SELF-EFFACING LOVE - One Bread, One Body, 08/01/2022

Monday, August 1, 2022, St. Alphonsus Liguori

Jeremiah 28:1-17
Psalm 119:29, 43, 79-80, 95, 102
Matthew 14:13-21
View Readings

SELF-EFFACING LOVE
"When Jesus heard this, He withdrew by boat from there to a deserted place by Himself." —Matthew 14:13

This was one of the worst days in Jesus’ life. He had just received the bad news that His friend and relative, St. John the Baptizer, had been beheaded. It was John who baptized Jesus in the Jordan (see Mt 3:13-16). He and Jesus had a special bond. Now John was dead, murdered, beheaded.

Jesus had to get away, go off by Himself, and receive healing from His Father. He got in the boat and intended to go to a deserted place (Mt 14:13). However, He couldn’t shake the crowds. He “saw the vast throng, His heart was moved with pity, and He cured their sick” (Mt 14:14). Jesus, screaming inside with hurt, “cured their sick.” By His wounds, we are healed (1 Pt 2:24).

If this were not enough, Jesus did not dismiss the crowds, even though it was late and He had an excuse that would give Him a chance for a moment’s peace. Instead, Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish. This was not only an act of power, but of amazing, sacrificial love. Possibly this is why the Last Supper, or Holy Communion, came to be called “the breaking of the bread.” The Last Supper, the supreme act of love, was associated with one of the worst days of Jesus’ life and one of the greatest days of His love.

Prayer: Jesus, may I want to receive You in Holy Communion daily. Grant me the grace to love as You do.

Promise: "The prophet who prophesies peace is recognized as truly sent by the Lord only when his prophetic prediction is fulfilled." —Jer 28:9

Praise: St. Alphonsus Liguori was the founder of the Redemptorist order of priests. He was a moral Theologian who stressed simplicity and kindness. He became a lawyer at the age of 16, but losing a case led him to the priesthood and sainthood.



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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 August 1, 2022 through September 30, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 31, 2022"

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

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FOOL’S GOLD - One Bread, One Body, 07/31/2022

Sunday, July 31, 2022, 18th Sunday Ordinary Time

Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23
Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11
Psalm 90:3-6, 12-14, 17
Luke 12:13-21

View Readings

FOOL'S GOLD
"All things are vanity!" —Ecclesiastes 1:2

King Solomon, who is credited with writing the book of Ecclesiastes, was one of the richest people in history (see 1 Kgs 10:14ff). He had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines (1 Kgs 11:3). He could get anything he wanted any time he wanted. Many people today are trying hard to become more like Solomon. They want to be able to relax “for years to come,” “eat heartily, drink well,” and enjoy themselves (Lk 12:19). Solomon, who ought to know, says they are fools (see Lk 12:20), for “all things are vanity!” (Eccl 1:2)

“What profit does he show who gains the whole world and destroys himself in the process?” (Lk 9:25) “You are not to spend what remains of your earthly life on human desires but on the will of God. Already you have devoted enough time to what the pagans enjoy” (1 Pt 4:2-3). Therefore, “set your heart on what pertains to higher realms where Christ is seated at God’s right hand. Be intent on things above rather than on things of earth” (Col 3:1-2).

Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit to help me get in touch with reality.

Promise: "What you have done is put aside your old self with its past deeds and put on a new man, one who grows in knowledge as he is formed anew in the image of his Creator." —Col 3:9-10

Praise: "Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, He Who in His great mercy gave us new birth; a birth unto hope which draws its life from the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Pt 1:3). Alleluia!



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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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PROFILES IN COURAGE - One Bread, One Body, 07/30/2022

Saturday, July 30, 2022, St. Peter Chrysologus

Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24
Psalm 69:15-16, 30-31, 33-34
Matthew 14:1-12
View Readings

PROFILES IN COURAGE
"John had told him, 'It is not right for you to live with her.' " —Matthew 14:4

Jeremiah courageously confronted his opponents: “It was the Lord Who sent me to prophesy” (Jer 26:12) and “Mark well: if you put me to death, it is innocent blood you bring on yourselves” (Jer 26:15). Uriah prophesied the same thing to the same people as Jeremiah did (Jer 26:20). However, instead of courageously confronting his enemies, he “fled in fear to Egypt” (Jer 26:21). King Jehoiakim had him hunted down and killed (Jer 26:22-23). Courage makes a difference how you live or die. Be another Jeremiah, not a Uriah.

St. John the Baptizer courageously confronted Herod regarding his adultery (Mt 14:4). Herod lacked courage, as he was manipulated by fear of public opinion (Mt 14:5), and of what others might say (Mt 14:9). John was a martyr; Herod, a killer. Courage can be the difference between love and sin or between salvation and damnation.

Be courageous, fearless, unable to be intimidated, and free.

Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit to give me the courage of the first Christians and the martyrs.

Promise: "Now, therefore, reform your ways and your deeds; listen to the voice of the Lord your God, so that the Lord will repent of the evil with which He threatens you." —Jer 26:13

Praise: St. Peter Chrysologus was named Bishop of Ravenna, Italy, in 433 AD. "Anyone who wishes to frolic with the devil," St. Peter said, "cannot rejoice with Christ."



