DISTINCTIVELY DIFFERENT - One Bread, One Body, 04/01/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Easter (April-May) English and Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes. For getting extra OBOB books in English, please call (513) 662-5378 and request the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your book request. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Friday, April 1, 2022,

Wisdom 2:1, 12-22
Psalm 34:17-21, 23
John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
View Readings

DISTINCTIVELY DIFFERENT
"His life is not like other men's, and different are His ways." —Wisdom 2:15

In two weeks, it will be Good Friday. We are approaching the conclusion of Lent, a forty-day period of prayer and fasting culminating in the renewal of our baptismal promises on Easter Sunday. When we were baptized, we were “begotten from above” (see Jn 3:3-5). Our old nature was drowned in the waters of Baptism, and we became new creations (2 Cor 5:17). We were no longer of the world, because Jesus chose us out of the world (Jn 15:19). That’s why the world hates us — because we don’t belong to it (Jn 15:19).

We are obnoxious to those of the world because we are children of God. Our ways are different, and we are not like other people (Wis 2:12-15). The world naturally feels compelled to persecute us.

As we prepare to renew our Baptisms this Easter, as we are transformed this Lent to live more fully our new life, persecution naturally should increase. Possibly, the world is putting us to the test “with revilement and torture” (Wis 2:19). As we become more holy, we are more of a threat to the devil and more likely to be persecuted. That’s a good sign that we are growing this Lent in living the baptized life. God’s Word commands: “Rejoice...in the measure that you share in Christ’s sufferings” (1 Pt 4:13).

Prayer: Father, clean the dust of the world off me and make me new.

Promise: "At this they tried to seize Him, but no one laid a finger on Him because His hour had not yet come." —Jn 7:30

Praise: "Sing praise to the Lord, you His faithful ones, and give thanks to His holy name" (Ps 30:5).

(For a related teaching on Crucifying Jesus, listen to, download or order our CD 65-3 or DVD 65 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 April 1, 2022 through May 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 3, 2021"

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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A PICTURE: WORTH MORE THAN A THOUSAND WORDS - One Bread, One Body, 03/31/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Easter (April-May) English and Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes. For getting extra OBOB books in English, please call (513) 662-5378 and request the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your book request. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Thursday, March 31, 2022,

Exodus 32:7-14
Psalm 106:19-23
John 5:31-47
View Readings

A PICTURE: WORTH MORE THAN A THOUSAND WORDS
"The Lord said to Moses, 'Go down at once to your people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt, for they have become depraved.' " —Exodus 32:7

What if a good friend who was an artist drew your picture, and it looked like a pig? If your artist friend explained that you and the pig looked the same, you would feel bad. You could say what Jesus replied to Philip: “After I have been with you all this time, you still do not know Me?” (Jn 14:9) Your so-called friend did not even know you were a human being, much less know you personally.

This is what the chosen people did to the heavenly Father, “making for themselves a molten calf and worshipping it, sacrificing to it and crying out, ‘This is your God, O Israel, who brought you out of the land of Egypt!’ ” (Ex 32:8) We still do this today, even after the Father’s revelation of Himself through Jesus in the Spirit. Most of us know the traditional, Biblical teaching that God is personal, but our experience of this may be B.C. rather than A.D.

Jesus said, “His voice you have never heard, His form you have never seen, neither do you have His word abiding in your hearts because you do not believe the One He has sent” (Jn 5:37-38). Our carnality, lukewarmness, and sinfulness have deprived us of experiencing the tender loving care of Abba, the “passioned” love of Jesus, and the gentle yet powerful movement of the Spirit. We must repent so as to fall in love with the personal God, Who is Love (1 Jn 4:16). This Lent and life, take God personally.

Prayer: Abba, forgive me for not trying to know You.

Promise: "Yet I have testimony greater than John's, namely, the works the Father has given Me to accomplish." —Jn 5:36

Praise: Marie got to know Jesus, not just about Him, by visiting Him often in adoration.

(Visit www.presentationministries.com for information about our upcoming retreats.)

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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 February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 2021"

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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NO MORE FAILURES IN RENEWING OUR BAPTISMS - One Bread, One Body, 03/30/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Easter (April-May) English and Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes. For getting extra OBOB books in English, please call (513) 662-5378 and request the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your book request. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Wednesday, March 30, 2022,

Isaiah 49:8-15
Psalm 145:8-9, 13-14, 17-18
John 5:17-30
View Readings

NO MORE FAILURES IN RENEWING OUR BAPTISMS
"He not only was breaking the sabbath but, worse still, was speaking of God as His own Father, thereby making Himself God's equal." —John 5:18

It seems that for the last few years the renewal of the baptismal promises has not been successful for the Catholic Church throughout the world. The evidence for this is the continued proliferation of the culture of death, including abortion, contraception, unforgiveness, vengeance, denominations, racism, starvation, and other injustices. Our Baptisms are such great works of God that if millions of Christians renewed their Baptisms, the world could not help but be changed according to God’s will.

