BIG BROTHER - One Bread, One Body, 02/28/2023

Tuesday, February 28, 2023,

Isaiah 55:10-11
Psalm 34:4-7, 16-19
Matthew 6:7-15

View Readings

BIG BROTHER
"I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears." ––Psalm 34:5

“Everything has been given over to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father and no one knows the Father except the Son –– and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal Him” (Lk 10:22). In today’s Gospel passage, the only begotten Son gives us a formula for praying to His Father. In fact, we’ve been given permission to call the God of the universe, “Our Father” (Mt 6:9). “You did not receive a spirit of slavery leading you back into fear, but a spirit of adoption through which we cry out, ‘Abba!’ (that is, ‘Father’)” (Rm 8:15; cf Gal 4:6).

Although we repeat the Our Father countless times during our lives, we must guard against presumption: “In your prayer do not rattle on like the pagans. They think they will win a hearing by the sheer multiplication of words” (Mt 6:7). The Church has consistently taught prayer must lift us up to God. “Christian prayer tries above all to meditate on the mysteries of Christ” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2708).

In the end, even though “all mankind is grass” (1 Pt 1:24), God the Father still deeply cares for each of us. Accept the Lord’s invitation to intimacy. You are His adopted child. Pray with hopeful expectation to your Father.

Prayer: "Lord, teach us to pray…" (see Lk 11:1)

Promise: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit He saves." ––Ps 34:19

Praise: Brenda, a wife and mother, rises very early to spend over two hours each day in prayer.

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

POOR PLANNING - One Bread, One Body, 02/27/2023

Monday, February 27, 2023, St. Gregory of Narek

Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18
Psalm 19:8-10, 15
Matthew 25:31-46

View Readings

POOR PLANNING
"I assure you, as often as you did it for one of My least brothers, you did it for Me." —Matthew 25:40

The Lord says that you shall not “stand by idly when your neighbor’s life is at stake” (Lv 19:16). The Lord tells us: “I assure you, as often as you did or did not provide for the needs of the least of your brothers and sisters, you did or did not do it for Me” (see Mt 25:40, 45). The Lord expects us to recognize the Lazaruses at our doors (Lk 16:19ff) and “love in deed and in truth and not merely talk about it” (1 Jn 3:18). We are to see Jesus in the poor, love and serve the poor, and even be in solidarity with the poor.

This means that we must listen to the teachings of the Church. Pope St. John Paul II taught that we should “carry out a sincere review of [our] lives regarding [our] solidarity with the poor” (Mission of the Redeemer, 60). We must imitate Jesus and have a preferential love for the poor (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2448). St. John Chrysostom insisted: “Not to enable the poor to share in our goods is to steal from them and deprive them of life. The goods we possess are not ours, but theirs.” St. Gregory the Great taught: “When we attend to the needs of those in want, we give them what is theirs, not ours. More than performing works of mercy, we are paying a debt of justice” (Catechism, 2446).

The Church through the centuries echoes: “Love the poor in Jesus; love Jesus in the poor.”

Prayer: Father, this Lent may I give alms to the extent that my lifestyle changes significantly.

Promise: "Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against your fellow countrymen. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord." —Lv 19:18

Praise: St. Gregory, or Grigor Narekatsi, was an Armenian mystic, poet and doctor of the Church.



-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

“LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION” - One Bread, One Body, 02/26/2023

Sunday, February 26, 2023, First Sunday of Lent

Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7
Romans 5:12-19
Psalm 51:3-6, 12-13, 17
Matthew 4:1-11
View Readings

"LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION"
"The tempter approached..." —Matthew 4:3

God does not tempt (Jas 1:13). Rather, the tug and lure of our own sinful nature is what leads us to temptation (Jas 4:1ff; see also Heb 4:15; 2:18). Temptations often occur during Lent. Temptation can strengthen us, much like a drill sergeant toughens the troops for battle. We might wonder where God is during our temptations. The Lord is “with us” while we are tempted (Mt 1:23; 28:20). 

The devil wants us to forget that God loves us. But Satan is a liar (Jn 8:44). He lies about God’s character (see Gn 3:4-5). Jesus did not engage Satan in conversation, and likewise we must never do that. Like Jesus, we must tell the evil one to leave: “Away with you, Satan!” (Mt 4:10)

Satan often lures us with the promise of things that are not his to give. His promises are “empty promises.” What Satan really has to give us are chains that bind, not something to free us or give us new, joyful life. Adam and Eve did not hide from God until after they sinned (Gn 3:6-8). After we succumb to temptation, Satan turns from making empty promises to accusing (Rv 12:10), and then to condemning.

Jesus was tempted at the end of his forty-day fast (Mt 4:2), when He was nearing the finish line of His race. Likewise, it is often when the victory is the closest that the temptations come. God is near, ever at our side. Call upon Him in time of temptation.

Prayer: Father, may I hide Your Word in my heart, that I may not sin against You (Ps 119:11).

Promise: "Through one Man's obedience all shall become just." —Rm 5:19

Praise: "Both with and in Christ Jesus He raised us up and gave us a place in the heavens" (Eph 2:6). Father, thank You for Your divine plan. I trust Jesus and reject Satan.

