YEARN TO KNOW GOD - One Bread, One Body, 07/01/2022

Friday, July 1, 2022, St. Junipero Serra

Amos 8:4-6, 9-12
Psalm 119:2, 10, 20, 30, 40, 131
Matthew 9:9-13
View Readings

YEARN TO KNOW GOD
"I gasp with open mouth in my yearning for Your commands." —Psalm 119:131

During Mass, are we concentrating on the next sale at work or the ballgame that evening? (see Am 8:5) Amos urges us to listen intently to the Word of God, for a time is coming when there will be a famine for hearing the Word of God (Am 8:11). Those who live in countries where they are persecuted for their faith in God understand all too well the spiritual starvation in such a famine.

We must work at listening to God. Listening to the Lord sacrificially is a good thing. Still, God wants more from us than sacrifices (Mt 9:9, 13; 1 Sm 15:22). We are His beloved. He wants a more intimate relationship with us. For if we sacrifice for God, yet have not love, we gain nothing (1 Cor 13:3).

God wants us to yearn for His Word (Ps 119:131) with a yearning far deeper than that of a beloved longing to hear from a separated lover. The Lord wants us to listen to His Word and “long for” it (Ps 119:40), so we may not just know what is good, but also listen so as to know Him (Phil 3:8-10) and to love Him with our all (Lk 10:27). Our sacrificial service to Him and others will then flow out of a response to His amazing love. With the psalmist, tell God: “My soul is consumed with longing for Your ordinances at all times” (Ps 119:20). Yearn for His commands (Ps 119:131).

Prayer: "Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening" (1 Sm 3:9).

Promise: "I have come to call, not the self-righteous, but sinners." —Mt 9:13

Praise: St. Junipero spent thirty-four years building up the Church in California.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(For a related teaching on Hearing God, 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 June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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STRETCHER-BEARERS - One Bread, One Body, 06/30/2022

Thursday, June 30, 2022, First Martyrs of Rome

Amos 7:10-17
Psalm 19:8-11
Matthew 9:1-8
View Readings

STRETCHER-BEARERS
"There the people at once brought to Him a paralyzed man lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith..." —Matthew 9:2

Some “stretcher-bearers” carried to Jesus a paralytic lying on a mat. When Jesus saw the faith of the stretcher-bearers, He said to the paralyzed man, “Have courage, son, your sins are forgiven” (Mt 9:2). 
Jesus cannot resist a prayer that comes to Him in faith (see Mt 8:10-13; 15:27-28). Today’s Gospel does not even record any words of the stretcher-bearers. They simply carried the paralytic to Jesus. However, the text of this passage records that what triggered Jesus’ healing action was the moment when He saw the faith of the stretcher-bearers (Mt 9:2). Then Jesus exceeded the faith of the stretcher-bearers. He not only healed the paralytic, but even forgave the man’s sins! (Mt 9:2) Jesus does far more than we ask Him (Eph 3:20). 
Perhaps you struggle in speaking or writing. You can still bring people to Jesus, like today’s stretcher-bearers. You may need to break through walls, or even roofs (Mk 2:4; Lk 5:19). But do not lose heart. Keep bringing people who are spiritually or physically paralyzed to Jesus in prayer. Bring your loved ones to Jesus. Find other stretcher-bearers with whom you can carry people to Jesus. Bring them in (see Lk 14:23).

Prayer: Jesus, like St, Andrew, may I spend the rest of my life bringing people to You (Jn 1:40-42; 6:8-9; 12:21-22).

Promise: "The command of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye." —Ps 19:9

Praise: Roman Emperors from Nero to Diocletian brashly tried to snuff out Christianity. Through the power of Jesus' Resurrection, the First Martyrs of Rome proved "God's folly is wiser than men" (1 Cor 1:25).

(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 June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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TWO FOR YOU - One Bread, One Body, 06/29/2022

Wednesday, June 29, 2022, Sts. Peter & Paul

Acts 12:1-11
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18
Psalm 34:2-9
Matthew 16:13-19

View Readings

TWO FOR YOU
The Lord "delivered me from all my fears." —Psalm 34:5

St. Peter was in prison, perhaps a day away from death. God sent an angel to miraculously rescue Peter (Acts 12:7ff). St. Paul likewise faced imminent death, but the Lord rescued him from the lion’s jaws, perhaps literally (2 Tm 4:17). The early Christians were frequently martyred by being thrown to hungry lions. 
On these above occasions, the Lord rescued Sts. Peter and Paul from death. However, both of them were eventually martyred for their faith, proving their sincere devotion to the Lord Jesus, witnessing to Him with their very lives. Peter and Paul represent the universal Church which testifies to the entire world, Jew and Gentile, about the victory of Jesus Christ, Head of the Church (Col 1:18). They trusted God with their lives and bore enduring fruit for the glory of God (Jn 15:8, 16). 
Are you afraid to “proclaim the Kingdom of God”? (Lk 9:60)Are you afraid to be a fisher of men and women? (Lk 5:10) Take courage from the example of these two great saints. Boldly witness to Jesus Christ and lay down your life for the glory of God and the furthering of His Kingdom.

Prayer: "I wish to know Christ and the power flowing from His resurrection; likewise to know how to share in His sufferings by being formed into the pattern of His death" (Phil 3:10).

