STRIPPED AWAY - One Bread, One Body, 10/01/2022

Saturday, October 1, 2022, St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus

Job 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17
Psalm 119:66, 71, 75, 91, 125, 130
Luke 10:17-24
View Readings

STRIPPED AWAY
"It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes." —Psalm 119:71

The devil brought terrible misfortunes and afflictions upon Job, though he was a just and holy man (Jb 1:22; 2:10). Despite all Job’s sufferings, he continued to praise God, saying: “Blessed be the name of the Lord!” (Jb 1:21) Job struggled with the problem of why God allowed bad things to happen to an innocent person, and questioned God as to why this should be (Jb 31:4-6, 37). Although God didn’t answer the question to Job’s satisfaction, the Lord did show Himself to Job (Jb 38:1—41:26). Job wanted an answer from God, and he didn’t get the answer he wanted. Instead, Job met the God Who knew all the answers, and that was more than enough for Job (Jb 42:2). This encounter with God completely changed Job’s heart and his fortunes.

Once we personally encounter the God of the Law, then too do we find the laws of God are no longer burdensome; instead, we are swept up in His love (1 Jn 5:2-3). Jesus came to destroy the devil’s works and reveal the Father to us (1 Jn 3:8; Lk 10:17, 22). Jesus bore our afflictions (Mt 8:17; Is 53:3-6) and has delivered us from the devil’s oppression (Col 1:13).

If being afflicted leads to encountering the presence of the Lord, then, as the psalmist says, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes,” Your ways, and hear Your voice (see Ps 119:71). God approves the afflicted person who trembles at His Word (Is 66:2). Are you suffering and afflicted? That’s the perfect time to seek the Lord.

Prayer: "O Lord of hosts, restore us; if Your face shine upon us, then we shall be safe" (Ps 80:4).

Promise: "Blest are the eyes that see what you see." —Lk 10:23

Praise: During a pilgrimage to Rome, St. Thérèse asked Pope Leo XIII for permission to enter the Carmelite Monastery in her native France. He consented. She was 15 years old!

(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 October 1, 2022 through November 30, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 3, 2022"

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

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

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EYE-OPENING REPENTANCE - One Bread, One Body, 09/30/2022

Friday, September 30, 2022, St. Jerome

Job 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5
Psalm 139:1-3, 7-10, 13-14
Luke 10:13-16
View Readings

EYE-OPENING REPENTANCE
"If the miracles worked in your midst had occurred in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have reformed in sackcloth and ashes." —Luke 10:13

“If the miracles worked in [Capernaum] had taken place in Sodom, it would be standing today” (Mt 11:23). Sodom, Tyre, and Sidon were among the most wicked places of the Old Testament (see Gn 18-19; Ez 26-28). Yet Jesus declares that the people of these condemned cities would have reformed. The problem was that they had no one to bring to them a ministry of power evangelization, that is, preaching accompanied by miracles. The people of Nineveh were infamous for their wickedness, but “at the preaching of Jonah they reformed” (Lk 11:32). Yet we have something greater than Jonah to offer them (Lk 11:32).

Where is your Tyre and Sidon? Is it your family, coworkers, neighbors? What environment do you think has no hope for conversion? Is it the inner city, the public schools, the middle class, the government, or corporate America? How do we know they will reject the Gospel? If the Gospel is presented to them, there is always a chance for conversion. If they never hear a clear, powerful presentation of the Good News, then “how shall they call on Him in Whom they have not believed? And how can they believe unless they have heard of Him? And how can they hear unless there is someone to preach?” (Rm 10:14) How can they believe if we don’t believe enough to tell them about Jesus?

No one ever caught any fish by staying at home. Let’s spread the Good News and try to catch some big fish for Jesus (Mk 1:17).

Prayer: Father, may I never underestimate Your power.

Promise: "He who hears you, hears Me." —Lk 10:16

Praise: St. Jerome studied Hebrew in preparation to translate the Old Testament. He wrote, "It is more honorable to take a little trouble to get at the truth, and adapt one's ears to an unfamiliar tongue, than to come out with a sham solution."

(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 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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I’M GLAD THEY’RE INVISIBLE - One Bread, One Body, 09/29/2022

Thursday, September 29, 2022, Sts. Michael, Gabriel &
Raphael, Archangels

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 or
Revelation 12:7-12
Psalm 138:1-5
John 1:47-51
View Readings

I'M GLAD THEY'RE INVISIBLE
"You shall see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man." —John 1:51

St. Nathanael may have been able to see angels, but the Lord doesn’t choose to give this ability to most of us. One of the great things about archangels and angels is that they are invisible. Although we can see the effects of their actions, it is usually unclear what the angels are doing. For the most part, angels are a matter of faith, not sight (2 Cor 5:7).

St. Michael has warred and continues to war against Satan and his demons (see Rv 12:7). Due to Jesus’ ultimate victory through His death and Resurrection, the war against Satan is already won. All that Michael and we have left to do is to put Jesus’ enemies beneath His feet (Heb 10:13). Nevertheless, we don’t always or easily see the victory of Jesus, nor do we see Michael mopping up after the war.

St. Gabriel revealed and reveals to us the Incarnation and its colossal consequences. In the Spirit, we can “grasp fully, with all the holy ones, the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ’s love” (Eph 3:18). Yet how many of us feel we are basking in the light of divine revelation through Gabriel’s ministry?