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

WALKING INTO GLORY - One Bread, One Body, 02/25/2023

Saturday, February 25, 2023,

Isaiah 58:9-14
Psalm 86:1-6
Luke 5:27-32

View Readings

WALKING INTO GLORY
"Then you shall delight in the Lord, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth." —Isaiah 58:14

We are on the fourth day of a forty-day journey through the desert of Lent. Our destination is the celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead. When we meet the risen Christ in a new way this Easter time, “light shall rise” for us “in the darkness, and the gloom shall become” like midday (Is 58:10). “Then the Lord will guide” us always and give us “plenty even on the parched land” (Is 58:11). “The ancient ruins shall be rebuilt” for our sakes and “the foundations from ages past” we shall raise up (Is 58:12). “ ‘Repairer of the breach,’ they shall call” us, “ ‘Restorer of ruined homesteads’ ” (Is 58:12).

Yes, this Easter season will be more than we could ever ask for or imagine (Eph 3:20). Isaiah’s prophecies from over 2,500 years ago will be fulfilled again. The risen Christ’s love and glory will be so greatly manifested this Easter that it would be too much for us if we had not prepared our hearts through our Lenten repentance, fasting, almsgiving, penance, and prayer. Because Easter is so great, Lent is so necessary. Enter fully into Lent.

Prayer: Father, make me ready for anything as I grow in holiness this Lent more than ever before.

Promise: Jesus "said to him, 'Follow Me.' Leaving everything behind, Levi stood up and became His follower." —Lk 5:27-28

Praise: Louise prays, lobbies, and serves to bring about a culture of life.

(The annual Woman's Retreat is March 17-18 at our retreat center in Adams Co., Ohio. Plan to attend and be enriched by a retreat for women. Call 937-587-5464, 513-373-2397 or e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

PULLING A FAST ONE - One Bread, One Body, 02/24/2023

Friday, February 24, 2023,

Isaiah 58:1-9
Psalm 51:3-6, 18-19
Matthew 9:14-15

View Readings

PULLING A FAST ONE
"Do you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?" —Isaiah 58:5

Fasting is limiting our intake of food in obedience to God for the building of His kingdom. It may involve eating nothing, eating a little less, or eating plainer, less tasty foods. Although the Lord often calls us to cut back significantly in eating, fasting is not a matter of quantity but obedience. For instance, to fast severely when God is calling us to something else is not pleasing to Him.

A Lenten fast is a little different than another fast. The Lenten fast is an intentional imitation of Christ as He fasted forty days in the desert. Thus, the purpose of a Lenten fast is to be united with Christ and to grow in a deep, personal relationship with Him.

On this Friday, the third fast day of Lent, the Church obliges the Catholics of the world to unite by abstaining from meat. This simple expression of unity encourages all of us to persevere in fasting and to fast with our focus on unity — unity with all the Catholics of the world and especially with Jesus. “Would that today you might fast so as to make your voice heard on high!” (Is 58:4)

Prayer: Jesus, may I be in communion with You when I eat Your Flesh and drink Your Blood (Jn 6:56). May I also receive communion with You and Your people when I fast.

Promise: "When the day comes that the Groom is taken away, then they will fast." —Mt 9:15

Praise: Even when unable to get out to Church to receive Communion, Monica was in communion with the Church through the minister bringing the Eucharist to her.

(For a related teaching on The Secret of Fasting, view, download or order our leaflet on our website.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

IT’S YOUR CHOICE - One Bread, One Body, 02/23/2023

Thursday, February 23, 2023, St. Polycarp

Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Psalm 1:1-4, 6
Luke 9:22-25

View Readings

IT'S YOUR CHOICE
"I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life." —Deuteronomy 30:19

Recently, a group of Catholics were praying a rosary in front of the local abortion mill. A car drove by and a woman shouted at the group, “My body, my choice!” She made a choice as proclaimed in today’s Mass readings: to choose life or death, blessing or curse (Dt 30:19).

How incredible that Almighty God gives us human beings the freedom to choose our own eternal destiny, heaven or hell. There is no other option. The love of God is so magnanimous and total that He offers us freedom to make such powerful choices (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 160). However, in that same love, He reveals Himself so that we might have every opportunity to choose both Him and His love. God desires to overwhelm us with blessings (Dt 28:2). Yet we have to choose the life of blessings He sets before us (Dt 30:19).

At the conclusion of Lent, at the Easter Vigil or on Easter Sunday, we will renew our baptismal promises. The priest will ask us six questions only answered “Yes” or “No.” Likewise, only two choices are offered by God: heaven or hell, life or death, the kingdom of God or the kingdom of darkness.

As we begin Lent, “choose life” (Dt 30:19). Choose blessing. Reject the curse. Reject hell. Choose God.

Prayer: Father, this Lent, may I choose Your way of life every moment of every day.