Promise: "I will entrust to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven." —Mt 16:19

Praise: "He Who worked through Peter as His apostle among the Jews had been at work in me for the Gentiles" (Gal 2:8). Father, thank You for the unique ministries of Sts. Peter & Paul.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(For a related teaching on The Church in God's Plan, listen to, download or order our CD 67-3 or DVD 67 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 June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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APPOINTMENT WITH GOD - One Bread, One Body, 06/28/2022

Tuesday, June 28, 2022, St. Irenaeus

Amos 3:1-8; 4:11-12
Psalm 5:4-8
Matthew 8:23-27
View Readings

APPOINTMENT WITH GOD
"Prepare to meet your God." —Amos 4:12

Will we meet God as Judge or as Savior? This question illustrates why it is so critical to prepare to meet God (Am 4:12). The heavenly Father has tirelessly sent messengers, prophets, and teachers to “make straight His paths” into the hearts of all people (see Mt 3:3). God tells His prophets everything so that they might better prepare our hearts (Am 3:7). God has revealed everything necessary for our meeting with Him.
So will we be ready for the meeting with God? Will we have listened? Jesus says that if we don’t listen to His prophets, even a meeting with a person risen from the dead will not touch our hearts (Lk 16:31). 
How have you prepared for other important meetings, such as a job interview? Did you dress properly for the occasion? Have you ever prepared for an important date, or a formal dance? You made sure that you looked your very best. Jesus told a parable about someone who did not prepare to meet God (Mt 22:1-14). A man was not properly dressed for the wedding feast of the King. Others declined the chance to meet the King, and didn’t even bother to attend. 
Have you prepared to meet your God? Each day of your life is a day to prepare for meeting Him. Cleanse your soul to be its best by repenting and taking part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Make straight God’s path to your soul (Lk 3:4).

Prayer: Lord, give me an intense desire to meet You every day in the Mass, the Sacraments, and the Scriptures.

Promise: Jesus "stood up and took the winds and the sea to task. Complete calm ensued." —Mt 8:26

Praise: St. Irenaeus battled heresy without compromise. He gave us a magnificent summary of the Gospel: "What was lost in Adam is regained in Christ" (cf 1 Cor 15:22).

(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 June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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GOING HOME IS FOR THE HOMELESS - One Bread, One Body, 06/27/2022

Monday, June 27, 2022, St. Cyril of Alexandria

Amos 2:6-10, 13-16
Psalm 50:16-23
Matthew 8:18-22
View Readings

GOING HOME IS FOR THE HOMELESS
"The Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." —Matthew 8:20

Everyone needs a place to call home. “Life’s prime needs are water, bread, and clothing, a house, too, for decent privacy” (Sir 29:21). We all need a place to rest our heads. Having a home is a basic human need.
This fact helps us recognize the radicalness of Jesus’ proclamation to His disciples: “The foxes have lairs, the birds in the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head” (Mt 8:20). Jesus calls His disciples to live not only on the edge but over the edge. He calls us to be radical witnesses to the fact that our home is in heaven and we can be nothing other than aliens on earth (see 1 Pt 2:11). In this spirit, St. Paul, in contrast with Sirach, did not mention a home as a basic need. He told St. Timothy and all of us: “If we have food and clothing we have all that we need” (1 Tm 6:8).
Yes, we all need a home and a place to rest our heads, but this home and this place are not on earth but in heaven (see Heb 4:1ff). The writer of Hebrews teaches all disciples of Jesus: “By acknowledging themselves to be strangers and foreigners on the earth, they showed that they were seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking back to the place from which they had come, they would have had the opportunity of returning there. But they were searching for a better, a heavenly home” (Heb 11:13-16). Some of Jesus’ disciples are called to be homeless in a radical, prophetic way. Others must detach themselves from their home. Renounce your earthly home (Lk 14:33). Then you can go home.

Prayer: Father, may Your Word be my home (see Jn 8:31, RSV-CE).

Promise: "Teacher, wherever You go I will come after You." —Mt 8:19

Praise: St. Cyril was a key figure at the Council of Ephesus. He defended the doctrine that Jesus Christ is true God and true man, which had been under heretical attack. By God's grace, Cyril's faithfulness led many back home to their Father.



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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 June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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PLOW-SHARE - One Bread, One Body, 06/26/2022

Sunday, June 26, 2022, 13th Sunday Ordinary Time

1 Kings 19:16, 19-21
Galatians 5:1, 13-18
Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11
Luke 9:51-62

View Readings

PLOW-SHARE
"Elijah set out, and came upon Elisha, son of Shaphat, as he was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen." —1 Kings 19:19

Elijah called Elisha to become his disciple while Elisha was plowing. This is not an insignificant detail. When Jesus called one of His disciples, He spoke of discipleship as putting one’s hands to the plow (Lk 9:62). Being a disciple is like plowing. Disciples have the power to break up hard ground and hard hearts in a hard, hardened, and hardening world. Without the disciples’ plowing, there won’t be much of a harvest, no matter how much seed is sown and no matter how much work is done.
Jesus, before His Ascension, commanded us to make disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19). This entire world needs to be plowed and then sown and harvested. We will never win the world for Christ until we plow the world for Christ. Therefore, Jesus’ disciples must start plowing and keep plowing without looking back, or they are unfit for the kingdom of God (Lk 9:62).
Plowing is hard work with hard ground, and the first field we must plow is the field of our own hardened hearts. Repent and plow! Prophesy and plow! Pray, preach, and plow! Work, suffer, and plow! Love, die, and plow! Be a disciple; make disciples; plow!