St. Raphael is sent by the Lord to do many things, especially to heal. He particularly heals the eyes. Many of you are sick. You have asked the Lord to heal you. You may have even asked Raphael to bring healing to you. But you don’t see healing.

We must walk by faith, not by sight. God is loving us through the archangels, whether we know it or not. Believe God.

Prayer: Father, open the eyes of my heart (see Eph 1:18) to believe much more deeply in You, Your love, and Your angels.

Promise: "They defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony." —Rv 12:11

Praise: "I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who enter and serve before the Glory of the Lord" (Tb 12:15).



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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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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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HIS “ALL” CALL - One Bread, One Body, 09/28/2022

Wednesday, September 28, 2022, St. Wenceslaus
St. Lawrence Ruiz& Companions

Job 9:1-12, 14-16
Psalm 88:10-15
Luke 9:57-62
View Readings

HIS "ALL" CALL
"Come away and proclaim the kingdom of God." —Luke 9:60

Job says of God that we could not respond to His majesty even once in a thousand encounters (Jb 9:3, 15). God is so mighty that we would be amazed that He would even listen to our prayer (Jb 9:16). If the omnipotent Creator of the Universe would even ask one thing of us, we should jump for joy to do whatever He asked.

In today’s Gospel, two people responded to the call of Jesus by saying “Maybe, but not now” (see Lk 9:59, 61). The two potential disciples had good excuses. However, the first disciples Jesus called answered Him by immediately dropping everything to follow Him (see Mk 1:17-20; Mt 1:18-24; 9:9; Lk 5:10-11, 27-28; Jn 1:35ff). The first disciples were just as busy as the people who gave excuses in today’s Gospel passage. Yet they put their hands to the plow and did not look back to their former life (Lk 9:62).

Jesus demands all our attention, all our life in response to His call. This seems excessive, but consider the calling from God’s viewpoint. God gave us everything when He gave us His Son, Jesus. God’s calling is urgent and His timing is always best. We always are busy with urgent tasks that compete for our attention (see Mt 22:5; Lk 14:18-20). We also have an enemy constantly distracting us from God’s priorities. To say “Yes” to God, there is always something else to which we must say “No.”

How will you respond to Jesus’ call in your life?

Prayer: Father, I give You permission to re-order everything in my life so that You always take first place.

Promise: "Whoever puts his hand to the plow but keeps looking back is unfit for the reign of God." —Lk 9:62

Praise: St. Wenceslaus came from a diverse family. He had both Catholic and pagan relatives. He was blessed to be raised by his pious grandmother, St. Ludmilla.

(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 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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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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LIGHT MY FIRE - One Bread, One Body, 09/27/2022

Tuesday, September 27, 2022, St. Vincent de Paul

Job 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23
Psalm 88:2-8
Luke 9:51-56
View Readings

LIGHT MY FIRE
"Lord, would You not have us call down fire from heaven to destroy them?" —Luke 9:54

Sts. James and John asked Jesus if they should pray for fire to come down from heaven to destroy an inhospitable Samaritan town. In this way, the two apostles were showing their faith in Jesus as the new Elijah (see Mal 3:23), for Elijah had repeatedly called down fire from heaven (see 2 Kgs 1:10, 12). Jesus rejected their proposal because His kingdom was a kingdom of mercy before justice (see Mt 18:23ff). He intended to convert His enemies, even the Samaritans (see Jn 4:39), rather than destroy them.

Elijah did even more than call down fire on his enemies. In the last words of the Old Testament, Malachi prophesied that God would send Elijah before “the great and terrible day,” and Elijah would “turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers” (Mal 3:23, 24). Elijah’s final ministry is one of reconciliation. Elijah’s fire was not intended to destroy our enemies but reconcile us with them by burning away unforgiveness, bitterness, hatred, resentment, and anger.

Ask God to send down fire from heaven not for destruction but for reconciliation. Pray for the fire to fall not only on your enemies but also on you.

Prayer: Lord, I call down fire on me first.

Promise: "Let my prayer come before You; incline Your ear to my call for help." —Ps 88:3

Praise: While hearing the deathbed confession of a servant, St. Vincent's eyes were open to the spiritual needs of the peasantry of France. He founded an order known as the Congregation of the Mission. He has become the patron saint of all charities who minister to the poor.



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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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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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RIGHTEOUS AND REPENTANT - One Bread, One Body, 09/26/2022

Monday, September 26, 2022, Sts. Cosmas & Damian

Job 1:6-22
Psalm 17:1-3, 6-7
Luke 9:46-50
View Readings

RIGHTEOUS AND REPENTANT
"Naked I came forth from my mother's womb, and naked shall I go back again. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord!" ––Job 1:21

Many of us have said things disrespectful of God when our life hasn’t gone as planned. Contrast this attitude with “a blameless and upright man named Job, who feared God and avoided evil” (Jb 1:1). Most likely, “you have heard of the steadfastness of Job” (Jas 5:11). Even in view of all the suffering Satan heaped upon him, “Job did not sin, nor did he say anything disrespectful of God” (Jb 1:22).