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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 RED BADGE OF COURAGE - One Bread, One Body, 07/29/2022

Friday, July 29, 2022, St. Martha

Jeremiah 26:1-9
Psalm 69:5, 8-10, 14
John 11:19-27
or Luke 10:38-42

or Matthew 13:54-58
View Readings

THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE
"When Jeremiah finished speaking all that the Lord bade Him speak to all the people, the priests and prophets laid hold of him, crying, 'You must be put to death!' " —Jeremiah 26:8

Jeremiah knew he would be rejected and possibly killed when he prophesied that the Temple would be destroyed. Nevertheless, Jeremiah obeyed the Lord and spoke out. Jesus knew He would be without honor in His native place (Mt 13:57), but, in obedience to His Father, He went there anyway. We know that when we speak up for Jesus, we will suffer the consequences from our anti-Christian society. So what will we do?

Pope St. John Paul II taught: “The Church proposes the example of numerous Saints who bore witness to and defended moral truth even to the point of enduring martyrdom, or who preferred death to a single mortal sin” (The Splendor of Truth, 91). “The words of the Latin poet Juvenal apply to all: ‘Consider it the greatest of crimes to prefer survival to honor and, out of love of physical life, to lose the very reason for living’ ” (The Splendor of Truth, 94).

The Lord calls us to be courageous. “The Spirit God has given us is no cowardly spirit” (2 Tm 1:7). We must pray to have the courage to proclaim the Gospel as we ought (Eph 6:20). With the early Church, our prayer should be: “Now, O Lord, look at the threats they are leveling against us. Grant to Your servants, even as they speak Your words, complete assurance by stretching forth Your hand in cures and signs and wonders to be worked in the name of Jesus, Your holy Servant” (Acts 4:29-30).

Prayer: Father, may I love You so much that I will be bold and unmanipulated.

Promise: "They were filled with amazement, and said to one another, 'Where did this Man get such wisdom and miraculous powers?' " —Mt 13:54

Praise: St. Martha is the patron of cooks, servants, waiters, and waitresses.



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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 ULTIMATE QUALITY CONTROL - One Bread, One Body, 07/28/2022

Thursday, July 28, 2022,

Jeremiah 18:1-6
Psalm 146:1-6
Matthew 13:47-53
View Readings

THE ULTIMATE QUALITY CONTROL
"Whenever the object of clay which he was making turned out badly in his hand, he tried again, making of the clay another object of whatever sort he pleased." —Jeremiah 18:4

God is the Potter, and we are the clay (Jer 18:6; Is 64:7). However, because we are living, free clay, we can choose not to cooperate with God. In that case, what the Potter is making turns out badly, and He will start over again (Jer 18:4). The Lord insists on quality (see 1 Cor 3:12-15). In fact, at the end of the world, lives of godly quality will be judged “worthwhile” (Mt 13:48), while those with unfruitful lives of low quality will be hurled “into the fiery furnace, where they will wail and grind their teeth” (Mt 13:50).

The quality which the Lord expects in our lives is humanly impossible to attain, but the Lord will take over our lives and transform them to the highest quality. We need only be like Mary and let it be done to us according to God’s Word (see Lk 1:38). Godly quality is a matter of His grace and our obedience. The Potter will make of each of us a masterpiece if we but accept His grace and let ourselves be cleansed of evil things (2 Tm 2:21). Therefore, give your life to Jesus, the only Way (see Jn 14:6) to quality and eternal happiness.

Prayer: Father, when fire tests the quality of my life (1 Cor 3:13), may I be approved.

Promise: "Praise the Lord, O my soul; I will praise the Lord all my life." —Ps 146:1-2

Praise: John has turned down job offers that would have interfered with his ability to adore Jesus in the Eucharist each week.

(For a related teaching on Obeying God, listen to, download or order our CD 62-3 or DVD 62 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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HE ATE THE WHOLE THING - One Bread, One Body, 07/27/2022

Wednesday, July 27, 2022,

Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21
Psalm 59:2-4, 10-11, 17-18
Matthew 13:44-46
View Readings

HE ATE THE WHOLE THING
"When I found Your words, I devoured them; they became my joy and the happiness of my heart, because I bore Your name, O Lord, God of hosts." —Jeremiah 15:16

Many of us find it hard to read the Bible, but the Lord wants us to eat the Bible, to consume, even devour it. “Not on bread alone is man to live but on every utterance that comes from the mouth of God” (Mt 4:4). His Word is like honey from the comb (Ps 19:11), sweet at first although later soured by persecution (Rv 10:9-10). Nonetheless, God’s Word is still our joy and happiness because we bear His name (Jer 15:16).

If God’s words are not that important to us, possibly we don’t have a deep, personal relationship with Him. If we don’t spend time reading the Bible, then how can we bear His name?  “Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 133).

Have you read an article about someone you knew personally? You probably read it with much more enthusiasm than other articles. You would be even more interested if you knew the author. If you have a personal relationship with the Author of the Bible, God the Father, and know the Word made flesh, Jesus, then you will read, study, and devour God’s Word in the Bible. Delight in the Word of the Lord and meditate on it day and night (Ps 1:2).

Prayer: Jesus, Word of God, may I feel called to kiss the Bible as a sign of my love for You and Your Word.

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

Praise: One lonely night, Joseph turned to the Bible rather than to the bottle. Jesus gave him the grace to remain sober.

(Devour the Bible by teaching the Bible. Listen to, download or order our Bible Teachers Series on our website. Our six CD series starts with CD 117-1. Our three-part DVD series starts with DVD 117.)