Promise: "Whoever wishes to be My follower must deny his very self, take up his cross each day, and follow in My steps. Whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will save it." —Lk 9:23-24

Praise: "Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He has never done me wrong. How, then, should I be able to blaspheme my King Who has saved me?" (The Martyrdom of Polycarp, 155 AD)

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

REPENT LENT - One Bread, One Body, 02/22/2023

Wednesday, February 22, 2023, Ash Wednesday

Joel 2:12-18
2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2
Psalm 51:3-6, 12-14, 17
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
View Readings

REPENT LENT
"For I acknowledge my offense, and my sin is before me always." —Psalm 51:5

Jesus once remarked that if the miracles that He had worked in Bethsaida and Chorazin, two towns in Galilee, had occurred in pagan Tyre and Sidon, the people of those towns would have “reformed in sackcloth and ashes” (Mt 11:21). Repenting by the use of ashes was a custom of the chosen people.

Job repented in ashes (Jb 2:8; 42:6), as did Daniel (Dn 9:3), Tamar (2 Sm 13:19), Judith (Jdt 9:1) and Esther  (Est C:13). The prophets spoke of repenting with ashes (Is 58:5; Jer 6:26; Ez 27:30), and faithful Jews did likewise (Jdt 4:11, 15; 1 Mc 3:47; 4:39; Est 4:1, 3). Likewise, the sinful citizens of Nineveh repented in ashes (Jon 3:6).

We begin the season of Lent today with the liturgy of Ash Wednesday. Ashes are placed on our heads as an outward sign of repentance. We die to ourselves and deny our very selves (Lk 9:23) in imitation of Jesus, Who set aside His glory for our good. We must decrease so Jesus can increase in our lives (Jn 3:30).

This discipline and self-denial is for the purpose of repentance, so that everything within us might be for the Lord. May all that is against the Lord be washed away, fall to the ground, and die (Jn 12:24) so we can bear great fruit. Will you die to yourself this Lent so Jesus can live through you? (Gal 2:19-20) “Be earnest about it, therefore. Repent!” (Rv 3:19)

Prayer: Father, may our Lenten fasting be pleasing to You and a healing remedy for our souls.

Promise: "Now is the acceptable time! Now is the day of salvation!" —2 Cor 6:2

Praise: "You turn man back to dust, saying, 'Return, O children of men' " (Ps 90:3). Father, I repent of my sins and I believe in the Gospel.

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

GREAT EXPECTATIONS - One Bread, One Body, 02/21/2023

Tuesday, February 21, 2023, St. Peter Damian

Sirach 2:1-11
Psalm 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40
Mark 9:30-37

View Readings

GREAT EXPECTATIONS
"When you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials." —Sirach 2:1

To prepare ourselves for trials, we must expect them. “Anyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus can expect to be persecuted” (2 Tm 3:12). Expect it. “Christ suffered in the flesh; therefore arm yourselves with His same mentality” (1 Pt 4:1).

The psalmist stated: “If an enemy had reviled me, I could have borne it...but you, my other self, my companion and my bosom friend!” (Ps 55:13, 14) It is hardest to take sufferings inflicted by those closest to us, because we don’t expect them to hurt us.

However, we must be like Jesus. He knew and expected that His apostles and disciples would abandon Him, Peter would deny Him three times, and Judas would betray Him. Jesus even knew and expected that each one of us would share in crucifying Him through our sins. Jesus prepared Himself for the greatest of all trials.

Expect suffering, but don’t dread it. Rather, in love for Jesus, rejoice in suffering (1 Pt 4:13; Col 1:24).

Prayer: Father, purify me through trials.

Promise: "If anyone wishes to rank first, he must remain the last one of all and the servant of all." —Mk 9:35

Praise: St. Peter Damian was a saintly monk, bishop, cardinal, and doctor of the Church.

(For a related teaching on Redemptive Suffering, listen to, download or order our CD 75-1 or DVD 75 on our website.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

DISTRESS MANAGEMENT - One Bread, One Body, 02/20/2023

Monday, February 20, 2023,

Sirach 1:1-10
Psalm 93:1-2, 5
Mark 9:14-29

View Readings

DISTRESS MANAGEMENT
Jesus "replied by saying to the crowd, 'What an unbelieving lot you are! How long must I remain with you? How long can I endure you?' " —Mark 9:19

A lack of faith distresses Jesus (Mk 6:6). Jesus came into the midst of a crowd which lacked faith and expressed His exasperation quite openly (Mk 9:19, 23). Many of us are surrounded by crowds of people who lack faith. What is our comfort level in these crowds? Does it likewise distress us that people live lives lacking in faith? What kind of words do we speak when in the presence of a lack of faith? Do we say:

• “I understand your financial problems. I agree, you really should use birth control.”
• “It must be awful living with such a wife. I agree, you really should leave her.”
• “I know you are fed up with the Church. I agree, you really should get away from those people.”

Or are we distressed by a lack of faith and speak as Jesus did?

• “Trust in God. He will provide for your large family” (see Phil 4:19).
• “God will give you the grace to love your spouse more deeply. Be faithful to your vows” (see Mt 19:6, 26).
• “Do not leave the Church. Believe that Jesus is working powerfully in the Church” (see Heb 10:25; Eph 1:22).

After Jesus expressed His exasperation in today’s Gospel reading, He challenged the father’s faith (Mk 9:23), raised the father’s level of faith (Mk 9:24), and then taught His disciples to expel demons by prayer and fasting (Mk 9:29; Mt 17:21, NAB). Are you distressed by a lack of faith enough to pray, fast, and speak as Jesus did? “Your attitude must be that of Christ” (Phil 2:5).