The key to renewing our Baptisms is believing that Jesus is God. Jesus is the only Way to the Father (Jn 14:6) and the One Who baptizes us in the Spirit (Mk 1:8). When we believe in the Trinity with all our hearts, we are compelled to reject Satan, all his works, and all his empty promises. We believe Jesus is God and His revelation of the Trinity because of Jesus’ Resurrection and because of the Church’s authoritative revelation of Jesus’ divinity in her teachings, especially in the Scriptures. His divinity is corroborated by the fact that He does the works of God (Jn 5:36).

“Just as the Father raises the dead and grants life, so the Son grants life to those to whom He wishes” (Jn 5:21). I have seen Jesus give new life to myself and countless others through Baptism. I have seen Jesus do the works of God. I have good reason to believe that the risen Jesus, proclaimed by His infallible Church, is God. I will profess this on the first day of Easter with all my heart.

Prayer: Father, may I renew my Baptism by Your standards.

Promise: "Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you." —Is 49:15

Praise: Philip was baptized on Easter at the age of 40.



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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 February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 2021"

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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WATER-FALLS? - One Bread, One Body, 03/29/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Easter (April-May) English and Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes. For getting extra OBOB books in English, please call (513) 662-5378 and request the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your book request. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Tuesday, March 29, 2022,

Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12
Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9
John 5:1-16
View Readings

WATER-FALLS?
"Then He brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water flowing out from beneath the threshold of the temple toward the east." —Ezekiel 47:1

Ezekiel saw a vision of a miraculous trickle of water flowing from the Temple and becoming a great river of life. St. John, the apostle and evangelist, saw the same river as a picture of heaven (Rv 22:1ff).

By baptizing us and giving us a new nature, Jesus has made our bodies temples of the Holy Spirit (see 1 Cor 6:19). He promises that rivers of living water will flow out from Him and us (Jn 7:38). As temples of the Holy Spirit, we have within us the living waters of the Holy Spirit, “a fountain within [us], leaping up to provide eternal life” (Jn 4:14).

As temples of the Holy Spirit, our bodies are like movable baptismal fonts. Most people of the world at this point have not received the major event and transformation in life, which is Baptism. Even many of the two billion people who are baptized are not living their Baptisms. Under these circumstances, much of our world is comprised of cultures of death. Too many are the dry, dead bones which Ezekiel envisioned (Ez 37:1ff). In this desolation, we need the living waters of Baptism. We need temples of the Holy Spirit who help the Spirit send forth the waters of life. We need moving baptismal fonts bringing life to the most desolate places. Renew and live your Baptism fully.

Prayer: Father, make me as both a moving baptismal font and a moving tabernacle as I live fully the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.

Promise: "Remember, now, you have been cured. Give up your sins so that something worse may not overtake you." —Jn 5:14

Praise: Martha invited her friend to church. The friend felt the presence of God and became Catholic.

(For related teachings on Baptismal Promises, listen to, download or order our CD 83-1, CD 83-3, CD 84-1 and CD 84-3 or DVD 83 or DVD 84 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 February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 2021"

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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WHAT’S YOUR SIGN? - One Bread, One Body, 03/28/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Easter (April-May) English and Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes. For getting extra OBOB books in English, please call (513) 662-5378 and request the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your book request. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Monday, March 28, 2022,

Isaiah 65:17-21
Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13
John 4:43-54
View Readings

WHAT'S YOUR SIGN?
"This was the second sign that Jesus performed." —John 4:54

In John’s Gospel, Jesus worked seven signs (miracles) “to help you believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, so that through this faith you may have life in His name” (Jn 20:31):

1) changing water into wine at a wedding (Jn 2:1-12),

2) a remote healing of a royal official’s son (Jn 4:46-54),

3) curing a man who was ill for thirty-eight years (Jn 5:1ff),

4) multiplying the loaves and fishes (Jn 6:1-14),

5) walking on the water (Jn 6:19),

6) giving sight to the man born blind (Jn 9:1ff), and

7) raising Lazarus from the dead (Jn 11:1ff).

After Jesus’ first sign, His disciples began to believe in Him (see Jn 2:11). Then, many began to believe in His name when they saw the signs He was doing (see Jn 2:23). However, Jesus recognized an innate problem with working signs: our sinful human nature. He observed: “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you do not believe” (Jn 4:48). Many people either looked for additional signs (Jn 6:30) or misinterpreted the signs because they were not seeking the truth (Jn 9:16). The end result was: “Despite His many signs performed in their presence, they refused to believe in Him” (Jn 12:37).

So, Jesus gave a once-for-all final sign: the sign of the cross. Jesus, God Himself, set aside His power (Jn 18:6, 11), stretched out His arms, was nailed to a cross, suffered in agony, and died to atone for our sins. He rose from the dead in power and majesty and gave us the Holy Spirit (Jn 20:22). This sign had power. This sign broke through the hard hearts. “Lift high the cross!”

Prayer: "My Lord and my God!" (Jn 20:28)

Promise: "The things of the past shall not be remembered or come to mind." —Is 65:17

Praise: Marty, a non-Catholic, discerned that Jesus was calling him to be a Catholic priest. Now he serves Jesus as a pastor in the Church he once criticized.