Prayer: Father, as the sweat pours down my brow, may I plow and keep my eyes straight ahead, focused on You.

Promise: "The flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh; the two are directly opposed." —Gal 5:17

Praise: "They killed Him, finally, hanging Him on a tree, only to have God raise Him up on the third day and grant that He be seen" (Acts 10:40). Praise the risen Jesus!

(For a related teaching on Making Disciples in a Culture of Death, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order our CD 97-1 and CD 97-3 or DVD 97 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 June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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HEAR YE! - One Bread, One Body, 06/25/2022

Saturday, June 25, 2022, Immaculate Heart of Mary

Lamentations 2:2, 10-14, 18-19
Psalm 74:1-7, 20-21
Matthew 8:5-17
or Luke 2:41-51
View Readings

HEAR YE!
"They did not lay bare your guilt, to avert your fate." —Lamentations 2:14

Solomon built a temple in Jerusalem as a dwelling place for the Lord.  “The Lord’s glory filled the house of God” (2 Chr 5:14). During the next three-hundred years, Jerusalem was miraculously spared from attack on several occasions (e.g. 2 Kgs 19:35).
Gradually the people grew complacent and neglected the Lord’s commands, falling into lifestyles of sin and injustice. Many so-called prophets of the time fueled this lax attitude with “false and specious visions” and “misleading portents” (Lam 2:14). They falsely predicted divine protection rather than judgment and accountability for sin. In 587 B.C., the unthinkable occurred. Babylon besieged Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple, and the Lord did not intervene (2 Chr 36:19). The inhabitants of Jerusalem were killed or exiled. The temple was gone, and so, seemingly, was the Lord. All was unexpectedly lost (see Prv 29:1).
We want to hear about hope and security, but we also need to hear about our guilt (Lam 2:14). We must never grow weary of hearing about our propensity to sin and to backslide. “The things that happened to” the people of Jerusalem “serve as an example...as a warning to us” (1 Cor 10:11). Therefore, “let anyone who thinks he is standing upright watch out lest he fall!” (1 Cor 10:12) The sins of complacency and presumption lead straight to the shock of hell. Repent! Live in the fear of the Lord (Prv 9:10).

Prayer: Jesus, may You find faith in me (Mt 8:10), not smugness.

Promise: "To the centurion Jesus said, 'Go home. It shall be done because you trusted.' " —Mt 8:13

Praise: Tim overcame temptations to acts of sexual impurity by praying daily devotions to Mary's Immaculate Heart.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(The 40 days of Discipleship Retreats are full of foundational teachings to help you be a true disciple of Christ. See www.presentationministries.com for details. Come for three or 40 days.)

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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 June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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EMBRACE HIS HEART - One Bread, One Body, 06/24/2022

Friday, June 24, 2022, Sacred Heart of Jesus

Ezekiel 34:11-16
Romans 5:5-11
Psalm 23:1-6
Luke 15:3-7

View Readings

EMBRACE HIS HEART
"Who among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wasteland and follow the lost one until he finds it?" —Luke 15:4

Jesus thinks of salvation in terms of individual people. His heart literally bleeds for lost, hurting people in need of a Savior. This reveals the love within the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He cannot hold Himself back from saving us. He greatly desires to save us (see 1 Tm 2:4). He must pursue us (see Lk 15:4), just like a parent who pursues his or her little child to rescue them from danger.

Jesus gives us His gentle, humble heart (Mt 11:29). In some images of the Sacred Heart, Jesus is holding His heart outside His body, offering it to us. He allowed His Sacred Heart to be pierced by a lance for us (Jn 19:34ff).

Jesus exposes His heart to us, all the while knowing we might reject or ignore His love. But on the chance that we might return His love, Jesus takes this risk. So “the love of God has been poured out in our hearts” from His Sacred Heart (Rm 5:5). What wondrous love is this!

Give Jesus what He thirsts for (Jn 19:28) — your heart of love for Him.

Prayer: "Sacred Heart of Jesus, we Thee implore, make us love Thee more and more."

Promise: "This hope will not leave us disappointed, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us." —Rm 5:5

Praise: "Take My yoke upon your shoulders and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your souls will find rest" (Mt 11:29). Lord Jesus, Your Sacred Heart is my sanctuary.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(For a related teaching on Sacred Heart, listen to, download or order our CD 19-1 or DVD 19 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 June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND DEATHDAY - One Bread, One Body, 06/23/2022

Thursday, June 23, 2022, Birth of St. John the Baptizer

Isaiah 49:1-6
Acts 13:22-26
Psalm 139:1-3, 13-15
Luke 1:57-66, 80

View Readings

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND DEATHDAY
"She gave birth to a son." —Luke 1:57

The birthday of St. John the Baptizer is halfway between Christmases. Are you ready for Christmas? Today Jesus may come back and the world may end. Are you ready for Jesus’ final coming? (see Mt 24:44)  If Jesus decided to make this your dying day, would that be fine with you?

Many people, even Christians, are not ready for Christ’s comings at Christmas, at the end of the world, or at their deaths. They need John the Baptizer, for his mission is to prepare the way of the Lord (Mk 1:3). He does this by calling us to repentance (Acts 13:24; Mk 1:4). He also turns “the hearts of fathers to their children and the rebellious to the wisdom of the just, and to prepare for the Lord a people well-disposed” (Lk 1:17). In these ways, John prepares us for the Lord’s coming at any time or in any way.