Job’s humble trust in God’s divine providence makes us uncomfortable. Look to St. Peter for inspiration. Recall that Jesus predicted Peter’s denial: “Simon, Simon! Remember that Satan has asked for you, to sift you all like wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith may never fail. You in turn must strengthen your brothers” (Lk 22:31-32). Peter didn’t like the insinuation of failure. “ ‘Lord,’ he said to Him, ‘at Your side I am prepared to face imprisonment and death itself’ ” (Lk 22:33). Peter then denied the Lord three times before the cock crowed, just as Jesus foretold (see Lk 22:34, 61). Peter, staring at his own weakness through the compassionate eyes of Jesus, “went out and wept bitterly” (Lk 22:62).

If Job’s righteousness seems unattainable, look to St. Peter. In the end, Peter repented of his sin and caused great joy in heaven (see Lk 15:7).

Prayer: Father, give me the fortitude of Job and the humility of Peter.

Promise: "Show Your wondrous kindness, O Savior of those who flee from their foes to refuge at Your right hand." ––Ps 17:7

Praise: The Eastern Catholic Churches honor Sts. Cosmas and Damian as "Unmercenary Physicians." These saintly twin brothers, who did not accept payment, used their medical skills to serve God.

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from 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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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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A COMFORTABLE, ENJOYABLE DEATH-STYLE - One Bread, One Body, 09/25/2022

Sunday, September 25, 2022, 26th Sunday Ordinary Time

Amos 6:1, 4-7
1 Timothy 6:11-16
Psalm 146:7-10
View Readings

A COMFORTABLE, ENJOYABLE DEATH-STYLE
"Woe to the complacent!" —Amos 6:1

A lifestyle focused on comfort, entertainment, and enjoyment leads to complacency, that is, a selfishness because of which we don’t care that much about other people’s lives and salvation (see Am 6:4-6).

Complacency is only one of the side effects of a pleasure-seeking lifestyle. A self-centered lifestyle gradually causes a spiritual blindness and deafness through which we become so hardened that even someone risen from the dead would not be able to touch our hearts (Lk 16:31).

Because we naturally want a lifestyle that is as comfortable as possible, we are doomed to be complacent and hardhearted unless we receive a new nature (see Jn 3:3) and live in that new nature.

The Holy Spirit is our Hope, for He will strongly oppose the desires of our flesh, that is, our fallen, selfish nature (Gal 5:17). Through His Word, the Holy Spirit will crucify our “flesh with its passions and desires” (Gal 5:24) and give us a new nature and a new birth (Jn 3:5; see also 1 Pt 1:23). The Holy Spirit gives the possibility and the power of living the Christian life and being freed from the death and damnation of our self-centered lifestyle. Come, Holy Spirit!

Prayer: Father, conquer my selfishness by Your love.

Promise: "Fight the good fight of faith." —1 Tm 6:12

Praise: "He is the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords Who alone has immortality and Who dwells in unapproachable light, Whom no human being has ever seen or can see. To Him be honor and everlasting rule! Amen" (1 Tm 6:15-16).

(For a related teaching on Spiritual Blindness, listen to, download or order our CD 65-1 or DVD 65 on our website.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from 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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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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THIS I KNOW - One Bread, One Body, 09/24/2022

Saturday, September 24, 2022,

Ecclesiastes 11:9—12:8
Psalm 90:3-6, 12-14, 17
Luke 9:43-45
View Readings

THIS I KNOW
"They failed...to understand." —Luke 9:45

Our human existence has limits; our minds cannot understand everything (see Lk 9:45). Our body parts wear out — eyes, ears, legs, teeth, and digestive systems (Eccl 12:2ff). Our bodies live only a limited time, seventy or eighty years “if we are strong,” and then we die (Ps 90:10).

When we know our limits, we are in a position to call upon God as our only refuge (Ps 90:1). If we fail to understand many things, at least we can know by grace that Jesus is our Savior, “the Resurrection and the Life” (Jn 11:25), and that the Church He established is the “pillar and bulwark of truth” (1 Tm 3:15).

I don’t fully understand why Jesus had to suffer such a brutal death for our sins. I don’t know why bad things happen to good people, and why evil seemingly goes unchecked. But I do know that my Redeemer lives (Jb 19:25, RSV-CE). I do know that God is “rich in mercy” and came to call sinners (Eph 2:4; Mk 2:17).

What don’t you understand? When you don’t understand, will you walk away from Jesus? (Jn 6:66) Or will you respond to Him like St. Peter: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (Jn 6:68)?

Prayer: Father, "teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart" (Ps 90:12).

Promise: "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come." —Eccl 12:1

Praise: Trying to conduct works of service bore only resentment in Maria's heart until she met Jesus and sat at His feet. Out of that love, her new sense of service flourished.

(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 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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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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“LIFT HIGH THE CROSS” - One Bread, One Body, 09/23/2022

Friday, September 23, 2022, St. Pio of Pietrelcina

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
Psalm 144:1-4
Luke 9:18-22
View Readings

"LIFT HIGH THE CROSS"
The Son of Man "must first endure many sufferings, be rejected by the elders, the high priests and the scribes, and be put to death, and then be raised up on the third day." —Luke 9:22

Early in His public ministry, Jesus told His apostles to keep it a secret that He was the Messiah (Lk 9:21). When He healed people and set them free from the devil, He told these people to keep it secret. One explanation for this may be that Jesus wanted to reveal His sufferings and death before publicizing His messianic power.