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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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HOPE IN GOD IN OUR CULTURE OF DEATH - One Bread, One Body, 07/26/2022

Tuesday, July 26, 2022, Sts. Joachim & Anne

Jeremiah 14:17-22
Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13
Matthew 13:36-43
View Readings

HOPE IN GOD IN OUR CULTURE OF DEATH
"Have You cast Judah off completely?" —Jeremiah 14:19

Jeremiah looked at his society and described it as overwhelmed by great destruction (Jer 14:17). He diagnosed it as wounded and incurable (Jer 14:17). Under these circumstances, Jeremiah prayed: “Let my eyes stream with tears day and night, without rest” (Jer 14:17).

Pope St. John Paul II looked at our world and described it as a “culture of death.” Although this is even worse than what Jeremiah described, Pope St. John Paul II assured the victory of a civilization of love and life over our “culture of death.” Pope St. John Paul II was not naive. He realized the “enormous disparity between the powerful resources available to the forces promoting the ‘culture of death’ and the means at the disposal of those working for a ‘culture of life and love’ ” (The Gospel of Life, 100). However, “we have faith in God our Father and Lord, in His goodness and mercy...God is preparing a great springtime for Christianity” (Mission of the Redeemer, Pope St. John Paul II, 86). Moreover, the “new springtime of Christian life...will be revealed...if Christians are docile to the action of the Holy Spirit” (Toward the Third Millennium, Pope St. John Paul II, 18).

“We are more than conquerors because of Him Who has loved us” (Rm 8:37). Thank You, Jesus!

Prayer: Father, I will cross the threshold of hope.

Promise: "Then the saints will shine like the sun in their Father's kingdom. Let everyone heed what he hears!" —Mt 13:43

Praise: Sts. Joachim and Anne, the Blessed Virgin Mary's parents, are grandparents of the Incarnate Word! "Grandchildren are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their parentage" (Prv 17:6).

(For a related teaching on The Culture of Death, listen to, download or order our CD 73-3 or DVD 73 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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THE DEATH OF DEATH - One Bread, One Body, 07/25/2022

Monday, July 25, 2022, St. James

2 Corinthians 4:7-15
Psalm 126:1-6
Matthew 20:20-28
View Readings

THE DEATH OF DEATH
"Death is at work in us, but life in you." —2 Corinthians 4:12

Our culture of death will eventually be true to its name and die out. (We pray that this death of the culture of death will occur as soon as possible so that fewer people will be traumatized.) Death as a work of the evil one will be destroyed by another kind of death — a loving death to self in the pattern of Jesus’ death on the cross (see Phil 3:10). The writer of Song of Songs proclaims: “Stern as death is love, relentless as the nether world is devotion” (Sg 8:6). In fact, Jesus’ crucified love is more stern than death. Jesus’ death on the cross resulted in the ultimate and total victory of risen life over death.

Consequently, in love let us fall “to the earth” and die so as to produce “much fruit” (Jn 12:24). “Continually we carry about in our bodies the dying of Jesus, so that in our bodies the life of Jesus may also be revealed. While we live we are constantly being delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be revealed” (2 Cor 4:10-11). We have been baptized into Jesus’ death so as to share in His Resurrection (Rm 6:3, 5).

A friend of mine has a saying: “You’re not done dying till you’re dead.” Die to self in Christ and in love.

Prayer: Father, teach me how to die in love. St. James, pray for the death of the culture of death.

Promise: "Such is the case with the Son of Man Who 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: "During that period, King Herod started to harass some of the members of the church. He beheaded James the brother of John" (Acts 12:1-2). Holy Spirit, thank You for gracing St. James with faithfulness and fortitude.



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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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PRAYING IN ABBA’S LOVE - One Bread, One Body, 07/24/2022

Sunday, July 24, 2022, 17th Sunday Ordinary Time

Genesis 18:20-32
Colossians 2:12-14
Psalm 138:1-3, 6-8
Luke 11:1-13

View Readings

PRAYING IN ABBA'S LOVE
"Lord, teach us to pray." —Luke 11:1

Is the Lord satisfied with your prayer life? Pope St. John Paul II, at the end of his first encyclical letter, maintained that our prayer must be “great, intense, and growing” (The Redeemer of Man, 22).  He also emphasized that the Lord wants our prayer to be combined with fasting, for the Lord has decided at this time to make prayer and fasting the first and most effective weapons against our culture of death (The Gospel of Life, 100). According to these criteria, is your prayer life satisfactory to the Lord?

To pray as the Lord wants us to pray, we must see God as our loving Father. That is the first thing Jesus taught us about prayer (see Lk 11:2). We must be aware that our Father sees our prayer and fasting (Mt 6:6, 18). Abraham stopped short in his prayer for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to be spared destruction. Possibly, his prayer was limited because he:

• wasn’t sure whether God was just (see Gn 18:25),
• was even less sure of God’s mercy, and
• projected his own interior conflicts onto God and thereby accused God of being impatient (Gn 18:30) and angry (Gn 18:32).

We who are in Christ can and must pray always with loving, tender confidence in our Father. In that way, we will pray as we ought (Rm 8:26).

Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me in my weakness regarding prayer (Rm 8:26). Cry out in my heart "Abba" (Rm 8:15).

