“BREAKING DOWN THE BARRIER OF HOSTILITY” (Eph 2:14) - One Bread, One Body, 05/01/2023

For a limited time, we have many extra Spanish OBOB books (for this April/May) available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your request.
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May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Monday, May 1, 2023, St. Joseph the Worker

Acts 11:1-18
Psalm 42:2-3; 43:3-4
John 10:11-18

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"BREAKING DOWN THE BARRIER OF HOSTILITY" (Eph 2:14)
"I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must lead them, too, and they shall hear My voice. There shall be one flock then, one shepherd." ––John 10:16

Jesus and St. Paul each stated the Gentiles were destined for a new relationship with Israel and the Jewish people (see Mt 12:18; cf Rm 11:25).  Why is this important? To begin to answer that question, read Acts Chapter 10, and then reread today’s passage from Acts 11:1-18. You’ll learn details about the Roman centurion Cornelius “who was religious and God-fearing. The same was true of his whole household. He was in the habit of giving generously to the people and he constantly prayed to God” (Acts 10:1-2).

Cornelius was a Gentile. Today, the animosity between Jews and Gentiles during biblical times seems remote to us. But Cornelius, a powerful Roman officer, clearly could have lorded it over the Jews (see Mt 20:25). However, he was moved by grace to love God and neighbor.

Certainly, Jesus came to save “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Mt 15:24). But Pentecost unveiled a mystery. “It is no less than this: in Christ Jesus the Gentiles are now co-heirs with the Jews, members of the same body and sharers of the promise through the preaching of the gospel” (Eph 3:6).

In the end, Cornelius and his entire household were baptized (see Acts 10:47-48). We who are fortunate enough to be baptized are also members of the same Body of Christ. Serve God and neighbor. Live your Baptism.

Prayer: Father, I commit to serve my neighbor in a new way.

Promise: "They stopped objecting, and instead began to glorify God in these words: 'If this be so, then God has granted life-giving repentance even to the Gentiles.' " ––Acts 11:18

Praise: "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being. Do it for the Lord rather than for men" (Col 3:23). St. Joseph the Worker, pray for us.

(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 April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 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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PROMISE-KEEPERS - One Bread, One Body, 04/30/2023

For a limited time, we have many extra Spanish OBOB books (for this April/May) available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your request.
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May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Sunday, April 30, 2023, Fourth Sunday of Easter

Acts 2:14, 36-41
1 Peter 2:20-25
Psalm 23:1-6
John 10:1-10
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PROMISE-KEEPERS
"You must reform and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ." —Acts 2:38 "Those who accepted his message were baptized; some three thousand were added that day." —Acts 2:41

Three weeks ago, at Easter Sunday Mass, the Church led us to renew our baptismal promises. We prepared for this renewal by forty days of Lenten penance through almsgiving, prayer, and fasting (see Mt 6:3, 6, 17). The Lord wants these baptismal promises to be the center of our year and the foundation of our life in Him.

How aware (see Rm 6:3) are you of having renewed your baptismal promises three weeks ago? Have you turned off the TV and set down your phone after remembering you had rejected all of Satan’s empty promises? Have you decided not to buy something because you had rejected all of Satan’s works? When you are tempted to be manipulated by fear, do you resist because you believe God is your Father? (see Is 41:13) Has your faith in Jesus’ lordship affected your decision-making? Has your belief in the Holy Spirit noticeably affected your lifestyle?

On Easter Sunday, when we renewed our baptismal promises, we repented from all our sins, accepted Jesus as Savior, Lord, and God, sold all that we had to enter God’s kingdom (Mt 13:44-46), and surrendered our lives to the Holy Spirit. Now we must keep and apply the promises we’ve made.

Prayer: Father, may I help someone realize what they did when they renewed their baptismal promises.

Promise: "I came that they might have life and have it to the full." —Jn 10:10

Praise: "I will give thanks to the Lord for His justice, and sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High" (Ps 7:18). Risen Jesus, You are the Righteous One.