Because the crucified Jesus should be first and foremost in our hearts, Paul determined that while he was with the Corinthians, he “would speak of nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Cor 2:2). When he preached to the Galatians, he displayed before their eyes Jesus Christ on the cross (Gal 3:1). At Athens, when Paul neglected to begin with preaching Jesus crucified, he suffered one of his worst failures (see Acts 17:32ff).

When the cross is not first, we make up our own warped version of Christianity. We project our own preoccupations onto Christ and make Him into our own image and likeness. Unless we focus on the cross, we will use Christianity as a way of deifying and enthroning ourselves. Repent and “lift high the cross.”

Prayer: Father, may I boast of nothing but the cross of Jesus. Through it may I be crucified to the world and the world to me (Gal 6:14).

Promise: "He has made everything appropriate to its time, and has put the timeless into their hearts." —Eccl 3:11

Praise: Francesco Forgione joined the Capuchin Franciscans and was ordained in 1910, known as Padre Pio. In 1918, he received the stigmata of Christ on his hands, feet and side. He was a sought-after Confessor, sometimes hearing confessions for 10 hours a day.

(For a related teaching on Renewing Our Culture, listen to, download or order our CD 80-3 or DVD 80 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 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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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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FROM VANITY INTO FULLNESS - One Bread, One Body, 09/22/2022

Thursday, September 22, 2022,

Ecclesiastes 1:2-11
Psalm 90:3-6, 12-14, 17
Luke 9:7-9
View Readings

FROM VANITY INTO FULLNESS
"Nothing is new under the sun." —Ecclesiastes 1:9

The author of the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes is a wise man named Qoheleth (Eccl 1:1). He is wise, but he lived before the revelation of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. From his perspective, “all things are vanity!” (Eccl 1:2) Many people today are likewise pessimistic about living in this world filled with misery and tears. The New Testament recognizes this. Life “without God in the world” is definitely a life “without hope” (Eph 2:12). Apart from Jesus, we “can do nothing” (Jn 15:5).

Yet the Good News is that God loved us so much that He sent His only-begotten Son that we might have the opportunity to believe in Him and have eternal life (Jn 3:16). God in His mercy has offered us life “with and in Christ Jesus” (Eph 2:6), “life to the full” (Jn 10:10). Jesus proclaims: “See, I make all things new!” (Rv 21:5) God and God alone can make all things new and beautiful. Therefore, “fix your eyes on Jesus” (Heb 3:1).

Are you feeling hopeless, like Qoheleth? Do you feel alone, dejected, discouraged, pessimistic? Is your life without hope? Come to Jesus (Mt 11:28). He will change your “mourning into dancing” (Ps 30:12). Jesus will give you His very own, eternal, boundless, complete joy (Jn 15:11). In Jesus, we are new creations (2 Cor 5:17).

Prayer: Father, when I am without hope, give me the grace to turn to Jesus rather than turning in on myself.

Promise: "A thousand years in Your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past." —Ps 90:4

Praise: With simplicity of faith, Randy, a four-pack-a-day smoker, was instantly healed of that addiction by a humble prayer empowered by the Holy Spirit.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(For a related teaching on Hope, listen to, download or order our CD 70-1 or DVD 70 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 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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CHAMELEON? - One Bread, One Body, 09/21/2022

Wednesday, September 21, 2022, St. Matthew

Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13
Psalm 19:2-5
Matthew 9:9-13
View Readings

CHAMELEON?
"Now it happened that, while Jesus was at table in Matthew's home, many tax collectors and those known as sinners came to join Jesus and His disciples at dinner." —Matthew 9:10

The Lord may have been making a statement in choosing a businessman (and a disreputable one at that) to compile the first book of the New Testament. The Lord does not believe in the separation of faith from life, church from business, and even church from state (as we erroneously understand it).

We are not to be Christians on Sunday but secular humanists on Monday. We must not be one way at church and different at home or work. The Lord does not believe in spiritual split personality disorder. He did not make us “bi-polar” spiritually; He makes us integral persons. Our faith is to be our life and not separated from our life. Our faith is not to “go out of business” but to “get down to business.” We are to discover or invent the means to permeate the culture with the gospel (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 899). We are not chameleons but disciples of Christ in any circumstances, even in anti-Christian environments. Be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Mt 5:13-14).

Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit so that my faith will permeate my work.

Promise: "It is He Who gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers in roles of service for the faithful to build up the body of Christ." —Eph 4:11-12

Praise: St. Matthew's Gospel concludes with the promise of Jesus: "I am with you always" (Mt 28:20).

(Celebrate the feast of St. Matthew by viewing, downloading or ordering our Simple Reading Guide to the Gospels of Matthew and Mark on our website and using them while reading Matthew's gospel.)