(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 February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 2021"

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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KEEPING PROMISES IN THE PROMISED LAND - One Bread, One Body, 03/27/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Easter (April-May) English and Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes. For getting extra OBOB books in English, please call (513) 662-5378 and request the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your book request. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Sunday, March 27, 2022, Fourth Sunday of Lent

Joshua 5:9-12
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Psalm 34:2-7
Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

View Readings

KEEPING PROMISES IN THE PROMISED LAND
"On that same day after the Passover on which they ate of the produce of the land, the manna ceased. No longer was there manna for the Israelites, who that year ate of the yield of the land of Canaan." —Joshua 5:11-12

Each day for forty years, God fed the Israelites with miraculous manna from heaven. When they had entered the promised land and their first harvest was complete, “the manna ceased” (Jos 5:12). What a loving, providing Father our God is!

For the forty days of Lent, we, like the Israelites, are journeying through the desert of self-denial toward the promised land of Easter. Many draw close to God with spiritual exercises such as increased prayer, fasting, increased participation in Confession and daily Masses, intense Bible reading, etc. These nourish our Lenten resolve much like the manna God provided in the desert.

When the Israelites reached the promised land, they rejoiced. Yet they now faced a new trial. With their newfound abundance came the temptation to stop relying on God’s care (e.g. Ps 78:56ff). Over time, the Israelites tended to be like the prodigal son: they often forgot God in prosperity, but turned to Him in time of trial (see Lk 15:13, 16ff).

Decide today to follow the Lord in “every circumstance,” whether “well provided for” or not (Phil 4:12). May your Lenten sufferings and your Easter renewal of your Baptismal promises lead you to lifelong covenant faithfulness to God (see Jer 31:31).

 

Prayer: Father, "may my tongue cleave to my palate if I remember You not" (Ps 137:6). Never let me forget you in time of abundance (Prv 30:9).

Promise: "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old order has passed away; now all is new!" —2 Cor 5:17

Praise: Praise You, risen Jesus, the Promise Keeper (2 Cor 1:20). You are "the Faithful Witness" (Rv 3:14).

(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 February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 2021"

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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MISPLACED CONFIDENCE - One Bread, One Body, 03/26/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Easter (April-May) English and Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes. For getting extra OBOB books in English, please call (513) 662-5378 and request the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your book request. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Saturday, March 26, 2022,

Hosea 6:1-6
Psalm 51:3-4, 18-21
Luke 18:9-14
View Readings

MISPLACED CONFIDENCE
"What can I do with you, Ephraim? What can I do with you, Judah?" —Hosea 6:4

The Israelite worshippers sang a hymn which expressed their confidence that God would respond favorably to their offerings and sacrifices: “He will heal us...He will bind our wounds...He will raise us up, to live in His presence...as certain as the dawn is His coming” (Hos 6:1-3). Jesus painted a similar picture in today’s Gospel reading. The Pharisee offered sacrifices of tithes, fasting, and a life of holy deeds (Lk 18:11-12). Just as his ancestors did, he prayed confidently to God, offering another splendid sacrifice of prayer and holiness. The Israelites and Pharisee in the readings were confident that God was delighted with offerings and prayers. However, God reacts to these beautiful hymns and prayers with frustration and disgust! He laments: “What can I do with you?” (Hos 6:4)

We are right to approach God confidently. The Lord approves this attitude (see 2 Cor 3:12; 5:6-8). However, when we place our confidence in the power of our own efforts to move God, we are “like a morning cloud...that early passes away” (Hos 6:4). We fade away and God is left to exclaim: “What can I do with you?” (Hos 6:4)

On the other hand, when we place all our confidence in Him and none in ourselves (Lk 18:13), then we truly have knowledge of God (Hos 6:6). Now God can say to us: “What can I do with you? I will do with you greater works than Jesus Himself did” (see Jn 14:12).

Prayer: "O God, be merciful to me, a sinner" (Lk 18:13).

Promise: "It is love that I desire, not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than holocausts." —Hos 6:6

Praise: Jesus set Sam free from an addiction to pornography. Now Sam is active in the fight to defend life.

(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 February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 2021"

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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LOVE LETTER - One Bread, One Body, 03/25/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Easter (April-May) English and Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes. For getting extra OBOB books in English, please call (513) 662-5378 and request the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your book request. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Friday, March 25, 2022, Annunciation

Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10
Hebrews 10:4-10
Psalm 40:7-11
Luke 1:26-38

View Readings

LOVE LETTER
"You shall conceive and bear a Son and give Him the name Jesus. Great will be His dignity and He will be called Son of the Most High." —Luke 1:31-32

Today we remember the astonishing fact that God became a baby — a tiny human being attached to the wall of a teenage girl’s uterus. The almighty, infinite God became human flesh smaller than your fingernail. No one ever imagined it or prayed for it.

God’s Incarnation was so astounding that to the present day we don’t know what to think of it. Why would He do such a thing? The only response we can make to the mystery of the Incarnation is: “God is Love” (1 Jn 4:16). He does the unimaginable because He is Love. He became a man because He is Love. He let Himself be crucified and put to death because He is Love. He gives us His Body and Blood in Holy Communion because He is Love.