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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 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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“ONE BREAD, ONE BODY” (see 1 Cor 10:17) - One Bread, One Body, 04/29/2023

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

Saturday, April 29, 2023, St. Catherine of Siena

Acts 9:31-42
Psalm 116:12-17
John 6:60-69

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"ONE BREAD, ONE BODY" (see 1 Cor 10:17)
"How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good He has done for me? The cup of salvation I will take up, and I will call upon the name of the Lord." —Psalm 116:12-13

Many of Jesus’ disciples refused to put up with or to take seriously His teaching on the Eucharist (Jn 6:60). With their faith in Jesus shaken, they murmured in protest, left Jesus’ company, and went back to their old lives (Jn 6:61, 66). The Eucharistic Jesus will be for us either a Stumbling-Block surfacing our divisions (Mt 11:6), or through the Eucharist He will make us one as He and the Father are One (Jn 17:21-23).

After the first Christian Pentecost, the newborn Church devoted herself to the “breaking of bread” (Acts 2:42), that is, the Eucharist. Through the Eucharistic Jesus, the Church became of one mind and one heart (Acts 4:32). Members of the early Church were ridiculed, arrested, threatened, beaten, attacked, or martyred to destroy their unity. However, they maintained their unity in the Spirit and even deepened it. “The Church was at peace. It was being built up and was making steady progress in the fear of the Lord; at the same time it enjoyed the increased consolation of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 9:31).

“Is not the cup of blessing we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread we break a sharing in the body of Christ? Because the loaf of bread is one, we, many though we are, are one body” (1 Cor 10:16-17). In a divided, divisive, fragmented world, may we let Jesus make us one through His Eucharistic love.

Prayer: Father, I accept Your grace to center my life on the daily Eucharist.

Promise: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe; we are convinced that You are God's Holy One." —Jn 6:68-69

Praise: During the Fourteenth Century, several popes chose to reside in Avignon, France, rather than Rome. In 1377, St. Catherine successfully persuaded Pope Gregory XI to return to Rome.



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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 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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AN INSTRUMENTAL - One Bread, One Body, 04/28/2023

For a limited time, we have many extra Spanish OBOB books (for this April/May) available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your request.
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May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Friday, April 28, 2023, St. Peter Chanel
St. Louis Mary de Montfort

Acts 9:1-20
Psalm 117:1-2
John 6:52-59

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AN INSTRUMENTAL
"This man is the instrument I have chosen." —Acts 9:15

The Lord often decides to work through people, especially members of His Body, the Church. After the Lord knocked Saul to the ground and confronted him, He did not continue His work in Saul’s life independently. He called for Ananias to be instrumental in converting Saul (Acts 9:10ff). Saul then became instrumental in converting both Jews and Gentiles.

The Lord also wants you to be His instrument. You are one of the Lord’s instruments in His plan to protect children in the womb from being aborted. You are also God’s instrument in proclaiming the Gospel to those with whom you live and work. You are God’s instrument in feeding the poor, healing the sick, and driving out demons.

You are God’s mouth, hands, and feet. God has decided to make Himself handicapped without your obedient service. In Holy Communion, the Lord gives His Flesh and Blood to you (Jn 6:55). In a different way, you must give your flesh and blood to Him. He wants your body to be His weapon for justice (Rm 6:13). He wants you at this point in His plan of salvation (see Heb 11:40).

Many of us have prayed the “Prayer of St. Francis.” We have asked the Lord to make us “instruments” of His peace. The Lord has answered our prayer. Accept His answer. Be His instrument.

Prayer: Risen Lord, "here I am" (Acts 9:10). Use me for Your Kingdom; use me up.

Promise: "The man who feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in him." —Jn 6:56

Praise: St. Peter Chanel was ordained in France but wanted to be a missionary. He got his wish and helped spread the Gospel to Oceania. When the son of a Polynesian chieftain requested Baptism, Peter's martyrdom soon followed.



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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 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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DO YOU BELIEVE? - One Bread, One Body, 04/27/2023

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

Thursday, April 27, 2023,

Acts 8:26-40
Psalm 66:8-9, 16-17, 20
John 6:44-51

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DO YOU BELIEVE?
"I Myself am the living Bread come down from heaven." —John 6:51

Jesus said: “The bread I will give is My flesh, for the life of the world” (Jn 6:51). At the Last Supper, Jesus took the bread and the cup of wine and said: “This is My body,” and “This is My blood” (Mt 26:26, 28). When many of Jesus’ disciples broke away from Him because of such statements (see Jn 6:66), Jesus didn’t change His words or explain them away as symbolic statements. The early Church realized this; therefore, they took Jesus’ words as He clearly meant them. They believed they were receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus when they received Holy Communion. The Church, from Jesus’ time to the present day, has believed this, lived it, and even died for it.