On this birthday, get ready for your deathday, last day, and Christmas day. Respond to John’s prophetic message by repenting, forgiving, and changing your lifestyle.

Prayer: Father, I will confess my sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation as soon as possible. St. John the Baptizer, pray for me.

Promise: "Though I thought I had toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength, yet my reward is with the Lord." —Is 49:4

Praise: "I solemnly assure you, history has not known a man born of woman greater than John the Baptizer. Yet the least born into the kingdom of God is greater than he" (Mt 11:11). Father, thank You for adopting us into Your family.

(To make it a Christmas of a lifetime, read the Bible daily. For encouragement, listen to, download or order Ignorance of Scriptures is Ignorance of Christ on CD 82-1 or DVD 82, How to Pray the Bible on CD 82-3 or DVD 82 or How to Read the Bible on CD 46-3 or DVD 46 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 June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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FRUIT INSPECTION - One Bread, One Body, 06/22/2022

Wednesday, June 22, 2022, St. Paulinus of Nola
Sts. John Fisher & Thomas More

2 Kings 22:8-13; 23:1-3
Psalm 119:33-37, 40
Matthew 7:15-20
View Readings

FRUIT INSPECTION
"Any sound tree bears good fruit, while a decayed tree bears bad fruit." —Matthew 7:17

This week we conclude three weeks of reading and praying the Sermon on the Mount. The world, even much of the Christian world, explicitly denies Jesus’ commands in the Sermon on the Mount. For example, our society believes in a pleasure-seeking lifestyle, not in voluntary poverty (Mt 5:3). We aren’t nearly as concerned as Jesus about looking lustfully at someone (Mt 5:28). How could we stockpile nuclear weapons if we were concerned with loving our enemies? (Mt 5:44) Most people don’t believe in the Sermon on the Mount. Who’s right — Jesus or our society?

Jesus said: “You will know them by their deeds” (Mt 7:16). “You can tell a tree by its fruit” (Mt 7:20). The fruit of not living God’s way is broken lives, broken marriages, and broken hearts, a world overshadowed by the mushroom cloud of nuclear war, a lifestyle that enslaves, and sexual bondage rather than true love. By its fruits, we know our society is wrong, and Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount were right all along.

Prayer: Father, may I take the Sermon on the Mount as seriously as Jesus did.

Promise: "The King made a covenant before the Lord that they would follow Him and observe His ordinances, statutes and decrees with their whole hearts and souls, thus reviving the terms of the covenant which were written in this book." —2 Kgs 23:3

Praise: St. Paulinus was wealthy and held various public offices. While serving as a provincial governor, he observed faithful devotion at the shrine of St. Felix. His conversion soon followed.

(On July 8-10, we offer a retreat Who am I in Christ which will put your heart at peace as you discover your true identity as a child of God. Call 513-373-2397 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 June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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FROM DREAD TO SPREAD - One Bread, One Body, 06/21/2022

Tuesday, June 21, 2022, St. Aloysius Gonzaga

2 Kings 19:9-11, 14-21, 31-36
Psalm 48:2-4, 10-11
Matthew 7:6, 12-14
View Readings

FROM DREAD TO SPREAD
"Hezekiah took the letter...then he went up to the temple of the Lord, and spreading it out before Him, He prayed in the Lord's presence." —2 Kings 19:14

Sennacherib, king of Assyria, trusted in earthly power and particularly in his strong army of 185,000 soldiers (2 Kgs 19:9ff, 35). Hezekiah, king of Judah, trusted in the power and protection of God (2 Kgs 19:14-19). Hezekiah spread out his problems before the Lord and surrendered all to the mercy of God (2 Kgs 19:14ff). Many kings of Judah did not trust God as did Hezekiah. King Hezekiah entered “through the narrow gate,” as Jesus commands in today’s Gospel reading (see Mt 7:13). Then God answered Hezekiah, saying “I have listened” (2 Kgs 19:20). The Lord, acting in mighty power, rescued the people of Jerusalem from destruction (2 Kgs 19:35-36).

Jesus says: “Come to Me” (Mt 11:28). Hezekiah did this, bringing it all to the altar of God and trusting in His providence (2 Kgs 19:14). He prefigured Jesus in the garden, asking for God’s will to be done rather than his own (see Mt 26:39). He withheld nothing from the Lord, and his trust was repaid.

Can you do as did King Hezekiah? Write down your problems on paper. Bring that paper to the Lord and spread it out before Him. Pray to God with Hezekiah and all the holy ones throughout the ages. “Trust in Him at all times” (Ps 62:9).

Prayer: Father, may I be far more confident in You than in all the forces of this world.

Promise: "Great is the Lord and wholly to be praised in the city of our God." —Ps 48:2

Praise: St. Aloysius disliked the royal courts of his youth and preferred to read the lives of the saints. He died at the age of 23 after caring for plague victims in Rome.

(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 June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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 CULT OF SECULAR HUMANISM - One Bread, One Body, 06/20/2022

Monday, June 20, 2022,

2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15, 18
Psalm 60:3-5, 12-13
Matthew 7:1-5
View Readings

THE CULT OF SECULAR HUMANISM
"...because they venerated other gods." —2 Kings 17:7

When we read in the Bible about false gods, we picture weird-looking statues in a strange temple filled with crazed, demon-possessed fanatics. False gods don’t necessarily have anything to do with statues, temples, or foreign cultures. For example, secular humanism is a religion that bows down before the god of self. There is no emphasis on statues or temples. The people involved in this religion do not appear primitive, but sophisticated.