Prayer: Father, give me the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16).

Promise: "Fear of the Lord warms the heart." —Sir 1:10

Praise: Anita leads teena,ge children in worship, teaching them to praise God in song.

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

LOVING THOSE WHO HURT YOU - One Bread, One Body, 02/19/2023

Sunday, February 19, 2023, 7th Sunday Ordinary Time

Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18
1 Corinthians 3:16-23
Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13
Matthew 5:38-48
View Readings

LOVING THOSE WHO HURT YOU
"Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against your fellow countrymen. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord." —Leviticus 19:18

Jesus was asked: “Teacher, which commandment of the law is the greatest?” (Mt 22:36) Jesus surprised His questioner by mentioning not one commandment but two. He surprised all of Judaism by maintaining that loving one’s neighbor as oneself is the second commandment, and together with the first commandment forms the basis of the law and the prophets (Mt 22:40; cf Rm 13:10).

The Biblical context for the second commandment isn’t merely about generally helping out our neighbors or being friendly to them. In Leviticus 19:18, to love our neighbor specifically means not bearing hatred toward them, not taking revenge on them, and not cherishing a grudge against them. So, when Jesus was asked to name the greatest commandment, He did not merely add to the first commandment the command to love our neighbor; He also implied a prohibition against hating, taking revenge, and cherishing grudges.

Is there anyone you hate? Do you want to get revenge on someone? Are you holding a grudge? Have you forgiven from your heart everyone for everything? (Mt 18:35) Do you love your neighbor as yourself by God’s standards? This Lent, be reconciled, forgive, and love your neighbor.

Prayer: Sacred Heart of Jesus, purify my heart this Lent to love the Samaritans and enemies in my life (Lk 10:29ff).

Promise: "Are you not aware that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" —1 Cor 3:16

Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who is the cause of our joy!

(For a related teaching on Unforgiveness is the Cause, view, download or order our leaflet on our website.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

HOW GOD GIVES FAITH - One Bread, One Body, 02/18/2023

Saturday, February 18, 2023,

Hebrews 11:1-7
Psalm 145:2-5, 10-11
Mark 9:2-13

View Readings

HOW GOD GIVES FAITH
"Because of faith the men of old were approved by God." —Hebrews 11:2

“All depends on faith, everything is grace” (Rm 4:16). We are saved by grace through faith (Eph 2:8). “Believing in Jesus Christ and in the One Who sent Him for our salvation is necessary for obtaining that salvation” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 161). “Without faith, it is impossible to please” God (Heb 11:6). We are to live “a life of faith in the Son of God, Who loved” us and gave His life for us (Gal 2:20; see also 2 Cor 13:5). We must “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7). Those who believe are those who conquer the world (1 Jn 5:5).

“Faith is confident assurance concerning what we hope for, and conviction about things we do not see” (Heb 11:1). Faith is the result of a good personal relationship. A good personal relationship is based on good communication. Good communication depends on listening (see Mk 9:7). “Faith, then, comes through hearing, and what is heard is the word of Christ” (Rm 10:17).The Scriptures are a point of reference by which we can discern whether God is behind the events, thoughts, activities, and conversations of our lives. Then, once we let the Holy Bible get us attuned to the Lord, we develop a good relationship with Him and establish that confident assurance in Him that is faith.

Abide in God’s Word (Jn 15:7). Meditate on it (Ps 1:2) and recite it day and night (Jos 1:8). You will hear the Lord. Then you will grow in a loving relationship with Him and have faith in Him.

Prayer: Father, I believe. Help my lack of faith (see Mk 9:24).

Promise: "A cloud came, overshadowing them, and out of the cloud a voice: 'This is My Son, My Beloved. Listen to Him.' " —Mk 9:7

Praise: Justin attended a course on teaching the Bible because he wanted to teach Scripture to his children.

(This coming Lent, learn more about the Bible. Listen to, download or order our Overview of the Bible which includes CD 10A-1, CD 10A-3, CD 10B-1, CD 10B-3, CD 10C-1 and CD 10C-3 or DVD 10A, DVD 10B and DVD 10C on our website.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

SKY-DIVING - One Bread, One Body, 02/17/2023

Friday, February 17, 2023 , Seven Founders of the
Order of Servites

Genesis 11:1-9
Psalm 33:10-15
Mark 8:34—9:1

View Readings

SKY-DIVING
"It was from that place that He scattered them all over the earth." —Genesis 11:9

We are divided, fragmented, even shattered. Even our divisions are divided and sub-divided. Our different languages, nationalities, and denominations have cut the human race and even the body of Christ into hundreds of thousands of pieces.

Pride is the cause of our divisions and divisiveness. Like the builders of the tower of Babel, we want to make a name for ourselves and make monuments to ourselves reaching high into the sky (see Gn 11:4). We want to be better, superior to others, to stand apart, that is, be divided (see Lk 18:9ff).