The announcement of the Annunciation is: “The virgin shall be with Child, and bear a Son, and shall name Him Immanuel” (Is 7:14). The Holy Spirit came upon Mary and the power of the Most High overshadowed her, hence her holy Offspring was called Son of God (Lk 1:35). “The Word became flesh” (Jn 1:14). Love became a man. Alleluia!

Prayer: Father, thank You for loving us so much as to give Your Son so that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life (Jn 3:16).

Promise: "Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with Child, and bear a Son." —Is 7:14

Praise: Alleluia! God so loved the world that He sent His only Son to us (Jn 3:16).

(We offer a retreat entitled Spiritual Warfare: The Battle Belongs to the Lord! The dates are April 8-10. Knowing that there is a battle for everyone's eternal soul is the first step in responding to the Lord's call to stand firm and be not afraid. Call (513) 373-2397 or (937) 587-5464 or e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 2021"

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/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

To remove your e-mail address from this list, click here..

SATAN-BUSTERS - One Bread, One Body, 03/24/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Easter (April-May) English and Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes. For getting extra OBOB books in English, please call (513) 662-5378 and request the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your book request. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Thursday, March 24, 2022,

Jeremiah 7:23-28
Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9
Luke 11:14-23
View Readings

SATAN-BUSTERS
"When someone stronger than he comes and overpowers him, such a one carries off the arms on which he was relying and divides the spoils." —Luke 11:22

Lent is the imitation of Jesus’ forty days in the desert where He overcame the temptations of Satan and cast him out (Mt 4:3-11). We should not only imitate Jesus in resisting temptation but also in driving Satan out. Furthermore, we should disarm and despoil Satan (Lk 11:22) and bring down his strongholds (2 Cor 10:4), especially through use of the weapons of prayer and fasting (Mt 17:21, NAB; Gospel of Life, 100).

Satan should be trying to hide from us because he knows we’re “out to get him” by the power of Jesus. Yet most Christians aren’t “out to get Satan” because they don’t realize the extent of their authority over him. Imagine a highway patrolman stopping a driver for speeding and also finding drugs in the car. What if the patrolman just wrote out a speeding ticket but failed to arrest the driver and confiscate the drugs! That patrolman would have failed to fully use his authority.

Many Christians are like that! We resist the devil and may even expel him, but God has given us the weapons to do much more. In the name of Christ and by His power, we can attack the gates of hell (Mt 16:18), disarm and despoil Satan, bring down his strongholds, make a public spectacle of him (Col 2:15), quickly crush him (Rm 16:20), and put him at Jesus’ feet (Heb 10:13).

Prayer: Father, may I fully use all the weapons You have given me to triumph over Satan.

Promise: "Walk in all the ways that I command you, so that you may prosper." —Jer 7:23

Praise: Pablo overcame his addiction by praying the St. Michael prayer whenever he was tempted.

(For a related teaching on Do You Renounce Satan?, 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 February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 2021"

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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CAREFUL OBEDIENCE - One Bread, One Body, 03/23/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Easter (April-May) English and Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes. For getting extra OBOB books in English, please call (513) 662-5378 and request the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your book request. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Wednesday, March 23, 2022, St. Toribio de Mogrovejo

Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9
Psalm 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20
Matthew 5:17-19
View Readings

CAREFUL OBEDIENCE
"Observe them carefully, for thus will you give evidence of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations." —Deuteronomy 4:6

Because of their disobedience, the Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years. They may have assumed they were obeying God, but Moses warned them that they were not obeying carefully enough (Dt 4:6).

Jesus’ disciples probably thought they were obeying Him. However, Jesus proclaimed that He expected them to obey even the smallest part of a letter of the law (Mt 5:18; see also Ps 119:112). Then they were to obey the spirit of the law (2 Cor 3:6) and thereby usher in Christ’s kingdom.

The Lord promised us total victory in which we bring down the strongholds, sophistries, and proud pretensions which raise themselves against the knowledge of God (2 Cor 10:4-5). We will be able to claim this victory when our obedience is perfect, that is, complete (2 Cor 10:6). When we are committed to obey the Lord in every area of life, we will quickly crush Satan under our feet (Rm 16:19-20).

What we now call “obedience” may be more disobedience than obedience. To enter the “promised land,” live in God’s kingdom, and claim total victory, we need an obedience in the Holy Spirit that is careful, strict, and complete. Then we will be great (Dt 4:6-7; Mt 5:19) and have a deep, intimate love for the Lord (see Dt 4:7). When we obey on a new, deeper level, we will live a new life.

Prayer: Father, through my obedience, raise me beyond my human limitations and weaknesses to the greatness to which you have called me.

Promise: "He sends forth His command to the earth; swiftly runs His word!" —Ps 147:15

Praise: St. Toribio de Mogrovejo baptized and confirmed almost one million Native Americans.