Secular humanism adores a variety of gods: the gods of sex, pleasure, money, lifestyle, military or political power, scientific technology, capitalism, and communism. Some secular humanists are atheists, while others acknowledge the existence of the true God. Nevertheless, for practical purposes, all secular humanists put man first and therefore put man in the place of God.

It’s so easy to get involved in the cult of secular humanism. If we get caught up in it, we will go the way of all who worship false gods. We will be manipulated by Satan, become as perverse and empty as the gods we worship (Ps 115:8), and perish. The Lord is patient and merciful (see Ps 103:8). He’s giving us a chance to repent and get the plank out of our eyes (Mt 7:5). However, we have already missed countless opportunities to repent. Time eventually runs out. Repent now (see Mk 1:15).

Prayer: Jesus, I repent of idolatry and being involved with the cult of secular humanism. I give my life to You and acknowledge You as Lord and God.

Promise: "Your verdict on others will be the verdict passed on you. The measure with which you measure will be used to measure you." —Mt 7:2

Praise: "For lowly people You save but haughty eyes You bring low; You indeed, O Lord, give light to my lamp; O my God, You brighten the darkness about me" (Ps 18:28-29).



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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 June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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“A LIVING SACRIFICE” (Rm 12:1) - One Bread, One Body, 06/19/2022

Sunday, June 19, 2022, Body and Blood of Christ
(Corpus Christi)

Genesis 14:18-20
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Psalm 110:1-4
Luke 9:11-17

View Readings

"A LIVING SACRIFICE" (Rm 12:1)
"This is My body, which is for you." —1 Corinthians 11:24

The Mass makes present the once-and-for-all sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Therefore, to enter into the spirit of the Mass, we must “proclaim the death of the Lord” (1 Cor 11:26) and offer our bodies to the Lord as living sacrifices (Rm 12:1). The spirit of the Mass is the spirit of sacrifice. Thus it is important to fast before Mass, deny ourselves, and take up our crosses each day (Lk 9:23) with the intention of uniting ourselves to Jesus crucified (see Gal 2:19) and sacrificed (see Heb 9:26). Through our “good deeds and generosity” (Heb 13:16), we make sacrifices pleasing to the Lord. We can unite these sacrifices with Jesus’ sacrifice on Calvary and fill up in our own bodies what is lacking in the “sufferings of Christ” (Col 1:24).

The Holy Mass is not the proclamation and perpetuation of our sacrifices but rather of His sacrifice. However, the Mass is the participation of our sacrifices in His. Live the Mass. Live a life of sacrifice. Through Jesus, “let us continually offer God a sacrifice of praise” (Heb 13:15).

Prayer: Father, do a miracle of multiplication in today's Mass (see Lk 9:16ff).

Promise: "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me." —1 Cor 11:25

Praise: "Now, since the children are men of blood and flesh, Jesus likewise had a full share in ours, that by His death he might rob the devil, the prince of death, of his power" (Heb 2:14). Glorified Jesus, You become truly present in Holy Communion. We humbly adore You.

(For a related teaching on This Is My Body, view, download or order our booklet on our website.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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PROSPERITY - One Bread, One Body, 06/18/2022

Saturday, June 18, 2022,

2 Chronicles 24:17-25
Psalm 89:4-5, 29-34
Matthew 6:24-34
View Readings

PROSPERITY
"God says, 'Why are you transgressing the Lord's commands, so that you cannot prosper?' " —2 Chronicles 24:20

When we disobey God, we not only do not prosper, we cannot prosper. We may look like we’re prospering, but looks are deceiving. How many superstars and celebrities are deeply depressed and suicidal? When we disobey God, even “sure things” don’t work. A few Arameans came against King Joash’s troops. Joash couldn’t lose, but he did. “The Lord surrendered a very large force” into the Arameans’ power (2 Chr 24:24). When we disobey God, we feel compelled to worry about even simple things like food, drink, and clothes (Mt 6:31). Even if we have what we need, we do not prosper because we constantly worry. “The unbelievers are always running after these things” (Mt 6:32).

Disobedience is not freedom, but misery. “Doing our own thing” is not prosperity, but problems. We were enslaved by disobedience, but saved by obedience (Rm 5:19). If we try taking control and gain our lives, we lose them (Lk 9:24). If we submit to the Lord in obedience, we gain our lives. “Seek first His kingship over you, His way of holiness, and all these things will be given you besides” (Mt 6:33). Obey King Jesus (see Rv 19:16).

Prayer: Father, may I delight in obeying Your commands (Ps 112:1).

Promise: "Enough, then, of worrying about tomorrow. Let tomorrow take care of itself." —Mt 6:34

Praise: Joseph repented of listening to too many radio talk shows and decided to return to his first Love (Rv 2:4).

(For a related teaching on The Bible on Money, view, download or order our booklet on our website.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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OPPRESSED NO MORE - One Bread, One Body, 06/17/2022

Friday, June 17, 2022,

2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18, 20
Psalm 132:11-14, 17-18
Matthew 6:19-23
View Readings

OPPRESSED NO MORE
"All the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet, now that Athaliah had been slain with the sword at the royal palace." —2 Kings 11:20

Athaliah, the queen mother, violently oppressed God’s people for seven years. They were freed from her oppressive, idolatrous regime by:

• the courage of Jehosheba, who risked her life to save the life of baby Joash, the future king (2 Kgs 11:2),
• the wise and strong leadership of Jehoiada, the priest (2 Kgs 11:4ff), and
• the submission of the captains and the guards to Jehoiada’s authority (2 Kgs 11:4ff).