Jesus contradicts human pride. He made a name for Himself by dying on Calvary, and His monument in the sky was a cross. By the blood flowing from His crucified body, Jesus reconciles us and makes the two of us one (Col 1:20; Eph 2:14). As we deny ourselves and take up the cross (Mk 8:34), we possess “the one love, united in spirit and ideals” (Phil 2:2). In Jesus, we “never act out of rivalry or conceit” (Phil 2:3). “Let all parties think humbly of others as superior to themselves, each of you looking to others’ interests rather than to his own. Your attitude must be that of Christ” (Phil 2:3-5).

Prayer: Father, may I die to self to bring about unity within the Church (see Jn 11:51-52).

Promise: "Whoever would preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will preserve it." —Mk 8:35

Praise: The Seven Founders of the Order of Servites stepped out in faith by forsaking their prosperity to lead a life of prayer and penance.

(Lent is approaching. To help you observe Lent more deeply, view, download or order our booklet Scriptural Stations of the Cross and our leaflet A Prophetic Lent on our website.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

BIRTH CONTROL OR SIN CONTROL? - One Bread, One Body, 02/16/2023

Thursday, February 16, 2023,

Genesis 9:1-13
Psalm 102:16-21, 29, 22-23
Mark 8:27-33

View Readings

BIRTH CONTROL OR SIN CONTROL?
"Be fertile, then, and multiply; abound on earth and subdue it." —Genesis 9:7; see also Genesis 9:1

The first recorded words from God to humanity are: “Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it” (Gn 1:28). To make sure that humanity got the message, God repeated it two more times (Gn 9:1, 7). Sin then took advantage of humanity’s fertility to transmit a fallen nature to every human being. Likewise, when our fertility seems to multiply our problems, many of us respond with birth control. We reason that less people means less problems for us who already have too many problems. However, the Lord responds to the multiplication of our problems not by shutting down our fertility, but by dealing with our real problem, sin. For example, the Lord tried to deal with our sinfulness through Noah’s flood, while continuing to command us to be fertile and multiply.

We don’t need birth control, but sin control. We don’t even need temporary birth control while we delay dealing with our sins. This is only another excuse to put off repenting. We must repent of our sins now and go to Confession. We treasure God’s Word in our hearts that we may not sin (Ps 119:11). The only way to save our lives is to give our lives totally to the Lord (Mt 16:25). Then our fertility will be used to fill the earth with the Lord’s love and life as we make disciples of all the nations (see Mt 28:19). Be fertile and multiply; repent of sins and fill the earth.

Prayer: Father, give many Christian couples the blessing of having healthy, large families.

Promise: "You are the Messiah!" —Mk 8:29

Praise: George got a vasectomy twice and finally reversed it for good.

(Discipleship Retreats are one of the main ministries of Presentation Ministries. You will grow in your faith and be equipped to evangelize by attending the series of forty days of retreat. See our website for all upcoming retreats and plan to begin the process, www.presentationministries.com.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

A RAVEN OR A DOVE? - One Bread, One Body, 02/15/2023

Wednesday, February 15, 2023,

Genesis 8:6-13, 20-22
Psalm 116:12-15, 18-19
Mark 8:22-26

View Readings

A RAVEN OR A DOVE?
"At the end of forty days Noah opened the hatch he had made in the ark, and he sent out a raven." —Genesis 8:6-7

If you are surrounded by the waters of destruction, you can be like the raven Noah sent out from the ark. You can fly back and forth over the waters (see Gn 8:7). However, you’ll only wear yourself out and may get lost.

Instead, you can be like the dove Noah sent out. Even if the waters of destruction are still covering everything, you can at least return to the ark (see Gn 8:9). In the ark of the Church, you will be protected and be part of the new creation.

Possibly the waters of destruction are not covering everything in your life. You may find a few olive leaves above the waters. Pluck an olive leaf as a sign of hope but return to the ark of the Church (see Gn 8:11).

Possibly the waters of destruction have receded in your life (see Gn 8:13). You can fly with the Holy Spirit. You can witness for Jesus (Acts 1:8), make disciples of all nations, and lead them to be baptized into the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Mt 28:19). You can go forth from the ark of the Church to lead people back into the Church of the new creation.

Be a dove; follow the dove of the Holy Spirit as He works through the Church.

Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit to teach me how to live faithfully and powerfully in a world of sin, death, abortion, hatred, and violence.

Promise: "His sight was restored and he could see everything clearly." —Mk 8:25

Praise: The more Charles researched Church history, the more he was drawn into the one, true, holy and apostolic Church.

(For a related teaching on The Church in God's Plan, listen to, download or order our CD 67-3 or DVD 67 on our website.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS - One Bread, One Body, 02/14/2023

Tuesday, February 14, 2023, Sts. Cyril & Methodius

Genesis 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10
Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10
Mark 8:14-21

View Readings

SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS
"Are your minds completely blinded? Have you eyes but no sight?" —Mark 8:17-18

Jesus was appalled at His disciples’ spiritual blindness. They were blinded to the significance of the two multiplications of the loaves and fishes. They were blinded to Who Jesus was. This blindness would eventually lead His disciples to abandon Jesus on Calvary.

Spiritual blindness caused Jesus’ death on the cross. It caused the Third Reich, the Holocaust of six million Jews, slavery for centuries, and countless other atrocities. Spiritual blindness causes starvation, racism, the sexual abuse of children, mass murder from abortion, etc.