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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 February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 2021"

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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DID I FORGIVE? - One Bread, One Body, 03/22/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Easter (April-May) English and Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes. For getting extra OBOB books in English, please call (513) 662-5378 and request the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your book request. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Tuesday, March 22, 2022,

Daniel 3:25, 34-43
Psalm 25:4-9
Matthew 18:21-35
View Readings

DID I FORGIVE?
"My heavenly Father will treat you in exactly the same way unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart." —Matthew 18:35

We Christians know that we must forgive or we will not be forgiven. Jesus even taught us to pray for this (Mt 6:12). Therefore, we Christians usually say that we have forgiven, for we know we have no acceptable alternative. Nonetheless, have we forgiven by God’s standards? Have we forgiven from the heart?

If we have truly forgiven, we:

• should realize that forgiveness is a miracle of God’s grace, for “to err is human; to forgive is divine,”
• are willing to reach out in love and mercy to honor and restore those who have sinned against us, as did the father of the prodigal son (Lk 15:20ff),
• will be messengers and ministers of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18-19),
• will recognize the great benefits from the Sacrament of Reconciliation, for we are forgiven as we forgive,
• are willing to embrace those who have sinned against us (see Lk 15:20),
• have let the Lord heal and purify our memory of hatred, rancor, the desire for revenge, and
• remember not only others’ sins against us but especially the miraculous grace in which we forgave each of those sins.

If there is any reasonable doubt about your forgiving others, go before Christ present in the tabernacle and say: “By the grace of Jesus Christ, I forgive      (name)         for      (sin)     .” Repeat this statement until you are totally purified of unforgiveness.

Prayer: Father, I reject Satan's work of unforgiveness.

Promise: "And now we follow You with our whole heart, we fear You and we pray to You." —Dn 3:41

Praise: Daniel learned to forgive his ex-wife by praying for her every day.



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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 February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 2021"

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

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THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH - One Bread, One Body, 03/21/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Easter (April-May) English and Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes. For getting extra OBOB books in English, please call (513) 662-5378 and request the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your book request. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Monday, March 21, 2022,

2 Kings 5:1-15
Psalm 42:2-3; 43:3-4
Luke 4:24-30
View Readings

THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH
"Now I know..." —2 Kings 5:15

As sovereign ruler of the nation, King Joram of Israel was in the right position to know God’s power. He had access to any information he needed. Maybe he had too much information: when Naaman approached him to find God’s healing, Joram presumed the king of Aram wanted to provoke him (2 Kgs 5:7). As a captured slave, the little orphaned, pre-teen girl was seemingly not in a position to know the power and strength of God (2 Kgs 5:2). Guess which of the two knew of a healing prophet in the land of Israel? God reveals to the childlike what He hides from the wise and the learned (Lk 10:21).

As commander of the Aramean army, Naaman had the intellect and resources to understand the regional geography and the probability of pure water in Aram and Israel (2 Kgs 5:12). Naaman’s servants probably knew only what they needed to know to perform menial tasks, but they understood the relationship between humility and healing (2 Kgs 5:13).

Certainly God wants our minds to develop and be renewed (Rm 12:2), since He wants us to love Him with all our mind (Lk 10:27). However, God’s ways are not our ways (Is 55:8-9). If a person with terminal cancer or AIDS asked you to pray with them for God’s healing today, how would you react? Would you be flustered and threatened like Joram, angered like Naaman, or would you be as ready as Naaman’s servants? Get humble. Get ready. Receive “the mind of Christ” (1 Cor 2:16).

Prayer: Father, may I humble myself and thus "be ever ready" to lead people to You (1 Pt 3:15).

Promise: "Send forth Your light and Your fidelity; they shall lead me on." —Ps 43:3

Praise: Bob humbly receives Jesus daily in the Eucharist, even though he has the powerful position of CEO of a major company.

(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 February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 2021"

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

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THE VIEW FROM THE CROSS - One Bread, One Body, 03/20/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Easter (April-May) English and Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes. For getting extra OBOB books in English, please call (513) 662-5378 and request the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your book request. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Sunday, March 20, 2022, Third Sunday of Lent

Exodus 3:1-8, 13-15
1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12
Psalm 103:1-4, 6-8, 11
Luke 13:1-9

View Readings

THE VIEW FROM THE CROSS
"I want you to remember this..." —1 Corinthians 10:1

When you’re talking with Jesus, it seems like He’s always changing the subject to repentance. You might mention how tragic the most recent natural disaster was (see Lk 13:4). Jesus maneuvers the conversation to our need to reform (see Lk 13:4-5). You might mention to Him how pretty your Church building looks (see Mk 13:1ff). But Jesus turns the conversation into the need to be watchful and on guard against tragedy and sin. You’re hard at work, and Jesus talks about reforming your life (Mt 4:17). Why is repentance always on the tip of His tongue?

To answer this question, try to put yourself into Jesus’ sandals. Imagine walking around for at least three years knowing that you would stretch out your hands and have them nailed to a cross so that others would repent. Picture yourself tied to a pillar and being cruelly whipped until you pass out — to pay the penalty for other people’s sins. Imagine hanging in excruciating agony in place of people who could care less whether they sin or not. Now imagine having a heart of passionate love for each person who has no interest in repentance. You’re getting a glimpse of Jesus’ perspective on the importance of repentance.