Promise: "If you, with all your sins, know how to give your children good things, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him." —Lk 11:13

Praise: Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory! You sit at the right hand of the Father. Alleluia!



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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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“DECEITFUL WORDS” FOR CATHOLICS (Jer 7:8) - One Bread, One Body, 07/23/2022

Saturday, July 23, 2022, St. Bridget of Sweden

Jeremiah 7:1-11
Psalm 84:3-6, 8, 11
Matthew 13:24-30
View Readings

"DECEITFUL WORDS" FOR CATHOLICS (Jer 7:8)
"But here you are, putting your trust in deceitful words to your own loss!" —Jeremiah 7:8

Some Catholics are still trusting in “deceitful words” today:

• “It’s OK to live with your girlfriend and still receive Holy Communion at Mass each week. You’re a Catholic, and you’ll go to heaven. No one goes to hell anymore.”
• “Is it really a sin to use artificial birth control? All your Catholic friends do it. Look, the music minister and lector had vasectomies. Why should you go to Confession for that?”
• “So you got pulled over for a few DUI violations. Don’t worry, you’re not an alcoholic. Look, your parish sells plenty of alcohol at its festival; it must be OK.”

Jeremiah cut through the deceitful words and spoke truth to the Israelites. He bluntly said they could not continue to sin and expect to hide behind their membership in the Temple (Jer 7:4). He prophesied to them, and to us today, that we cannot come to stand before God in His house and then go out to “commit all these [sins] again” (Jer 7:10). Similarly, Jesus warned against presuming we are safe because of our standing in the Church (Lk 18:9ff). Presumption is a sin against hope in God where a person is “hoping to obtain His forgiveness without conversion” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2091, 2092).

We are always welcome in God’s house with humble, contrite, and repentant hearts (Ps 51:19). Jesus never rejects anyone who comes to Him (Jn 6:37), but He tells each of us to sin no more (Jn 8:11). Resist the deceitful words of our culture. Repent today!

Prayer: Father, show me all areas of my life in which I am deceived. Give me the grace to repent quickly and permanently.

Promise: "Happy the men whose strength You are!" —Ps 84:6

Praise: St. Bridget's father set apart all Fridays for special acts of penance among the family. He instilled in his daughter a lifelong love for the Passion of Jesus Christ.

(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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DOING YOUR OWN THING? - One Bread, One Body, 07/22/2022

Friday, July 22, 2022, St. Mary Magdalene

Song of Songs 3:1-4 or
2 Corinthians 5:14-17
Psalm 63:2-6, 8-9
John 20:1-2, 11-18
View Readings

DOING YOUR OWN THING?
"He died for all so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for Him Who for their sakes died and was raised up." —2 Corinthians 5:15

Many people think that living for themselves, doing their own thing, getting their way is the goal of life. However, after they try this for a while, they feel empty. At first, they think that the cause of their emptiness is failing to get their own way in everything. So they try to do their own thing even more, but this makes matters even worse. Finally, they begin to suspect that the constant, self-centering brainwashing they’ve received over the years was a big lie. Then these people hear about or remember when they heard about Jesus, the cross, dying to self (Lk 9:23), and following Jesus. Could it be that Jesus crucified is the Truth, the Way to happiness, and the Meaning of life? (see Jn 14:6)

Mary Magdalene found out that there’s no such thing as doing your own thing. When she thought she was doing her own thing, she was being manipulated and enslaved into doing the devil’s things. She was possessed by seven devils (Lk 8:2). Finally, she met Jesus and decided to do His thing — even if it meant weeping at the foot of His cross (Jn 19:25) and at His grave (Jn 20:11). Through, with, and in Jesus, she discovered the meaning of life. She met Jesus, Who is Life (Jn 14:6), when He rose from the dead.  Like Mary Magdalene, live in the love of Jesus (Jn 15:9).

Prayer: Father, may I live a life of love, not of self.

Promise: "I had hardly left them when I found Him Whom my heart loves." —Sg 3:4

Praise: "Jesus rose from the dead early on the first day of the week. He first appeared to Mary Magdalene" (Mk 16:9). Father, You choose the repentant to be first in Your kingdom.



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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 TIME TO PLANT” (Eccl 3:2) - One Bread, One Body, 07/21/2022

Thursday, July 21, 2022, St. Lawrence of Brindisi

Jeremiah 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-13
Psalm 36:6-11
Matthew 13:10-17
View Readings

"A TIME TO PLANT" (Eccl 3:2)
"I use parables when I speak to them because they look but do not see, they listen but do not hear or understand." —Matthew 13:13

The homilist at this morning’s Mass made an interesting analogy between parables and the Incarnation. Jesus tells parables about mysteries that have not yet been explained, and it requires time for the parable’s meaning to be made clear. Likewise, Jesus came to earth as a tiny infant, not as a grown man. It required time and growth for Jesus to reveal the fullness of His majesty as Lord, Savior, and God (Lk 2:40).

Similarly, we need to look and listen, as the meaning of a parable takes time to unfold. One quick hearing or reading of a parable is insufficient. Like the Blessed Mother, we must ponder, reflect, re-read, pray, seek, and listen (Lk 2:19, 51).

Let the Word of God be sown in your heart like a mustard seed (Lk 17:6). Actively cultivate that Word (Lk 13:8-9). Let the Word take root (Jas 1:21), grow (Mk 4:27), and bear abundant fruit in your life (Mt 13:23).