The Church today throughout much of the world is oppressed. The Church is often decimated, impoverished, marginalized, and insulted. We can throw off this oppression if we have:

• the courage to fast and pray (see Gospel of Life, Pope St. John Paul II, 100; cf Mk 9:29, RSV-CE),
• the love and unselfishness to lay down our lives in leadership, and
• the humility to submit to God-given authority.

When our own obedience is complete, we have the power to bring down the strongholds, sophistries, and proud pretensions that raise themselves “against the knowledge of God; we likewise bring every thought into captivity to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Cor 10:5). A disobedient people are oppressed and oppressive. An obedient people are free. Obey the Lord.

Prayer: Father, may I obey my way into freedom.

Promise: "Remember, where your treasure is, there your heart is also." —Mt 6:21

Praise: The Holy Spirit prompted Therese to share her faith with a woman who eventually became a state representative and sponsored pro-life legislation.



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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 June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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ABBA - One Bread, One Body, 06/16/2022

Thursday, June 16, 2022,

Sirach 48:1-14
Psalm 97:1-7
Matthew 6:7-15
View Readings

ABBA
"Our Father..." —Matthew 6:9

“The expression ‘God the Father’ had never been revealed to anyone” before Jesus taught us to pray “Our Father” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2779). When Jesus taught His disciples to pray the Our Father, He used a word for Father, “Abba,” that can be translated as “Daddy.” Addressing God as Father only occurs a very few times in the Old Testament (e.g. Is 64:7). So those who originally heard Jesus teach them the Our Father must have been shocked. Even today, many wounded people admit that they cannot relate to God as gentle and loving because they did not receive tender, merciful love from their own earthly fathers. Accordingly, they perceive God as distant and uncaring.

Nonetheless, Jesus reveals God as “Our Father.” He wants to bring people to a proper relationship with the Father. Jesus reveals to us: “Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him” (Mt 6:8). Jesus teaches us to call God “Our Father” (Mt 6:9), Who is such a loving Father and Provider. “God loves His people more than a bridegroom his beloved” (Catechism, 219).

Can you believe that your Father in heaven loves you so much that He would send His only begotten Son to die for your salvation? (Jn 3:16-17) Surrender your life to God the Father. Love Him with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind (Lk 10:27).

Prayer: Holy Spirit, cry out in my heart "Abba, Father" (see Gal 4:6; Rm 8:15).

Promise: "If you forgive the faults of others, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours. If you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive you." —Mt 6:14-15

Praise: Stan kept witnessing to Holly, a hardhearted teen, although she showed no sign of a change of heart. Holly is now in full-time ministry for Jesus.

(Esta enseñanza fue presentada por un miembro del equipo editorial).
(On July 6-8, we offer a retreat focused on the Sacraments and the power available to you through them. Call 513-373-2397 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 June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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RELAY RACE - One Bread, One Body, 06/15/2022

Wednesday, June 15, 2022,

2 Kings 2:1, 6-14
Psalm 31:20-21, 24
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
View Readings

RELAY RACE
"He picked up Elijah's mantle." —2 Kings 2:13

Elijah passed on his mission, ministry, and power to Elisha. Do you have a mission to pass on? Do you know your mission? If you are doing something of long-term significance for the Lord, you need to disciple others to carry on that mission. In this way, the Church may be built up as an ever more effective instrument of establishing God’s kingdom on earth.

To build the Church and to leave behind us a great spiritual legacy, we must:

1)      be doing something of long-term significance, that is, doing God’s will for our lives,

2)      seek God’s will about those He has chosen to carry on the mission after we leave this earth,

3)      specifically encourage these people to move forward in this mission as disciples of Jesus (1 Kgs 19:19ff), and

4)      pray with others in the Christian community for those who have accepted God’s call. Pray that they receive a “double portion” of the Spirit (see 2 Kgs 2:9).

If we do these simple things, we serve as witnesses to strengthen our families, parishes, seminaries and convents in their commitment to the Lord. Make disciples (Mt 28:19) now and for the future.

Prayer: Father may much of my work be continuing when Jesus returns.

Promise: "In that way no one can see you are fasting but your Father Who is hidden; and your Father Who sees what is hidden will repay you." —Mt 6:18

Praise: Jesus healed Rhonda, a young girl with a bleeding ulcer, through the reception of the Eucharist, and through the prayers of those who brought Holy Communion to her home.



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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 June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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WITH ENEMIES LIKE THIS, WHO NEEDS FRIENDS? - One Bread, One Body, 06/14/2022

Tuesday, June 14, 2022,

1 Kings 21:17-29
Psalm 51:3-6, 11, 16
Matthew 5:43-48
View Readings

WITH ENEMIES LIKE THIS, WHO NEEDS FRIENDS?
"'...my enemy,' Ahab said to Elijah." —1 Kings 21:20

How good to have an enemy like Elijah the prophet! Elijah prophesied to his enemy, Ahab (1 Kgs 21:19ff). Those prophetic words cut to Ahab’s heart and led him to repentance and fasting (1 Kgs 21:27). Ahab’s heartfelt reaction to the prophecy of his enemy even spared him from destruction during his lifetime (1 Kgs 21:29). “For if a man meets his enemy, does he send him away unharmed?” (1 Sm 24:20) Or does a man send his enemy away blessed, prayed for, and enriched? Elijah, the enemy, sent Ahab home repentant and spared from destruction.