If you had to suffer all this, you’d change the subject too. You wouldn’t want even one person to lose their soul if you had suffered that much so they could be saved. Be like Jesus and “proclaim this theme: ‘Reform your lives!’ ” (Mt 4:17)

Prayer: Jesus, may Your death never be in vain for anyone. I will spend my life leading others to You and to repentance.

Promise: "He pardons all your iniquities; He heals all your ills." —Ps 103:3

Praise: St. Paul told us "that the Messiah must suffer, and that, as the first to rise from the dead, He will proclaim light to our people and to the Gentiles" (Acts 26:23). Praise Jesus!

(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 February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 2021"

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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JOSEPH: AN UPWARDLY MOBILE MAN - One Bread, One Body, 03/19/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Easter (April-May) English and Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes. For getting extra OBOB books in English, please call (513) 662-5378 and request the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your book request. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Saturday, March 19, 2022, St. Joseph

2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16
Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22
Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29
Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24 or Luke 2:41-51

View Readings

JOSEPH: AN UPWARDLY MOBILE MAN
"[Joseph] did as the angel of the Lord had directed him." —Matthew 1:24

St. Joseph often found himself enmeshed in a series of unexpected circumstances. First, God became Lord of his marriage in a way no man could ever have imagined (Mt 1:18ff). Then, like a common refugee, Joseph was turned away from decent accommodations when he and Mary most needed them: at the moment of Jesus’ birth (Lk 2:7). Next, in the middle of the night, he had to fend off a government-led assassination plot against his infant Foster-Son (Mt 2:13). Three times he had to pack up and move his family on a moment’s notice. Finally, he and Mary had to search in sorrow for three days for Jesus (Lk 2:48).

For the task of safeguarding the Child Jesus, God chose a man who excelled in hearing and obeying: St. Joseph, the man of faith. Joseph must have spent a lot of time on his knees in fervent prayer for help. The circumstances of his life repeatedly taught him instant obedience (e.g. Mt 2:14), which sprang from his instantly hearing God’s commands, which flowed from his constant prayer.

With St. Joseph, let us be upwardly mobile. Let us cultivate the ability to instantly turn to God in prayer, hear His voice, and obey Him in faith. St. Joseph, pray for us.

Prayer: Father, I will trust in You with all my heart and rely not on my own intelligence (Prv 3:5).

Promise: "All depends on faith, everything is grace." —Rm 4:16

Praise: St. Joseph's faith and trust in God were blessed in ways unimaginable: He was chosen to be the spouse of the sinless Virgin Mary and the protector of the Son of God.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(We offer a retreat, April 8-10, entitled Spiritual Warfare: The Battle Belongs to the Lord! Come join with others in standing in the Lord's army. Call (513) 373-2397 or (937) 587-5464 to register or e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 2021"

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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HOPING WHEN LIFE IS THE WORST - One Bread, One Body, 03/18/2022

For a limited time, we have many extra Easter (April-May) English and Spanish OBOB books available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes. For getting extra OBOB books in English, please call (513) 662-5378 and request the number of books you want along with the name and address for sending.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your book request. May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Friday, March 18, 2022, St. Cyril of Jerusalem

Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28
Psalm 105:16-21
Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46
View Readings

HOPING WHEN LIFE IS THE WORST
"The Stone Which the builders rejected has become the Keystone of the structure. It was the Lord Who did this and we find it marvelous to behold." —Matthew 21:42; Psalm 118:22-23

If we repent in our sinfulness, slavery, and misery, the Lord will take the worst in our lives and make it the best. The Lord manifests His almighty power not just by doing great works but by making the greatest miracles out of the worst sins, injustices, and defeats. “God makes all things work together for the good of those who love” Him (Rm 8:28).

Joseph’s brothers decided to murder him. Then they changed their plans from murdering him to starving him and finally to selling him into slavery. The brothers agreed to lie to their father about Joseph’s death and thereby broke their father’s heart (Gn 37:20, 35). This was a gross evil. The Lord turned this to the good by raising up Joseph into one of the most powerful people of the world. He saved the lives of countless thousands of people (including his own family) from starvation. Ironically, Joseph, who was almost left to starve to death, saved many countries from starving to death.

The worst evil ever perpetrated and the focal point of every sin that has ever or will ever be committed is Jesus’ Passion and death. The Lord took this absolute worst to bring about the ultimate best — the salvation of the whole world.

If you are in the worst of times, there may be reason for you to be even more hopeful. “Rejoice in hope” (Rm 12:12).

Prayer: Father, this Lent may hope well up inside me as never before.

Promise: "The king sent and released him, the ruler of the peoples set him free. He made him lord of his house and ruler of all his possessions." —Ps 105:20-21

Praise: St. Cyril of Jerusalem's instructions on the Sacraments are still relevant 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."

"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 February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 2021"

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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THREE HEART MONITORS - One Bread, One Body, 03/17/2022

Thursday, March 17, 2022, St. Patrick

Jeremiah 17:5-10
Psalm 1:1-4, 6
Luke 16:19-31
View Readings

THREE HEART MONITORS
"More tortuous than all else is the human heart, beyond remedy; who can understand it? I, the Lord, alone probe the mind and test the heart." —Jeremiah 17:9-10

Life is a matter of the heart. If we have accepted a new heart from the Lord (Ez 36:26) and live accordingly by loving Him with all our hearts (see Lk 10:27), our lives on earth will be abundant (see Jn 10:10), free, holy, and fulfilled. Then after our deaths or Jesus’ final coming, we will live forever with the Lord in the perfect love of heaven.