Spiritual blindness is caused by the god of the present age (2 Cor 4:4) and by our complicity with the evils of this god of selfishness and secular humanism. Spiritual blindness is caused by sin. The darkness of sin blinds us (1 Jn 2:11), blinds us to being blind (Jn 9:40), and causes us to blind ourselves (see Is 29:9). Whole nations, cities, and even churches (see Rv 3:17) can become spiritually blind.

Jesus has divided the world into two groups — those going blind and those receiving sight (Jn 9:39). Repent, go to Confession, and let Jesus heal you of blindness.

Prayer: Father, through my monthly celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, restore my sight and keep me from going spiritually blind.

Promise: "Noah found favor with the Lord." —Gn 6:8

Praise: Sts. Cyril & Methodius, the apostles to the Slavs, spread the Good News to Poland, Bohemia, Russia and Bulgaria.

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

THE BEST OR THE REST? - One Bread, One Body, 02/13/2023

Monday, February 13, 2023,

Genesis 4:1-15, 25
Psalm 50:1, 8, 16-17, 20-21
Mark 8:11-13

View Readings

THE BEST OR THE REST?
"Abel, for his part, brought one of the best firstlings of his flock." —Genesis 4:4

Both Cain and Abel brought offerings to the Lord. God accepted Abel and his offering, but He did not look with favor on Cain and his offering. Although we don’t know the details of this event, Scripture does provide us with a clue into what God looks for in a sacrifice. Abel brought to the Lord his “best” (Gn 4:4). Cain simply brought “an offering” (Gn 4:3).

The Lord repeatedly emphasizes offering the best we have, without blemish (see Lv 1:10). What we give to the Lord should be as perfect as we are capable of making it. The prophet Malachi bluntly accused priests of despising the Lord by offering tarnished sacrifices (Mal 1:6ff). These priests kept the best lambs for their own meals, and burned the weak, blind, and lame ones as offerings to the Lord, in opposition to the command of the law of Moses. Malachi says to those who offered these halfhearted, self-seeking sacrifices: “Present it to your governor; see if he will accept it, or welcome you” (Mal 1:8).

Would our boss be happy to receive the same quality we give to the Lord, Who created our boss? Do we give our best time to our jobs, recreation, TV, smartphone, and friends, and then give God the leftovers? Give the Lord your best, and He will multiply the rest (see Mal 3:10).

Prayer: Father, I give You my life, my energies, my entire will.

Promise: "If you do well, you can hold up your head; but if not, sin is a demon lurking at the door: his urge is toward you, yet you can be his master." —Gn 4:7

Praise: Josh made a practice of listening to God each morning. When the Lord indicated that he should go on mission overseas, Josh obeyed. An entire African town received the gift of clean drinking water through Josh's obedient love and technical skill.

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

TWO WAYS - One Bread, One Body, 02/12/2023

Sunday, February 12, 2023, 6th Sunday Ordinary Time

Sirach 15:15-20
1 Corinthians 2:6-10
Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34
Matthew 5:17-37
View Readings

TWO WAYS
"Instruct me." —Psalm 119:33

There are two ways of life, and God has given us freedom to make our own choice. “Before man are life and death, whichever he chooses shall be given him” (Sir 15:17). Yet He gives us every instruction needed to say “Yes” to God’s way and “No” to Satan’s way. So the Church leads us to pray with the psalmist in today’s psalm response, “Instruct me” (Ps 119:33). We need to beg the Lord for His instruction because we have been entrusted with the power to choose.

There is no neutrality in this choice. So it is important to instruct those under our spiritual care before letting them make that choice. This applies particularly to our children. The world will instruct people via Satan, and will do so loudly and with pressure. We Christians must likewise instruct these people, and do so with the loving heart of the Good Shepherd (see Mt 11:29). As you instruct, do so with love.

We have the freedom to choose our own eternal destruction. We have the freedom to choose eternal joy and to have influence in the salvation of our loved ones by our life of trust in God. The Lord declares: “I have today set before you life and prosperity, death and doom...Choose life” (Dt 30:15, 19).

Prayer: Father, "open my eyes, that I may consider the wonders of Your law" (Ps 119:18).

Promise: "Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it so much as dawned on man what God has prepared for those who love Him." —1 Cor 2:9

Praise: Praise You, risen Jesus, Wisdom of God! (1 Cor 1:30)

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(For a related teaching on There's No Place Like Home-(Schooling), view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order our CD 74-1 or DVD 74 on our website.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

CHANGING OUR ALIENATION - One Bread, One Body, 02/11/2023

Saturday, February 11, 2023, Our Lady of Lourdes

Genesis 3:9-24
Psalm 90:2-6, 12-13
Mark 8:1-10

View Readings

CHANGING OUR ALIENATION
"I hid myself." —Genesis 3:10

The seeds of the alienation and separation of man are evident in today’s first reading: alienation from God, alienation between man and woman. “The man and his wife hid themselves from the Lord God” (Gn 3:8).

Man tries to find his own remedy for his fall from grace instead of going to the remedy God has offered, His Son Jesus Christ. However, we cannot reconcile ourselves to God through our own efforts; it is the Lord Who initiates the reconciling. Our part is to “let it be done to” us (Lk 1:38). “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near through the blood of Christ. It is He Who is our peace, and Who made the two of us one by breaking down the barrier of hostility that kept us apart” (Eph 2:13-14).

