whatever You wish to give me.

Promise: "Blest is the man who finds no stumbling block in Me." —Mt 11:6

Praise: "He is the God of the living, not of the dead. You are very much mistaken" (Mk 12:27). Risen Jesus, thank You for opening our eyes to truth.

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

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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U R E. & J. - One Bread, One Body, 12/10/2022

Saturday, December 10, 2022, Our Lady of Loreto

Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11
Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
Matthew 17:9-13
View Readings

U R E. & J.
"Elijah is indeed coming, and he will restore everything." —Matthew 17:11

Jesus said that Elijah would restore everything. What a statement! Everything? How could someone restore everything? Jesus said that the restoration of everything was begun by St. John the Baptizer (Mt 17:13), who came “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Lk 1:17; cf Mt 11:13-14). The Power for this universal restoration is the Holy Spirit. Consequently, John was “filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb” (Lk 1:15). John began the restoration of everything by turning “the hearts of fathers to their children” (Lk 1:17).

This universal restoration is still in process. When we complete it, the world will end and Jesus will come back. Until then, “Jesus must remain in heaven until the time of universal restoration which God spoke of long ago through His holy prophets” (Acts 3:21). So Jesus is patiently waiting for us to finish the job (see 2 Pt 3:15). We may feel overwhelmed at this responsibility, since universal restoration seems no less monumental now than at Jesus’ time, despite all the Lord has been doing in the meantime. However, all we have to do is what Elijah and John did — be filled with the Spirit, obey the Lord, and focus on turning “the hearts of fathers to their children” (Lk 1:17). If we do this much, we will do our part to bring about universal restoration and hasten Jesus’ final coming (2 Pt 3:12). YoU aRe another Elijah and John. Work and live accordingly.

Prayer: Father, may this Advent and my life's work follow in the tradition of Elijah and John.

Promise: "You are destined, it is written, in time to come to put an end to wrath before the day of the Lord." —Sir 48:10

Praise: In 2019, Pope Francis added the feast of Our Lady of Loreto to the Church's liturgical calendar. He called Loreto a "place where young people can come in search of their vocation."



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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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THE STAR OF OBEDIENCE - One Bread, One Body, 12/09/2022

Friday, December 9, 2022, St. Juan Diego

Isaiah 48:17-19
Psalm 1:1-4, 6
Matthew 11:16-19
View Readings

THE STAR OF OBEDIENCE
"If you would hearken to My commandments, your prosperity would be like a river, and your vindication like the waves of the sea." —Isaiah 48:18

Christmas, like life, is a matter of obedience. If we obey the Lord’s commands, we will become prosperous, vindicated, blessed, and assured this Christmas (Is 48:18-19). However, we are often like rebellious, disobedient children who want to give orders rather than take them (Mt 11:16-17). We must repent of this self-willed, disobedient attitude or we will deprive ourselves of Christmas and even of Christ.

At the first Christmas, the Lord gave His commands to Mary and Joseph through His angel (Lk 1:28; Mt 1:20) and the government (Lk 2:1). He commanded the wise men through a star and the Scriptures (Mt 2:2-6). He commanded the shepherds through a choir of angels (Lk 2:11-12). The few who obeyed were present at the first Christmas. Yet a world of innkeepers had no room in their hearts even for the Messiah (Lk 2:7).

It is the same today. The real Christmas, the personal encounter with Christ, is for those who believe in the Lord enough to obey Him. Only those who follow the star of obedience will make their way to the manger and find the Christ-Child.

Prayer: Lord, if I don't die to self, I'll miss out on Christmas again and I'll never love You. I repent.

Promise: "I, the Lord, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go." —Is 48:17

Praise: It is easy to forget St. Juan Diego was born an Aztec peasant. He later converted to Catholicism. Providentially, the Lord often chooses the lowly to spread His message.

(For a related teaching on Obedience School, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order Obeying God on our CD 62-3 or DVD 63 on our website.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Copyright © Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to https://www.presentationministries.com/subscribe/email

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