If, however, we let our hearts become hardened throughout our lives and stay that way, we will live lives of increasing insensitivity. We will be spiritually blind to the sin in our hearts and the poor in our midst (see Lk 16:20ff). Our hearts can become so hardened that we will not listen to someone raised from the dead (e.g. Jesus Himself) (see Lk 16:31). If we die in this state of hard-heartedness, we will go to a place of everlasting torment (see Lk 16:24) and be separated from God forever by a great chasm (see Lk 16:26).

Because everlasting life and death are matters of the heart, it is of great importance to know our heart condition. On the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent, the catechumens of the world ask the Lord to scrutinize their hearts. Let us all pray these prayers to make sure we are living the life of the new heart.

Prayer: Father, may I get clear readings of my heart from the prayers called the "Scrutinies."

Promise: "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose Hope is the Lord." —Jer 17:7

Praise: St. Patrick so loved those who had kidnapped and enslaved him, he sought to lead them to the Lord.

(For a related teaching on Spiritual Blindness, listen to, download or order our CD 65-1 or DVD 65 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 February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 2021"

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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BITING THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU - One Bread, One Body, 03/16/2022

Wednesday, March 16, 2022,

Jeremiah 18:18-20
Psalm 31:5-6, 14-16
Matthew 20:17-28
View Readings

BITING THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU
"Must good be repaid with evil?" —Jeremiah 18:20

Jeremiah sacrificed and suffered to be a prophet and turn away God’s wrath (Jer 18:20) from “the men of Judah and the citizens of Jerusalem” (Jer 18:11). Although Jeremiah saved many people’s lives, they did not realize this. They hated Jeremiah and plotted to kill him. They reasoned that Jeremiah’s death would not be a loss (Jer 18:18) but their gain. The good Jeremiah had done was “repaid with evil” (Jer 18:20).

We all want to be appreciated. So we are disappointed when we are not thanked. Even more so, when those who have benefited from our good acts repay us by doing evil against us, we are often crushed. At this point we feel like quitting, and we definitely will quit if we are serving the Lord for any other reason than for the Lord alone.

Are you serving the Lord only for the Lord? If not, you will burn out. Love for the Lord is the only motivation which lasts. Thank the Lord when you get nothing out of serving Him but Him. This is our opportunity to love unconditionally as He loves us. This is our opportunity to be crucified with Jesus (Gal 2:19).

Prayer: Father, I accept Your grace to forgive those who have hurt me unjustly.

Promise: "The Son of Man...has come, not to be served by others, but to serve, to give His own life as a ransom for the many." —Mt 20:28

Praise: Praying the Stations of the Cross, Anna's own misery melted as she experienced Jesus' overwhelming sacrificial love for her.

(For a related teaching on Crucified to the World, listen to, download or order our CD 40-A3 or DVD 40-A 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 February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 2021"

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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“BE RECONCILED TO GOD!” (2 Cor 5:20) - One Bread, One Body, 03/15/2022

Tuesday, March 15, 2022,

Isaiah 1:10, 16-20
Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23
Matthew 23:1-12
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"BE RECONCILED TO GOD!" (2 Cor 5:20)
"Come now, let us set things right, says the Lord: though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow." —Isaiah 1:18

The Pharisees and Sadducees had hearts for their own honor (see Mt 23:6). Before Jesus chastised them for their pride, He wept over them, lamenting that in their desire for honors, they had completely missed “the path to peace” (Lk 19:42). Moreover, their pride caused them to be badly misled and fail to understand the power of God (Mk 12:24). God’s plan is to touch the hearts of sinful men and women with self-sacrificing, humble love.

Lent is the season to humble our pride and bow before the Lord. One of the best ways to do this is to make a sincere, truthful Lenten Confession. The Lord Jesus opens His arms wide to embrace His people. Our sins cannot keep His love away; it’s only our stiff-necked pride that keeps Him at arms-length.

Ask the humble Jesus if there is any pride in your heart. Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord (1 Pt 5:6). Confess your sins to Him (Ps 32:5). Receive His forgiveness, love, and peace. “Make things right” (see Is 1:18) and be washed clean.

Prayer: Father, may I make any changes necessary to be reconciled to You before this day is over.

Promise: "Cease doing evil; learn to do good. Make justice your aim." —Is 1:16-17

Praise: Rather than growing bitter over the loss of her husband and children, Theresa began volunteering for her Church family.

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 2021"

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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FORGIVE TO GIVE - One Bread, One Body, 03/14/2022

Monday, March 14, 2022,

Daniel 9:4-10
Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13
Luke 6:36-38
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FORGIVE TO GIVE
"Give, and it shall be given to you." —Luke 6:38

When we give, we open the door to let the Lord lavish His love on us. The Lord desires to bless us “good measure pressed down, shaken together, running over” (Lk 6:38). Yet He does not force His love on us. We must open up to His love. By giving, we tell God how open we are to receiving. “For the measure you measure with will be measured back to you” (Lk 6:38).