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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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THE CRY OF THE POOR - One Bread, One Body, 09/20/2022

Tuesday, September 20, 2022, St. Andrew Kim Taegon,
St. Paul Chong Hasang & Companions

Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13
Psalm 119:1, 27, 30, 34-35, 44
Luke 8:19-21
View Readings

THE CRY OF THE POOR
"He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will himself also call and not be heard." —Proverbs 21:13

If we don’t listen to the cry of the poor, our prayer will not be heard by God. If we give a beggar some money, have we heard his cry? If we don’t give him money, have we not heard his cry? Jesus proclaimed that His mission was to preach Good News to the poor (Lk 4:18). However, this Good News was not only about providing immediate needs but also freedom. Jesus described His Good News for the poor as the proclamation of “liberty to captives, recovery of sight to the blind and release to prisoners” (Lk 4:18). To hear the cry of the poor is more than giving a handout. It is giving “a year of favor” (Lk 4:18).

This year should be the occasion for the best things that have ever happened to the poor of the world in many centuries. Let us ask for the Spirit of the Lord to come upon us and anoint us (Lk 4:18). Only then will we hear the cry of the poor according to the Lord’s will.

Prayer: Father, may I love the poor in Your radically different way. May I always "be mindful of the poor" (Gal 2:10).

Promise: "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act upon it." —Lk 8:21

Praise: For many years in Korea, the Catholic Faith was outlawed and those caught practicing it were martyred in horrific ways. Most of the Korean martyrs were lay men and women. Today there are more than five million Catholics in South Korea.

(For a related teaching on Beatitudes, listen to, order or download 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 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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WORD-WORK - One Bread, One Body, 09/19/2022

Monday, September 19, 2022, St. Januarius

Proverbs 3:27-34
Psalm 15:2-5
Luke 8:16-18
View Readings

WORD-WORK
"Take heed, therefore, how you hear." —Luke 8:18

Many Catholics in our culture have been conditioned to passively hear God’s Word and be mere spectators at Mass. However, the Lord calls His Word “seed” (Lk 8:11) and ourselves “ground.” Any farmer knows that ground is full of life, that is, organisms, nutrients, chemical processes, etc. We not only work the ground, but the ground works on anything in it — from graves to seeds. We are the ground. We work on and with the seed of God’s Word. We are to be very active in relationship to God’s Word.

God’s Word is also like light (see Ps 119:105). Our job is to put the light on the lampstand of our lives so as to give light to all in the house (Lk 8:16). Once again, we are to do something with God’s Word or lose the light (see Lk 8:18).

Receiving God’s Word is similar to patronizing a “drive-through” window. We hear, read, or study God’s Word specifically to pick up something, carry it out, and take it home or to work or to the streets. Actively work on, work with, put forth, take out, and give out God’s Word.

Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit to make me a servant and messenger of Your Word.

Promise: "When He is dealing with the arrogant, He is stern, but to the humble He shows kindness." —Prv 3:34

Praise: St. Januarius was Bishop of Benevento, near Naples, Italy. He was martyred during Emperor Diocletian's persecution of 305 AD. The wild animals in the arena, who were meant to devour him in martyrdom, would not touch him, so he was beheaded.

(Give out God's Word by teaching the Bible. Listen to, download or order our CD or DVD series on our website. Our eight CD series starts with CD 5A-1 and our four DVD series starts with DVD 5A.)

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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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ENVIRONMENTAL PRAYER AND FASTING - One Bread, One Body, 09/18/2022

Sunday, September 18, 2022, 25th Sunday Ordinary Time

Amos 8:4-7
1 Timothy 2:1-8
Psalm 113:1-2, 4-8
Luke 16:1-13

View Readings

ENVIRONMENTAL PRAYER AND FASTING
"First of all, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for all men, especially for kings and those in authority." —1 Timothy 2:1-2

Our priority should be to pray for those in authority. This kind of prayer is good and pleasing to God (1 Tm 2:3). This kind of prayer leads to the type of society in which people will have the best opportunity to be saved and to know the truth (1 Tm 2:4). This prayer should be led by Christian men publicly and visibly. St. Paul stated: “It is my wish, then, that in every place the men shall offer prayers with blameless hands held aloft, and be free from anger and dissension” (1 Tm 2:8).

Pope St. John Paul II taught that prayer should be accompanied by fasting if it is to be used by God to change our culture of death (The Gospel of Life, 100). He maintained that prayer combined with fasting was both the first thing we should do (see 1 Tm 2:1) and the most effective (The Gospel of Life, 100).

Therefore, let us (especially men) first of all pray and fast so that we can be most effective in changing our society from a culture of death to an environment of salvation and truth, and then to a civilization of love and life.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me in my weakness to pray and fast as I ought (see Rm 8:26).

Promise: "The Lord has sworn by the pride of Jacob: Never will I forget a thing they have done!" —Am 8:7

Praise: "A Star shall advance from Jacob, and a Staff shall rise from Israel" (Nm 24:17). Lord Jesus, the Old Testament foretells Your messianic coming. Alleluia!

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

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

"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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“LET ME SOW YOUR LOVE” - One Bread, One Body, 09/17/2022

Saturday, September 17, 2022 , St. Robert Bellarmine
St. Hildegard of Bingen

1 Corinthians 15:35-37, 42-49
Psalm 56:10-14
Luke 8:4-15
View Readings

"LET ME SOW YOUR LOVE"
"He spoke to them in a parable." —Luke 8:4

The parable of the sower and the seed (Lk 8:4-8) is applied to sowing the Word of God, because Jesus specifically says the seed sowed by the farmer “is the word of God” (Lk 8:11). The homilist at this morning’s Mass mentioned that this parable also applies well to those who are sowing love. St. Francis of Assisi likewise mentioned this in his well-known prayer when he said, “where there is hatred, let me sow love.”