Prayer: Father, may I meditate on Your Word day and night (Ps 1:2). Give me both the love for Your Word and the discipline needed to enable Your Word to bear a hundredfold harvest (Mt 13:8).

Promise: "O Lord, Your kindness reaches to heaven; Your faithfulness, to the clouds." —Ps 36:6

Praise: St. Lawrence studied philosophy and theology. He is best known for mastering many languages. His great intellect was combined with genuine compassion and care for others.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Check our website www.presentationministries.com to learn more about two upcoming retreats. Discipleship, Redemptive Suffering and Mary is Aug. 1-3. A retreat for those who are living the single vocation is Aug. 19-21.)

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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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RIGHT IN THE MOUTH - One Bread, One Body, 07/20/2022

Wednesday, July 20, 2022, St. Apollinaris

Jeremiah 1:1, 4-10
Psalm 71:1-6, 15, 17
Matthew 13:1-9
View Readings

RIGHT IN THE MOUTH
"My mouth shall declare Your justice, day by day Your salvation." —Psalm 71:15

The Lord has promised to place His words in your mouth, as He did for Jeremiah (Jer 1:9; see also Mt 10:20). From that day, He will “set you over nations and over kingdoms, to root up and to tear down, to destroy and to demolish, to build and to plant” (Jer 1:10). With God’s Word in your mouth, you will be a world force. In fact, the Lord will not only occasionally place a word in your mouth; He will fill it (see Ps 81:11) with His words of spirit and life (Jn 6:63). You will be like Samuel in that God will not permit any word of yours to be without effect (1 Sm 3:19; see also Is 55:11).

The Lord will make your mouth a powerful, glorious instrument of His righteousness (Rm 6:13), if you repent. You must cry out as Isaiah did: “Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips” (Is 6:5). The Lord will send an angel to touch your mouth with a burning ember (Is 6:6), and then He will say: “Now that this has touched your lips, your wickedness is removed, your sin purged” (Is 6:7). The Lord has promised you: “If you repent, so that I restore you, in My presence you shall stand; if you bring forth the precious without the vile, you shall be My mouthpiece” (Jer 15:19). You can be the mouthpiece of God.

Prayer: Father, use every part of my body for Your glory. Control every part of my body through my purified mouth (see Jas 3:2-3).

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

Praise: St. Apollinaris was the first Bishop of Ravenna in Italy. He was beaten and exiled several times. Finally he was sent back to Ravenna and martyred.

(For a related teaching on Seek Prophecy, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order our CD 14A-1, CD 14A-3 and CD 14B-1 or DVD 14A and DVD 14B 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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“BAND OF BROTHERS” - One Bread, One Body, 07/19/2022

Tuesday, July 19, 2022,

Micah 7:14-15, 18-20
Psalm 85:2-8
Matthew 12:46-50
View Readings

"BAND OF BROTHERS"
"Who are My brothers?" —Matthew 12:48

Jesus transformed the relationship between husband and wife when He said that the Biblical provisions for divorce were no longer necessary (Mt 19:6ff; Dt 24:1-4). He transformed motherhood when He commanded His mother Mary to be the mother of all His disciples (Jn 19:26-27; cf Rv 12:17). Jesus transformed the meaning of fatherhood, sonship, and daughterhood when He told us to call God our Abba, that is, Father (Mt 6:9; Rm 8:15; Gal 4:6). This made us brothers and sisters of Jesus and of each other. Jesus said: “Whoever does the will of My heavenly Father is brother and sister and mother to Me” (Mt 12:50).

When we were baptized into Jesus, we were baptized into a radically transformed brotherhood and sisterhood. Paul spoke of those who bear “the title ‘brother’ ” (1 Cor 5:11). Brotherhood and sisterhood in Christ are recognized as special and exalted callings. Paul also spoke of “false claimants to the title of brother” (Gal 2:4). This implies that brotherhood and sisterhood in Christ are so valuable that we would want to claim these titles. If we are to claim in truth the title of brother or sister, we must lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters (1 Jn 3:16).

Consider brotherhood and sisterhood in Christ great honors. To claim these honors, lay down your life in love for your brothers and sisters.

Prayer: Father, make me one in mind and heart with my brothers and sisters in Jesus (Acts 4:32).

Promise: "As in the days when you came from the land of Egypt, show us wonderful signs." —Mi 7:15

Praise: George gave his life as a missionary for his brothers and sisters in Christ whom he hadn't met yet.

(For a related teaching on Who Am I in Christ?, view, download or order our booklet or listen to, download or order our CD 7A-1, CD 7A-3, CD 7B-1 and CD 7B-3 or DVD 7A and DVD 7B 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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JESUS ON JUDGMENT - One Bread, One Body, 07/18/2022

Monday, July 18, 2022, St. Camillus de Lellis

Micah 6:1-4, 6-8
Psalm 50:5-6, 8-9, 16-17, 21, 23
Matthew 12:38-42
View Readings

JESUS ON JUDGMENT
"The Lord has a plea against His people, and He enters into trial." —Micah 6:2

Jesus promises that on Judgment Day we will be judged on whether we repented at His preaching (Mt 12:41). In some sense, Jesus is preaching in the circumstances of everyday life, but most literally Jesus Himself is preaching at the Eucharistic liturgy (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1088). This does not mean that every word the priest or deacon says during the homily is straight from the Lord. Yet it does mean that, by virtue of the nature of Jesus’ priesthood and the nature of the liturgy, Jesus the High Priest is working through or even despite the person reading the Scriptures or preaching. On Judgment Day, we will be held accountable for repenting as we heard God’s words in the liturgy.