We are “strangers and aliens no longer” (Eph 2:19). God has sent His only begotten Son to reconcile sinful humanity to Himself (Jn 3:16). Will you accept the solution God has offered to remedy the miserable effects of sin in this world? Risen life in Jesus is far superior to even God’s original, beautiful plan for human life in the garden of Eden. Yet many respond, “We will not have this Man rule over us” (Lk 19:14).

When we give our lives to Jesus, we change from being alienated from God to being alienated from the world (Heb 11:13-14). Surrender your life to Jesus. Change your alienation.

Prayer: Father, grant me the grace to be so committed to Your Son Jesus that I may never depart from Him.

Promise: "The people in the crowd ate until they had their fill." —Mk 8:8

Praise: Glenda had a special devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes. She rejoiced when her confessor assigned her to pray to her patroness.

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

HEAR YE! HEAR YE! - One Bread, One Body, 02/10/2023

Friday, February 10, 2023, St. Scholastica

Genesis 3:1-8
Psalm 32:1-2, 5-7
Mark 7:31-37

View Readings

HEAR YE! HEAR YE!
"Ephphatha!...Be opened!" —Mark 7:34

Jesus took the deaf man “off by himself away from the crowd” (Mk 7:33). Jesus moved the man away from chaos, disorder, skepticism, peer pressure, and negativity. This peace was the environment in which full healing could best be done.

So many people listen to everything but the Lord. Particularly, people listen to the voice of the evil one (Gn 3:1ff). In the present-day secular culture, the voice of evil resounds, twisting and redefining God’s good and holy order. The kingdom of darkness calls “evil good, and good evil” (Is 5:20). The secular culture opposes God and His kingdom (see Gal 5:17). When people hear this propaganda long enough, they believe it and oppose God as well.

In yesterday’s Mass readings, we read that God created marriage as a union between one man and one woman (Gn 2:21-24). The secular culture attempts to redefine marriage to twist, pervert, and oppose God’s plan. Earlier this week, the Mass readings revealed that God created man and woman (Gn 1:27) in His divine image. The secular culture, at the prompting of the evil one, twists and confuses gender identity and thus many are now deaf to their own role in God’s plan. Many are confused because they have listened to the devil rather than to God.

Let Jesus take you off by yourself with Him alone (Mk 7:33). Jesus wants to touch your ears and open them to His Good News. Block out Satan’s lies. Listen to the Lord and be healed. Let everyone who has ears hear the Lord (Mk 4:9).

Prayer: Father, make me deaf to all that opposes You. Open my ears to hear You and You alone.

Promise: "He has done everything well! He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak!" —Mk 7:37

Praise: St. Scholastica founded a religious community five miles from the monastery of her brother, St. Benedict.

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

“THE BEGINNING AND THE END” (Rv 22:13) - One Bread, One Body, 02/09/2023

Thursday, February 9, 2023,

Genesis 2:18-25
Psalm 128:1-5
Mark 7:24-30

View Readings

"THE BEGINNING AND THE END" (Rv 22:13)
"The Lord God said: 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable partner for him.' " —Genesis 2:18

The first spoken words in the Holy Bible from man are about the topic of marriage. Adam rejoices that he has been given his beloved wife Eve: “This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (Gn 2:23). The last time a human speaks in the Bible is likewise a word of rejoicing about a marriage: the Bride, that is, the Church, together with the Holy Spirit say, “Come!” (Rv 22:17) The bride rejoices that she and her spouse are united in marriage. The Scriptures between the beginning marriage and the ending marriage are all interconnected in the ardent love of God for mankind and the human longing for union with the Lord. The entire Bible is sandwiched between two shouts of married joy (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1602).

Human beings long for the fullness of love. Our human destiny is to be united with God forever, as God has created us to be. It is only with God that married love is full and complete, rather than restless. St. Augustine spoke of this, saying to God, “You have made us for Yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in You” (Catechism, 30). It takes three to experience the full joy of marriage: husband, wife, and God (Catechism, 1642). “A three-ply cord is not easily broken” (Eccl 4:12).

“God is Love” (1 Jn 4:8, 16). We humans are only able to fully love because God has first loved us (1 Jn 4:19). God wants us to have life to the full (Jn 10:10). Let the Lord love you fully and bring you into “the wedding feast of the Lamb” (Rv 19:9), the Holy Mass. Each Mass is the wedding between heaven and earth (Catechism, 1329). Attend Mass as often as possible, even daily, and be wrapped in the spousal embrace of the Lord.

Prayer: Father, You chose me to be "full of love" (Eph 1:4). I love You with my whole self (Lk 10:27-28).

Promise: "Happy are you who fear the Lord!" —Ps 128:1

Praise: Jesus healed Samantha of the desire to smoke.