God sows love and His love falls on a footpath, representing people so trampled down that they cannot admit love into their hearts (Lk 8:5). The rocky ground is like the person who receives love by getting infatuated. But as a little time passes, they grow tired of the love relationship, whether with God or another person. Being without root, they walk away from authentic love (Lk 8:6). The thorny ground is the person who does receive love, responds to it, but makes other choices that distract their heart from growing in authentic love. Such a heart does not commit fully to true, sacrificial love, and so love is stifled (Lk 8:7).

The fourth heart is the good soil which receives love, nurtures it, allows it to take deep root, and bears the abundant fruit of love (Lk 8:8). Love is “the greatest” gift of all (1 Cor 13:13). Open your heart to receive every last drop of God’s outpoured love (Rm 5:5). Receive the love of God daily, especially in the Holy Eucharist at daily Mass.

Prayer: Father, nothing can separate me from Your love (Rm 8:39). Accordingly, may I never separate myself from Your love.

Promise: "The seed you sow does not germinate unless it dies." —1 Cor 15:36

Praise: St. Robert Bellarmine was made a cardinal by Pope Clement VIII in 1599. At the time, the Pope commented, "The Church has not his equal in learning."

(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 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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THE BIG DIFFERENCE - One Bread, One Body, 09/16/2022

Friday, September 16, 2022, Pope St. Cornelius &
St. Cyprian

1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Psalm 17:1, 6-8, 15
Luke 8:1-3
View Readings

THE BIG DIFFERENCE
"If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is void of content and your faith is empty too. Indeed, we should then be exposed as false witnesses of God." —1 Corinthians 15:14-15

“If there is no resurrection of the dead, Christ Himself has not been raised” (1 Cor 15:13). “And if Christ was not raised, your faith is worthless. You are still in your sins, and those who have fallen asleep in Christ are the deadest of the dead. If our hopes in Christ are limited to this life only, we are the most pitiable of men” (1 Cor 15:17-19). However, because Christ has risen and will raise from the dead those who live for Him, those who do not know and believe this “are the most pitiable of men” and have hopes limited to this life only.

How can those who don’t believe in the risen Christ face death without despairing? They are “strangers to the covenant and its promise;” they are “without hope” (Eph 2:12). How can those who don’t believe in Jesus, “the Resurrection and the Life” (Jn 11:25), live without trivializing life or seeing it as a cruel joke in which our deepest human desires are crushed in the finality of death? To believe that Jesus has risen and will raise us from the dead affects every breath, thought, love, desire, decision, and moment of our lives. Not to believe in the Resurrection is to walk in fearful darkness.

Consequently, out of love for God and people, obey Jesus Who insists that we be witnesses to His Resurrection (see Acts 4:33). Risk your life (see 1 Cor 15:30) to tell the ultimate good news of resurrection from the dead in the risen Christ.

Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit so that I will draw hope from Jesus' Resurrection (1 Pt 1:3) and witness for the risen Christ far beyond what I have ever done before.

Promise: "On waking, I shall be content in Your presence." —Ps 17:15

Praise: St Cyprian and Pope St. Cornelius both died as martyrs.



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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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THE SCHOOL - One Bread, One Body, 09/15/2022

Thursday, September 15, 2022, Our Lady of Sorrows

1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 28
John 19:25-27
or Luke 2:33-35 or Luke 7:36-50
View Readings

THE SCHOOL
"This Child is destined to be the downfall and the rise of many in Israel, a sign that will be opposed — and you yourself shall be pierced with a sword." —Luke 2:34-35

This feast of Our Lady of Sorrows will be one of the greatest days in our lives if we simply obey the Lord. However, obedience is very difficult for us humans because of the world, our fallen human nature, and the devil. Nevertheless, we can, like Jesus, learn obedience from what we suffer (Heb 5:8), if we suffer in the pattern of Jesus’ death (Phil 3:10). With Mary, we must be “near the cross” (Jn 19:25). Then we will obey as Jesus obeyed — even to death on the cross (Phil 2:8). Through this obedience, we will be exalted with Jesus (see Phil 2:9), and today will not be the worst missed opportunity of our lifetimes. Rather, it will be a time of unprecedented justice, freedom, and love.

We’ve lived long enough in this culture of death. It’s time to learn obedience and to build a new civilization of love and life. Mary, Sorrowful Mother, help us learn obedience through suffering.

Prayer: Father, heal me of unnecessary suffering and give me the wisdom and grace to suffer redemptively.

Promise: "Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures." —1 Cor 15:3

Praise: "My soul weeps for sorrow; strengthen me according to Your words" (Ps 119:28). Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.

(For a related teaching on Obedience School, view, download or order our leaflet or 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 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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THE ONE-MINUTE CRUCIFIX NOVENA - One Bread, One Body, 09/14/2022

Wednesday, September 14, 2022, Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Numbers 21:4-9
Philippians 2:6-11
Psalm 78:1-2, 34-38
John 3:13-17

View Readings

THE ONE-MINUTE CRUCIFIX NOVENA
"Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up." —John 3:14

When the Israelites looked at the bronze serpent mounted on a pole, they were healed and saved from death (Nm 21:9). Zechariah prophesied and John quoted in reference to Jesus’ death: “They shall look on Him Whom they have pierced” (Jn 19:37; Zec 12:10). When people looked at Jesus on the cross, many of them believed in Him as Savior, Lord, and God (see Jn 3:15; Mk 15:39).