Also, Jesus promises that on Judgment Day we will be judged on whether we have gone to extremes to listen to His wisdom (Mt 12:42). Jesus’ wisdom is available in many ways but especially in the official teaching of His Body, the Church. If we haven’t tried to read the Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the second Vatican Council’s documents, and the Pope’s encyclicals, can we as Catholics say that we have gone to extremes to listen to Jesus’ wisdom?

Let’s repent of spiritual anorexia. Let us hunger for God’s Word (see Mt 4:4). We need repentance and wisdom. Judgment Day draws near (Rm 2:16).

Prayer: Father, I repent of stuffing myself with the things of the flesh and thereby losing my spiritual appetite (see Prv 13:19).

Promise: "You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: only to do the right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God." —Mi 6:8

Praise: As a young adult, St. Camillus led an immoral life. It eventually broke him, physically and financially. After his conversion, he selflessly worked at the Hospital for Incurables in Rome.



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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from 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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PRAYER IS EVEN BETTER - One Bread, One Body, 07/17/2022

Sunday, July 17, 2022, 16th Sunday Ordinary Time

Genesis 18:1-10
Colossians 1:24-28
Psalm 15:2-5
Luke 10:38-42

View Readings

PRAYER IS EVEN BETTER
"Mary has chosen the better portion and she shall not be deprived of it." —Luke 10:42

Hospitality was a responsibility and privilege highly valued by the Jewish people. In offering hospitality, we may be entertaining angels (Heb 13:2) or even God Himself (Gn 18:17ff). Abraham and Sarah, for example, offered hospitality to God and two angels. As a result, God promised them they would miraculously have a son, although both were almost a hundred years old (see Gn 18:10ff). Hospitality is the breeding ground of promise, blessing, and miracles.

As awesome as hospitality is, Jesus claimed that prayer is even better (Lk 10:42). This was a surprising revelation. Jesus even maintained the necessity of praying always (Lk 18:1; cf 1 Thes 5:17). He did this Himself, praying early in the morning and late at night (Mk 1:35; Lk 22:39ff). Jesus prayed in such a new way that people who had prayed for years asked Him to teach them to pray (Lk 11:1).

After Jesus ascended into heaven, His disciples caught onto Jesus’ message on prayer and “devoted themselves to constant prayer” for nine days (Acts 1:14). The Church was born after this nine-day gestation period of prayer. From that point on, the Spirit has empowered the followers of Jesus to devote themselves to prayer (see Acts 2:42).

Prayer: Jesus, teach me to pray (Lk 11:1). Holy Spirit, help me overcome my weakness in prayer (Rm 8:26).

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

Praise: "As a proof that the One Whom He raised from the dead would never again see the decay of death, God declared, 'I will give You the benefits assured to David under the covenant' " (Acts 13:34). Alleluia!



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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 STRONG, SILENT TYPE - One Bread, One Body, 07/16/2022

Saturday, July 16, 2022, Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Micah 2:1-5
Psalm 10:1-4, 7-8, 14
Matthew 12:14-21
View Readings

THE STRONG, SILENT TYPE
"Woe to those who plan iniquity and work out evil on their couches." —Micah 2:1

The worldly are wheeling and dealing — manipulating, conniving, and lying — filling the sky with their towers of Babel (Gn 11:4). They rip off the poor man and promote severe injustices. However, the Lord doesn’t seem to do much about it. “He will not contend or cry out, nor will His voice be heard in the streets. The bruised reed He will not crush; the smoldering wick He will not quench” (Mt 12:19-20).

Nevertheless, the Lord conquered “the shakers and the movers” not by shaking and moving but by becoming one of the poor and the oppressed. He became a Lamb led to the slaughter Who opened not His mouth (Is 53:7). He suffered the injustices of all people. He was not only abused but scourged and crucified. He died as the perfect sacrifice, innocent of sin and loving His enemies. Thus, He overcame the world (Jn 16:33).

We also can conquer the world by believing in Jesus, the Conqueror of the world (1 Jn 5:5).  We do so when we act like Him — when we suffer redemptively, forgive mercifully, and love unconditionally. Those expressing their faith through the nonviolent militancy of the cross conquer the world by love. When we believe in Jesus enough to act like Him and love like Him, “we are more than conquerors” (Rm 8:37).

Prayer: Father, "where there is hatred, let me sow love."

Promise: "You do see, for You behold misery and sorrow, taking them in Your hands. On You the unfortunate man depends; of the fatherless You are the Helper." —Ps 10:14

Praise: Teresa, a Carmelite, prays the divine office each day on the bus as she commutes to work. She witnesses to the bus drivers and passengers about how Jesus has blessed her in the Carmelite community.

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from 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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PRIDE KILLS LOVE - One Bread, One Body, 07/15/2022

Friday, July 15, 2022, St. Bonaventure

Isaiah 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8
Isaiah 38:10-12, 16
Matthew 12:1-8
View Readings

PRIDE KILLS LOVE
"O Lord, remember how faithfully and wholeheartedly I conducted myself in Your presence, doing what was pleasing to You!" —Isaiah 38:3

The Lord loved King Hezekiah. When Hezekiah became terminally ill at the age of 39, the Lord healed him and gave him fifteen more years of life (Is 38:5). The Lord even made the sun go backward as a sign of Hezekiah’s healing (Is 38:7-8).