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

CLEANING IS AN “IN-THING” - One Bread, One Body, 02/08/2023

Wednesday, February 8, 2023 , St. Jerome Emiliani
St. Josephine Bakhita

Genesis 2:4-9, 15-17
Psalm 104:1-2, 27-30
Mark 7:14-23

View Readings

CLEANING IS AN "IN-THING"
"What emerges from within a man, that and nothing else is what makes him impure." —Mark 7:20

“All these evils come from within and render a man impure.” —Mark 7:23

The source of “acts of fornication, theft, murder, adulterous conduct, greed, maliciousness, deceit, sensuality, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, an obtuse spirit” (Mk 7:21-22) is the impurity inside us. Consequently, it is very important to be cleansed inside and to remain clean inside. This means that:

• The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of God’s most precious gifts because of its cleansing power.
• The penitential rite at the beginning of Mass is one of the more important moments of our day and life.
• To hear God’s cleansing Word daily is even more necessary than to wash daily (see Eph 5:26; Jn 15:3).
• Fasting, because of its cleansing power, should be highly valued.
• The defilement from most TV programs and what we view on our handheld electronic devices is intolerable.
• “Dirty language” and “dirty pictures” are aptly named and are worse than living in a garbage can.
• The defilement from unforgiveness must be removed immediately (see Mt 5:25).

Be clean and stay clean — deep inside — and thus be free and holy (see Jn 8:36).

Prayer: Father, whatever it takes, cleanse the temple of my heart (see Jn 2:15ff).

Promise: "The Lord God formed man out of the clay of the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and so man became a living being." —Gn 2:7

Praise: St. Jerome Emiliani dedicated his life to aiding the poor.



-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

NEW CREATIONS (Part 2) - One Bread, One Body, 02/07/2023

Tuesday, February 7, 2023,

Genesis 1:20—2:4
Psalm 8:4-9
Mark 7:1-13

View Readings

NEW CREATIONS (Part 2)
"God created." —Genesis 1:27

On the threshold of Lent, we pray for a new springtime in the Spirit resulting in new creations. The Lord continues to create through His Spirit, Word, and light.

In God’s light, we see the “formless wasteland” (see Gn 1:2) of our lives. We see the need to establish God’s order, harmony, shalom. Accordingly, we begin to separate things in our life, just as God separated the light from the darkness (Gn 1:4), the waters above from the waters below (Gn 1:7), and the land from the sea (Gn 1:9). A re-ordering is necessary for re-creations and new creations. We must “come out from among them and separate [ourselves] from them” (2 Cor 6:17); that is, we must separate from the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (see 1 Jn 2:16, RSV-CE). We must separate from the ways of the world, for Jesus has chosen us out of the world (Jn 15:19). In the darkness of the world, the growth of God’s creations is stifled.

Additionally, for God to create anew in our lives, we must “be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it” (Gn 1:28). We must bear fruit for God’s kingdom by sharing our faith and leading others to new life in Christ. If we don’t co-create with God by sowing the seed of God’s Word, then we don’t want and don’t receive God’s new creations that much.

This Lent, be separated from the world and fruitful in the Spirit. Be newly created and creative.

Prayer: Father, create in me a creative spirit.

Promise: "God created man in His image; in the divine image He created him; male and female He created them." —Gn 1:27

Praise: Fr. Charles developed a free Bible school so everyone could train in holiness.

(We offer a retreat for lay people Feb. 17-18 in the Cincinnati area, Discovering the Essential Role of the Lay Person in God's Plan of Salvation. The Church and the world need us to do our part to bring about the Kingdom of God. Call 937-587-5464, 513-373-2397 or e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

NEW CREATIONS (Part 1) - One Bread, One Body, 02/06/2023

Monday, February 6, 2023, St. Paul Miki & Companions

Genesis 1:1-19
Psalm 104:1-2, 5-6, 10, 12, 24, 35
Mark 6:53-56

View Readings

NEW CREATIONS (Part 1)
"God created the heavens and the earth." —Genesis 1:1

Do you want God to create something new in your life? Do you want Him to create friendship, freedom, ministry, a job, peace, or hope? God creates the same today as He did yesterday (see Heb 13:8).

He begins creation with the mighty wind of the Spirit sweeping over the waters (Gn 1:2). If you want new creations, stir into flame the gift of the Spirit in your life (2 Tm 1:6-7).

The next movement of creation is God’s Word. God spoke and it was made (see Gn 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26). Nothing was created except through God’s Word (Jn 1:3; cf Heb 11:3), “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made” (Ps 33:6). If you’re not even trying to know God’s Word through His Church and her Bible, don’t be surprised if God isn’t creating much in your life.

The first thing God created was light (Gn 1:3). Just as plants need light for the creation of foliage and fruit, so we need God’s light for our lives to become beautiful, fruitful gardens. Renew your Baptism, in which you first received the light of Christ. Then the created and creative light will shine even more brightly.

The Spirit, the Word, and the light are the first three movements of God’s new creations in your life. (See tomorrow’s teaching for more.)

Prayer: Father, "a clean heart create for me" (Ps 51:12).

Promise: "All who touched Him got well." —Mk 6:56

Praise: St. Paul Miki & Companions resisted ungodliness, trusted God completely, and were privileged to die as martyrs.

(For a related teaching on Lent and the Renewal of Our Baptismal Promises, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order our CD 83-1, CD 83-3, CD 84-1 and CD 84-3 or our DVD 83 and DVD 84 on our website.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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