When we look at a crucifix, a representation of Jesus crucified, our lives can be transformed. St. Francis of Assisi, St. Paul of the Cross, St. John of the Cross, St. Bridget, and many of the greatest people who have ever lived received astounding, world-changing graces when looking at a crucifix.

Do a one-minute crucifix novena. Look at a crucifix for at least one minute a day for nine days. The Lord wants to impress on you that He died on the cross specifically for love of you. Look at a crucifix, and let the Lord pour out on you His crucified, infinite, perfect, unconditional love. Look at a crucifix. See God, Who is Love (1 Jn 4:16).

Prayer: Jesus, I live in Your love (Jn 15:9-10).

Promise: "At Jesus' name every knee must bend in the heavens, on the earth, and under the earth, and every tongue proclaim to the glory of God the Father: JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!" —Phil 2:10-11

Praise: "And I — once I am lifted up from earth — will draw all men to Myself" (Jn 12:32). Lord Jesus, we venerate and exalt Your Holy Cross!

(For a related teaching on Crucified to the World, listen to, download or order our CD 40A-3 or DVD 40A on our website.)

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

"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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PARISH “COUNSEL” - One Bread, One Body, 09/13/2022

Tuesday, September 13, 2022, St. John Chrysostom

1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-31
Psalm 100:1-5
Luke 7:11-17
View Readings

PARISH "COUNSEL"
"Furthermore, God has set up in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracle workers, healers, assistants, administrators, and those who speak in tongues." —1 Corinthians 12:28

Does your church have what it takes? Are you working according to your spiritual gifts as listed in 1 Cor 12:28? First, we need apostles to establish the Church and to give it the world vision of God’s kingdom. Second come the prophets, those gifted to speak God’s personal “now” word to us. Third, teachers must be raised up to teach us how to live in Christ. This is no academic exercise; rather, it is practical teaching about relationships, family, work, sexuality, etc. Then the Church needs miracle workers: people who can raise the dead, multiply loaves and fish, stop the storm, and pay the bills.

We also need those gifted in healing the parts of Christ’s Body. Many of these ministries need assistants. Without their help, the job won’t get done. An administrator pulls it all together and manages not merely with human intelligence but with the Spirit’s wisdom. We also need those who speak in tongues to praise the Lord and communicate His love to the community. We can’t do all these things or have all these gifts individually, but we need all of them. We must depend on each other.

Are you exercising your spiritual gifts? Is your church merely an organization, or the gifted Body of Christ?

Prayer: Father, many in the Church are more formed by the world than by the Word. Forgive us and gift us.

Promise: Jesus "said, 'Young man, I bid you get up.' The dead man sat up and began to speak. Then Jesus gave him back to his mother." —Lk 7:14-15

Praise: St. John would not be bought by the riches and favor of Constantinople. His sermons were often sharply to the point. He paid the price with personal vilification and exile.



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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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THE JOYS OF UNWORTHINESS - One Bread, One Body, 09/12/2022

Monday, September 12, 2022, Most Holy Name of Mary

1 Corinthians 11:17-26, 33
Psalm 40:7-10, 17
Luke 7:1-10
View Readings

THE JOYS OF UNWORTHINESS
"I am not worthy to have You come under my roof." —Luke 7:6, RSV-CE

Before receiving Jesus in Holy Communion, the Church leads us to pray: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof.” This is not putting ourselves down but expressing the greatness of our awesome, all-holy God.

When we realize God’s majestic glory, we conclude that He doesn’t owe us anything. Thus, we see life as a gift and a privilege. We are not worthy to pray even for a moment, and to have God’s permission to pray always is shocking (see Lk 18:1). It is obvious that we are not worthy to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus. It is less obvious, however, that we are not worthy to suffer and die for Jesus. What an honor to be persecuted and even martyred for the Creator of the universe and the Savior of the world!

When we realize that Jesus alone is worthy (see Rv 5:2, 9, 12) and we are not worthy, we get in touch with the reality of our humanness. Then we see ourselves as unconditionally loved and super-abundantly showered with His mercy. Our every breath is a grace. We are chosen even to be children of God. Our unworthiness makes it clear that God is unconditional Love; we can abide in that love and in Him (1 Jn 4:16). “Lord, I am not worthy.”

Prayer: Father, thank You for immersing me in grace, love, and mercy.

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: The Holy Spirit inspired Mary to proclaim, "All ages to come shall call me blessed" (Lk 1:48). When we pray the rosary reverently, we honor the Most Holy Name of Mary.

(For a related teaching on Divine Love, listen to, download or order our CD 52-3 or DVD 52 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 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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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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HAVE A HEART - One Bread, One Body, 09/11/2022

Sunday, September 11, 2022, 24th Sunday Ordinary Time

Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 17, 19
Luke 15:1-32

View Readings

HAVE A HEART
"The son grew angry at this and would not go in." —Luke 15:28

The parable of the prodigal son is not meant primarily for the younger, sinful son but rather for the older, righteous son. Jesus specifically addresses the parable to “the Pharisees and scribes” (Lk 15:2-3). Jesus is trying to teach people who go to Church, who pray, who read this publication, who have never left the loving house of the Father (see Lk 15:31). It’s easy to forget that most of us resemble the audience Jesus addressed more than we resemble the sinful son.