King Hezekiah loved the Lord. He conducted himself faithfully and wholeheartedly in the Lord’s presence (Is 38:3). “He put his trust in the Lord, the God of Israel; and neither before him nor after him was there anyone like him among all the kings of Judah” (2 Kgs 18:5).

Then Hezekiah became proud (2 Chr 32:25). His house was no longer in order (see Is 38:1). He became deathly sick, was miraculously healed, and didn’t even thank the Lord for healing him (2 Chr 32:25). Three years after his healing, he fathered a son, Manasseh, and possibly failed in parenting this child, for the son grew up to do “greater evil than all that was done by the Amorites before him” (2 Kgs 21:11).

The great King Hezekiah left a tarnished legacy after such a glorious start to his reign. He fell away from the Lord because of the sin of pride. Pride ruined Hezekiah’s love. Resist temptations to pride. Don’t lose your love.

Prayer: Father, I choose love instead of pride.

Promise: "Those live whom the Lord protects; Yours...the life of my spirit. You have given me health and life." —Is 38:16

Praise: St. Bonaventure was a Doctor of the Church, a Cardinal, a prolific spiritual writer, a leader in the Franciscan order, and a lifelong minister of reconciliation.

(For a related teaching on Effects of Sin, listen to, download or order our CD 81-3 or DVD 81 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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COME, ABIDE, REST, TRUST - One Bread, One Body, 07/14/2022

Thursday, July 14, 2022, St. Kateri Tekakwitha

Isaiah 26:7-9, 12, 16-19
Psalm 102:13-21
Matthew 11:28-30
View Readings

COME, ABIDE, REST, TRUST
"Come to Me... Your souls will find rest." —Matthew 11:28, 29

Each year, Presentation Ministries discerns all prophecies received and summarizes them in a few sentences. Several years ago, the summary prophetic theme we discerned the Lord telling us was: “Come. Abide. Rest. Trust.”

1)      Come. We cannot remain in the same place. We must continually move toward Jesus. We must come to Jesus, and to no one else, to nothing else (Mt 11:28).

2)      Abide. Once we have come to Jesus, we must stay with Him. Jesus asks us to remain with Him (see Mt 26:38), and not gradually wander away from Him. We must make our abode in Jesus and in His Word (Jn 8:31-32).

3)      Rest. Just because we have come to Jesus and are abiding in Him doesn’t mean we will continue to do so. As St. Augustine said: “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee” (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, 30). Jesus says that in Him we will find rest (Mt 11:29). However, we must strive diligently to enter into His rest (Heb 4:11), lest we allow the cares of this world to rob us of Jesus’ rest (Mt 13:22).

4)      Trust. Here is the “catch.” Once you come, abide, and rest, you realize you have a cross to carry and a battle to fight. Jesus’ heart is focused on the conversion and salvation of all. He wants all to come to know the Lord (1 Tm 2:4). So we must take action and obey. We’ll be called to take risks and carry our crosses as His soldiers. We need to trust.

Come. Abide. Rest. Trust. Jesus “will refresh you” (Mt 11:28).

Prayer: Father, all I want is to know Your Son (Phil 3:10).

Promise: "Take My yoke upon your shoulders and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart." —Mt 11:29

Praise: St. Kateri Tekakwitha was orphaned at age fourteen, baptized at age twenty, and lived only until the age of twenty-four.

(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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MEET MY FATHER - One Bread, One Body, 07/13/2022

Wednesday, July 13, 2022, St. Henry

Isaiah 10:5-7, 13-16
Psalm 94:5-10, 14-15
Matthew 11:25-27
View Readings

MEET MY FATHER
"No one knows the Son but the Father, and no one knows the Father but the Son — and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal Him." —Matthew 11:27

Jesus came to reveal the Father to all people on this earth. He even taught us to pray first of all, “Father” (Mt 6:9). Jesus reveals the Father to anyone He wishes (Mt 11:27). Is there anyone to whom Jesus does not wish to reveal the Father? Since Jesus wants to reveal the Father to us, it obviously takes a hard heart and a closed mind to shut out Jesus’ revelation of the Father.

Jesus didn’t try to reveal the Father to Herod (Lk 23:9), which indicates that Herod had completely closed his heart and mind to God. However, He did attempt to reveal the Father to the Sanhedrin as they tried and condemned Him (Lk 22:69). He also tried to reveal the Father to Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, and elders at meals and in various situations (Mt 19:4; 21:31, 37; Lk 15:3ff, 22; 20:37). Since Jesus wanted so badly to reveal His Father to them, it’s understandable that He was grieved when they had closed their minds against Him (Mk 3:5).

Constantly strive to become like little children before the Lord (Mt 18:3). Beg God for an innocent heart to guard against the temptation to harden our hearts to the point that we close ourselves to Jesus’ revelation of the Father. Study the Scriptures regularly, even daily. “Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 133) and of His revelation of the Father. “Oh, that today you would hear His voice: harden not your hearts” (Ps 95:7).

Prayer: Father, "hallowed be Your name" (Mt 6:9).

Promise: "The Lord will not cast off His people." —Ps 94:14

Praise: St. Henry was a ruler of an empire who lived a life of unquestioned personal holiness. He let his light "shine before men so that they" could "see goodness in (his) acts and give praise to" God (Mt 5:16).