The litmus test of a Christian is to love one’s enemies (Mt 5:44). “This will prove that you are [children] of your heavenly Father” (Mt 5:45). Even should our enemies persecute us, we are called to imitate Jesus by forgiving them and praying for them. Finally, we lay down our life for our enemies out of love. Acting in this way leads us to be “made perfect,” as our heavenly Father is perfect (Mt 5:48).

Take a moment and think of two people who have hurt you the most. Beg God for the extraordinary grace required to love these two people. With Jesus, say: “Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing” (Lk 23:34). Repent of any hatred of enemies.

Prayer: Father, may I treat my enemies as Jesus did: praying for them, forgiving them, and laying down my life for them (Rm 5:8, 10).

Promise: You must be made perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect." —Mt 5:48

Praise: When Patricia allowed the Holy Spirit to be stirred into flame in her life, she experienced Jesus' promise of true life in abundance (Jn 10:10).

(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 June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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A HEAVENLY PERSPECTIVE - One Bread, One Body, 06/13/2022

Monday, June 13, 2022, St. Anthony of Padua

1 Kings 21:1-16
Psalm 5:2-7
Matthew 5:38-42
View Readings

A HEAVENLY PERSPECTIVE
"On hearing that Naboth was dead, Ahab started off on his way down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it." —1 Kings 21:16

This life is not the final word. God’s justice prevails, even though it might not occur in this earthly life. Otherwise, it’s hard to make sense of the Scripture readings for today’s Mass.

If we live as if this earthly life is all there is, then it’s easy to get downhearted about the senseless death of Naboth (1 Kgs 21:7-13). Likewise, with only an earthly perspective, it’s easy to scoff at the commands of Jesus in today’s Gospel reading to turn the other cheek, not resist injury, and go the extra mile for those who persecute us (Mt 5:38-42). However, our citizenship is in heaven (Phil 3:20). Jesus declared that His kingdom was not of this world (Jn 18:36). We are called to see everything from a heavenly perspective (Col 3:1-2).

If it’s hard to see the heavenly wisdom of today’s readings, perhaps we are focusing too much attention on this world, and  spending too little on the kingdom of God. To spend more time rooted in heaven, go to Mass daily, or as often as possible. The Holy Mass is the wedding of heaven and earth in the person of Christ (see Rv 19:7; 21:9). Seek first the kingdom of God, and the Lord will take care of your needs (Mt 6:33). “Store up heavenly treasure” (Mt 6:20), and your heart will be focused upon heaven (Lk 12:34).

Prayer: "Our Father, Who art in heaven..." (see Mt 6:9).

Promise: "Heed my call for help, my King and my God!" —Ps 5:3

Praise: St. Anthony's first few years as a Franciscan friar were spent in humble and quiet works of service. At an ordination he attended, no one had prepared a homily because of a misunderstanding. The Superior turned to Anthony, who was nearby, and told him: "Say whatever the Holy Spirit inspires you to say." Anthony delivered a powerful sermon, and was then commissioned to a ministry of public preaching, which resulted in many thousands of conversions.

(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 June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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LOVE TIMES THREE - One Bread, One Body, 06/12/2022

Sunday, June 12, 2022, Trinity Sunday

Proverbs 8:22-31
Romans 5:1-5
Psalm 8:4-9
John 16:12-15

View Readings

LOVE TIMES THREE
"When He established the heavens, I was there." ––Proverbs 8:27

Where is the word Trinity in the Bible? You won’t find it! The Trinity is a mystery revealed by God and handed on to us through Sacred Tradition (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, 78, 234).

Jesus provides trinitarian clues in the Bible. “If you love Me and obey the commands I give you, I will ask the Father and He will give you another Paraclete — to be with you always: the Spirit of truth, Whom the world cannot accept, since it neither sees Him nor recognizes Him; but you can recognize Him, because He remains with you and will be within you” (Jn 14:15-17).

God is one essence in three Persons. The greatest minds in the history of the Church have wrestled with understanding the Trinity. We’ll never be able to fully grasp this divine truth. But as beloved children of the Father (1 Jn 3:2), our starting point is trust. Let the Lord speak to your heart; focus on the relationships. God is eternal community. Love best illuminates the nature of the Trinity (see 1 Jn 4:8, 16).

God the Father chose us (Eph 1:4). Jesus, our older Brother, leads us (Heb 2:10-11). The Holy Spirit resides within us (1 Cor 6:19). Grow strong through prayer in the Holy Spirit, persevere in God’s love, and welcome the mercy of Jesus (see Jude 20-21). Immerse yourself in the Trinitarian love of God.

Prayer: Father, on this Trinity Sunday, I will pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary.