The eldest son is unable to love those whom his father loves. He is unable to rejoice when his father rejoices (Lk 15:32). If the eldest son had the heart of his father, he would celebrate with his father. This parable strongly teaches that those who have never outwardly rebelled against God are as much in need of conversion as those who have completely rejected the Lord.

We are meant to learn to love and forgive “from [our] heart” (Mt 18:35). Jesus calls us to forgive wholeheartedly, as He forgives (Lk 23:34). No matter how much someone has hurt us, they have not hurt us as much as Jesus has been hurt. Yet Jesus has the forgiving heart of the prodigal son’s father. Jesus embraces those who cause Him pain. He forgives, suffers, and celebrates without reckoning the cost. “Go and do the same” (Lk 10:37).

Prayer: "Father, I have sinned against...You" (Lk 15:18). "Be merciful to me, a sinner" (Lk 18:13). Help me to forgive from my heart all who have hurt me (Mt 18:35).

Promise: "You can depend on this as worthy of full acceptance: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." —1 Tm 1:15

Praise: "[Paul] explained many things, showing that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead: 'This Jesus I am telling you about is the Messiah!' " (Acts 17:3)

(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 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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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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FOUNDERS’ DAY? - One Bread, One Body, 09/10/2022

Saturday, September 10, 2022,

1 Corinthians 10:14-22
Psalm 116:12-13, 17-18
Luke 6:43-49
View Readings

FOUNDERS' DAY?
"He may be likened to the man who, in building a house, dug deeply and laid the foundation on a rock." —Luke 6:48

What if a structural engineer advised you to have the foundation of your house checked just in case you may have a problem? You probably would have it checked if there was even the slightest chance of your house collapsing. Today, Jesus is suggesting that you check the foundation of your life.

Are you founded on Jesus? (1 Cor 3:11) Have you lost your life for love of Jesus? (Lk 9:24) Are you, as a member of the Church, founded on the apostles and the prophets (Eph 2:20; Rv 21:14), on the bishops who are the successors of the apostles, and on the Pope, the successor of St. Peter? (see Mt 16:18) Do you devote yourself to the apostles’ instructions? (Acts 2:42) Is your life founded on hearing and doing God’s Word? (Lk 6:47) Is your faith founded on Jesus crucified (1 Cor 2:2) and the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 2:4), or is it founded only on human eloquence or intelligence? (1 Cor 2:1, 4)

Your foundation will be tested by the circumstances of life (see Lk 6:48). Make sure you are ready for the test. Love Jesus with all your heart (Mt 22:37). Love the Church and give your life for her, as Jesus did (Eph 5:25). Hear and do God’s Word. Take up the cross each day in docility to the Holy Spirit (Lk 9:23).

Prayer: Father, work through me to rebuild the ancient ruins (Is 58:12).

Promise: "Because the loaf of bread is one, we, many though we are, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf." —1 Cor 10:17

Praise: "I lift up my eyes toward the mountains; whence shall help come to me? My help is from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth" (Ps 121:1-2).

(We offer an upcoming retreat on the Gospel of Matthew, Oct. 21-23. Join us as we study the proclamation of the Kingdom of God. E-mail us at retreats@presentationministries.com or see our website www.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 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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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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“EXISTING TO EVANGELIZE” - One Bread, One Body, 09/09/2022

Friday, September 9, 2022, St. Peter Claver

1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-27
Psalm 84:3-6, 12
Luke 6:39-42
View Readings

"EXISTING TO EVANGELIZE"
"I made myself the slave of all so as to win over as many as possible." —1 Corinthians 9:19

How much do you want people to give their lives to Christ? Would you be “the slave of all so as to win over as many as possible”? Would you make yourself “all things to all men in order to save at least some of them”? (1 Cor 9:22) Are you running the race and fighting the fight? (1 Cor 9:26; 2 Tm 4:7) Would you discipline and master your body (1 Cor 9:27) to make it an instrument of justice (Rm 6:13) in leading people to Christ?

The Lord will give us such a strong desire to lead people to Him that we will realize we exist to evangelize (On Evangelization, 14, Pope St. Paul VI). Like the Apostle Paul, we will be “under compulsion” to preach the Gospel and ruined if we don’t (1 Cor 9:16). Like Jesus, we “have come to light a fire on the earth” (Lk 12:49). How we “wish the blaze were ignited!” (Lk 12:49)

Ask the Holy Spirit to come to you. Ask for a new Pentecost. Ask for the desires of God’s heart to be fulfilled as His desires become the desires of your heart. Exist to evangelize.

Prayer: Jesus, may I live and die to be Your witness (see Acts 1:8).

Promise: "Remove the plank from your own eye first; then you will see clearly." —Lk 6:42

Praise: St. Peter Claver heard as many as five thousand confessions a year for forty years.

(For a related teaching on Evangelism and Worship, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order our CD 49-1 or DVD 49 on our website.)

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

"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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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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