(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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COMPARATIVELY SPEAKING - One Bread, One Body, 07/12/2022

Tuesday, July 12, 2022,

Isaiah 7:1-9
Psalm 48:2-8
Matthew 11:20-24
View Readings

COMPARATIVELY SPEAKING
"I assure you, it will go easier for Sodom than for you on the day of judgment." —Matthew 11:24

Yesterday, in the first Eucharistic reading, the Lord called us “princes of Sodom” and “people of Gomorrah” (Is 1:10). Today, He says we are worse than Sodom, for if the miracles we have received would have taken place in Sodom, it would have repented (Mt 11:23-24). The Lord is likely telling us that we have not yet repented according to His standards.

We naturally tend to compare ourselves with others to make ourselves feel better or even superior. So, when the Lord compares us with some of the most wicked people ever and then says we are worse than they were, we tend to reject His words.

Why is Jesus being so rough on us? It’s because He loves us (see Heb 12:6). He died on the cross to free us from our sin; so He does not want us to die in our sins (see Jn 8:21, 24), but to repent of them.

Could it be that the Lord is not speaking to someone else but to each one of us? Jesus is looking you right in the eye (Lk 22:61). Firmly, with love, He says: “Repent.” Take His words to heart. Go to Confession today or, at the latest, this weekend. His words “are spirit and life” (Jn 6:63). Repent.

Prayer: Father, may I repent on a very deep level.

Promise: "Unless your faith is firm you shall not be firm!" —Is 7:9

Praise: "As soon as I lie down, I fall peacefully asleep, for You alone, O Lord, bring security to my dwelling" (Ps 4:9).

(For a related teaching on The Secret of Confession, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order our CD 44-3 or DVD 44 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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PRINCE OF PEACE? - One Bread, One Body, 07/11/2022

Monday, July 11, 2022, St. Benedict

Isaiah 1:10-17
Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23
Matthew 10:34—11:1
View Readings

PRINCE OF PEACE?
"I have come not to bring peace, but a sword." —Matthew 10:34, RSV-CE

Peace only fully comes when the kingdom of God is established. Peace starts and builds in one human heart at a time. Until then, there is conflict — internally within a person’s heart, and externally among people. There is resistance and a civil war (see Jas 4:1).

Jesus says that He came not to bring peace but rather a sword (Mt 10:34, RSV-CE). What sword does Jesus bring? He brings the Word of God, the Sword of the Spirit (Heb 4:12-13; see also Eph 6:17). The Holy Spirit wields the sword of the Word to perform surgery on all who need to be healed. This is much like a surgeon who wields a scalpel to cut out diseased tissue from a patient.

The sword of the Spirit convicts the world (Jn 16:8). The prophetic word of Isaiah in today’s first reading is intensely challenging and convicting, even to the point of being insulting (Is 1:10). Do you want to hear that your hands are full of blood (Is 1:15) or that you hate discipline (Ps 50:17)? However, a surgeon must speak the truth before an operation. Far more does the Holy Spirit speak the truth while wielding the scalpel of the Word of God. Let the Word of God do its convicting work. Allow the Holy Spirit to operate as needed to bring peace into your life and family.

Prayer: Jesus, divine Physician, "Prince of Peace" (Is 9:5), grant me the grace to trust You more than I would trust an expert surgeon.

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

Praise: St. Benedict is recognized as the Father of Western Monasticism. Over the centuries, countless monks and consecrated religious have been formed and inspired by his timeless teachings.

(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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PRIMARY SCHOOL - One Bread, One Body, 07/10/2022

Sunday, July 10, 2022, 15th Sunday Ordinary Time

Deuteronomy 30:10-14
Colossians 1:15-20
Psalm 69:14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36-37
Luke 10:25-37

View Readings

PRIMARY SCHOOL
"... that primacy may be His in everything." —Colossians 1:18

We should acknowledge Jesus as first in everything. When we wake up, the first word on our lips should be “Jesus.” Our first activity each day should be praying in the name of Jesus. Before talking to anyone else, we first talk to Him. Before we pick up the phone, answer the doorbell, or put the key in the ignition, Jesus comes first. Before turning on the TV, opening the refrigerator, or pressing a button, Jesus is first. Before we pay any other bills, we pay our tithe. Jesus has the primacy in everything — financially, sexually, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Jesus is “the First and the Last” (Rv 1:17), “the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End” (Rv 21:6). Jesus is first chronologically. We seek first His kingdom and give Him prime-time (Mt 6:33). Jesus is first ontologically. “He is before all else that is...the Beginning, the First-Born of the dead” (Col 1:17, 18).

Jesus is God. He is not only Lord, but Lord alone. Therefore, we should love Him with all our heart, all our soul, all our strength, and all our mind (Lk 10:27).

Prayer: Jesus, Savior, Lord, and God, I decide to always live for You alone.

Promise: "It pleased God to make absolute fullness reside in Him and, by means of Him, to reconcile everything in His person, both on earth and in the heavens, making peace through the blood of His cross." —Col 1:19-20

Praise: "The Lord gives sight to the blind. The Lord raises up those that were bowed down; the Lord loves the just" (Ps 146:8). Risen Jesus, we trust in You!

(For a related teaching on Seek First the Kingdom, 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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