Promise: "All that the Father has belongs to Me." ––Jn 16:15

Praise: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all!" (2 Cor 13:13)

(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 June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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A YEAR IN GOD’S WORD - One Bread, One Body, 06/11/2022

Saturday, June 11, 2022, St. Barnabas

Acts 11:21-26; 13:1-3
Psalm 98:1-6
Matthew 10:7-13
View Readings

A YEAR IN GOD'S WORD
"Then Barnabas went off to Tarsus to look for Saul." —Acts 11:25

It was no small task for St. Barnabas to go to Tarsus and “look for Saul” (Acts 11:25). To journey the 150 miles from Antioch to Tarsus, and then return to Antioch required weeks of travel. Once Barnabas arrived at Tarsus, he had to search diligently for Saul (also known as Paul) in the days before GPS, text messaging, phone calls, etc. Tarsus was a large city, estimated by some scholars to contain over 100,000 people, and it could have taken quite some time for Barnabas to locate Paul in Tarsus.

Sts. Paul and Barnabas taught the members of the Church in Antioch for a year, likely involving daily Scripture study (Acts 11:26). This year in the Word of God changed the members of the Church in Antioch so profoundly that they had a name-change to “Christians” (Acts 11:26).

God encourages us through His Word (see Sir 17:19) and through people like St. Barnabas and St. Paul, who teach us the Faith and His Word (Acts 11:23). May you encourage many and lead them to a strong faith. “Encourage one another” (Heb 10:25).

My son and his fianceé discerned to read through the Bible daily in the year leading up to their wedding date. They will have a strong foundation for their married life together. Would you commit to a daily, year-long Bible Study?

Prayer: Father, may I love Your Word so much that I devour it and consider it my joy and happiness (Jer 15:16).

Promise: "The gift you have received, give as a gift." —Mt 10:8

Praise: "There was a certain Levite from Cyprus named Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (meaning 'son of encouragement')" (Acts 4:36). Father, make us encouragers too.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Vacation with your Family and the Lord June 20-24 at our Retreat Center in Adams County, Ohio. The days are filled with faith-filled activities, fellowship, and fun. Call 513-373-2397 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 June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE - One Bread, One Body, 06/10/2022

Friday, June 10, 2022,

1 Kings 19:9, 11-16
Psalm 27:7-9, 13-14
Matthew 5:27-32
View Readings

FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE
"Anyone who looks lustfully at a woman has already committed adultery with her in his thoughts." —Matthew 5:28

We who live in the “culture of death” are caught in a raging war for control of our senses. We are continually bombarded with sexual sensationalism. This is a serious problem, because we need to avoid sexual fantasies so as to avoid the possibility of punishment in everlasting fire (see Mt 5:28-30).

How can we possibly avoid these “near occasions of sin”? We can’t drive anywhere without seeing huge billboards flaunting scantily clad women or men. We can’t walk onto a public square or beach on a warm day of June without seeing some immodest display of skin. To avoid sights which could lead to temptation, we would have to be blind! (see Mt 5:29)

Let’s fight fire with fire. Extreme danger calls for extreme actions. If a handheld electronic device or TV is your problem, cast it out — into the trash. Better to lose a few hundred dollars than your eternal soul. If movies are your problem, cut them out. Better to sit at home than to have your soul rot. If billboards are your problem, pray for those who create them instead of fantasizing about those who appear on them. If beaches are your problem, don’t go. Find some “living water” in which to immerse yourself (Jn 7:38).

Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with the fire of His love (see Acts 2:3). Allow the Spirit to fight against your fleshly temptations (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).

Prayer: Jesus, I want to be pure as You are pure (1 Jn 3:3).

Promise: "I believe that I shall see the bounty of the Lord in the land of the living." —Ps 27:13

Praise: Repenting of taking fertility problems into their own hands, the Smiths gave up all reproductive practices which violated Church teaching. The Lord entrusted them with two foster children whom they were eventually able to adopt.

(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 June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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“HOLY, HOLY, HOLY” (Rv 4:8) - One Bread, One Body, 06/09/2022

Thursday, June 9, 2022, St. Ephrem of Syria

1 Kings 18:41-46
Psalm 65:10-13
Matthew 5:20-26
View Readings

"HOLY, HOLY, HOLY" (Rv 4:8)
"I tell you, unless your holiness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees you shall not enter the kingdom of God." —Matthew 5:20

Jesus calls us to be holy as He is holy — to be holy in every aspect of our conduct (1 Pt 1:15-16). Our holiness may need to surpass even that of those we consider holy (see Mt 5:20). We must become the very righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21, RNAB) and become perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect (Mt 5:48). Jesus’ standards for holiness are the highest ever set for human beings. In fact, they are humanly impossible — but absolutely necessary for us to see God (Heb 12:14), that is, go to heaven.

The only way to meet the Lord’s requirement of perfect holiness (1 Thes 5:23) is through the Holy Spirit. We cannot be holy by our might and power, but only by the Holy Spirit (Zec 4:6). Only the Holy Spirit can prepare for the Lord a Church that is “holy and immaculate, without stain or wrinkle or anything of that sort” (Eph 5:27).

Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a stronger desire for holiness. May you want holiness more than you want pleasure. May you love the Lord so deeply that you want to be like Him, that is, to be holy. May you live and die for holiness’ sake (see Mt 5:6). Come, Spirit of holiness!

Prayer: Father, may I be sick of sin, crucified to the world (Gal 6:14), and holy.

Promise: "Your paths overflow with a rich harvest; the untilled meadows overflow with it, and rejoicing clothes the hills." —Ps 65:12-13

Praise: St. Ephrem of Syria was a deacon and hermit. In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI reminded the faithful that St. Ephrem was known as the "Harp of the Holy Spirit."

(For a related teaching on Who Cares?, 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 June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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