Most people think of themselves as “generous,” but this is often not completely accurate. The financial problems of churches and the lack of religious vocations are signs that we have trouble giving. This is to be expected because God’s kind of giving goes against our selfish human nature. When we admit our problems in giving, we can ask God to help us.

Giving is not primarily a matter of finances but often of forgiveness. That’s why the Lord commands us to pardon one another before commanding us to give (Lk 6:37). In the verse recited just before pardoning, Jesus commands us not to judge or condemn others (Lk 6:37). The keys to giving are forgiving and not judging or condemning.

Prayer: Father, may I see reluctance to give freely as a symptom of unforgiveness.

Promise: "...Lord, great and awesome God, You Who keep Your merciful covenant toward those who love You and observe Your commandments!" —Dn 9:4

Praise: Stuart forgave his father for abusing him as a child.

(For a related teaching on Unforgiveness is the Cause, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order our CD 41-1 or DVD 41 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 February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 2021"

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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MOUNTAIN CLIMBING - One Bread, One Body, 03/13/2022

Sunday, March 13, 2022, Second Sunday of Lent

Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18
Philippians 3:17—4:1
Psalm 27:1, 7-9, 13-14
Luke 9:28-36

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MOUNTAIN CLIMBING
Jesus "took Peter, John and James, and went up onto a mountain to pray." —Luke 9:28

On this Second Sunday of Lent, Jesus takes us up Transfiguration Mountain. He has much more to tell us but we cannot bear it now (Jn 16:12). We must “climb the Lord’s mountain...that He may instruct us in His ways, and we may walk in His paths” (Is 2:3). We will see Jesus glorified and hear a voice from the cloud say: “This is My Son, My Chosen One. Listen to Him” (Lk 9:35).

These mountaintop revelations will keep us from despair when the Lord takes us to Calvary to see His quivering body wrenching with pain. The mountain prepares us for the valley, the glory for the suffering. Because of Transfiguration Mountain, when we walk with Him “through a gloomy valley” (Ps 23:4, JB), we will “consider the sufferings of the present to be as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed in us” (Rm 8:18). We will fix our eyes on Jesus (Heb 12:2) and walk on the waters of evil (Mt 14:29). We will not run from the cross but boast of it (Gal 6:14).

After the Transfiguration, we know our citizenship is in heaven, and from there we await Christ’s coming (Phil 3:20). We realize we are in the world but not of it (Jn 17:15-16). We are already seated on Christ’s throne (Eph 2:6) even though our bodies are away from the Lord (2 Cor 5:6).

Prayer: Jesus, may I experience what the apostles did on Transfiguration Mountain. Prepare me for the rest of Lent and life.

Promise: "He will give a new form to this lowly body of ours and remake it according to the pattern of His glorified body." —Phil 3:21

Praise: As we journey through the Lenten desert, we are not abandoned. Lord Jesus, You are the beacon for all who "worship in Spirit and truth" (see Jn 4:24). All praise to You!



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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 February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 2021"

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

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

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“I FIRMLY RESOLVE” - One Bread, One Body, 03/12/2022

Saturday, March 12, 2022,

Deuteronomy 26:16-19
Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8
Matthew 5:43-48
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"I FIRMLY RESOLVE"
"Oh, that I might be firm in the ways of keeping Your statutes!" —Psalm 119:5

Is your Ash Wednesday Lenten resolve still firm or are temptations wearing down your self-denial? Our weak flesh is vulnerable to the relentless pressures of temptation. We desire to do what is right, but we don’t have the power (see Rm 7:18). Our old, sinful nature rebels against our new, redeemed nature. There’s a civil war raging inside us (see Jas 4:1). What wretches we are! (Rm 7:24) “Who can free” us? (Rm 7:24)

Jesus has set us free (Jn 8:36). He freed us for lifelong liberty (Gal 5:1). He shattered the bonds of sin that held us bound, and gave us new life and risen power (Col 2:13-14). Praise Jesus!

Yet we still live in human bodies and are weak flesh. We live a risen life (Col 3:1), yet we are subject to temptation, just as Jesus was (Mt 4:1ff; Heb 4:15). With the psalmist, we pray to be firm in resisting temptation (Ps 119:5, 11). We must ask Jesus to “increase our faith” (Lk 17:5), for unless our faith is firm, we will not be firm (Is 7:9).

Jesus “is able to help those who are tempted” (Heb 2:18). Ask Him to immerse you in the Holy Spirit (Jn 7:37-39), Who fights against the temptations of the flesh (Gal 5:17). “My point is that you should live in accord with the Spirit and you will not yield to the cravings of the flesh” (Gal 5:16). “So stand firm, and do not take on yourselves the yoke of slavery a second time!” (Gal 5:1)

Prayer: Father, "I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more, and to avoid the near occasion of sin."

Promise: "You will be a people sacred to the Lord, your God, as He promised." —Dt 26:19

Praise: While job hunting, Peter turned down job offers that would have presented temptations to him.

(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 February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 2021"

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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