Do you believe you receive Jesus’ Body and Blood, soul and divinity, when you receive the Holy Eucharist? If so, Communion is the center of your life, one of the most important events of your life, and the greatest time of each day. If you believe what Jesus said about Communion, you will probably try to receive Communion daily, frequently visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and tell others about Jesus’ Eucharistic love.

Shortly before Jesus died, He gave the apostles Communion. On the day He rose from the dead, He again gave two disciples Communion. Jesus is also preoccupied with giving His Body and Blood to us, His disciples, today. Open your eyes to recognize the risen Christ (Lk 24:30-31). Today, and even daily, receive Communion.

Prayer: Father, may I desire to receive Jesus in Holy Communion as deeply as Jesus desires to give Himself (see Lk 22:15).

Promise: "Philip launched out with this Scripture passage as his starting point, telling him the good news of Jesus." —Acts 8:35

Praise: Jane volunteers at a hospice care facility where she has been led by God to help prepare the dying to meet Him.



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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."

Although in a new place and with a new job, Robert continued to spread the Good News to those he met.

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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THE PEOPLE OF THE WORD - One Bread, One Body, 04/26/2023

For a limited time, we have many extra Spanish OBOB books (for this April/May) available to share with others in your parishes, laundry-mats, or nursing homes.
For getting extra OBOB books in Spanish, please call (513) 296-1380 or email jerrycappel@fuse.net with your request.
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May God bless your efforts to evangelize!

Wednesday, April 26, 2023,

Acts 8:1-8
Psalm 66:1-7
John 6:35-40

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THE PEOPLE OF THE WORD
"The members of the church who had been dispersed went about preaching the word." —Acts 8:4

The Jewish people loved God’s Word. God called them to meditate on it day and night (Jos 1:8; Ps 1:2). They considered it more precious than thousands of gold and silver pieces (Ps 119:72).

Christians were likewise wholeheartedly devoted to God’s Word. After Jesus spent the day of His Resurrection teaching the Bible while walking seven miles in the afternoon (Lk 24:27) and for several hours in the evening (Lk 24:45), the early Christians got the message that God’s Word was extremely important.

From the moment the Church began at Pentecost, the members of the Church devoted themselves to learning, living, and teaching God’s Word (Acts 2:42). The apostles concentrated on “the ministry of the Word” (Acts 6:4) to the point that they were repeatedly thrown in jail for proclaiming it (see Acts 5:42). St. Stephen proclaimed God’s Word so boldly and courageously that he became the first martyr (Acts 7:2ff). St. Philip, the deacon, preached the Word even as he was escaping persecution (Acts 8:4-5). Moreover, the Spirit even told Philip to run up to a stranger from Ethiopia and teach God’s Word (Acts 8:29ff). The first believers ever to be called “Christians” were only given that name after a year of intensive Bible study (Acts 11:26). The members of the church at Beroea welcomed the Word with great enthusiasm and studied God’s Word each day (Acts 17:11).

The spirit of the early Church is well expressed by St. Jerome: “Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 133).

Prayer: Father, may our hearts burn as the risen Jesus interprets the Scriptures for us this Easter season (see Lk 24:32).

Promise: "No one who comes will I ever reject, because it is not to do My own will that I have come down from heaven, but to do the will of Him Who sent Me." —Jn 6:37-38

Praise: Although in a new place and with a new job, Robert continued to spread the Good News to those he met.



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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 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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ARE YOU LEARNING YOUR LESSONS? - One Bread, One Body, 04/25/2023

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

Tuesday, April 25, 2023, St. Mark

1 Peter 5:5-14
Psalm 89:2-3, 6-7, 16-17
Mark 16:15-20

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ARE YOU LEARNING YOUR LESSONS?
"Bow humbly under God's mighty hand, so that in due time He may lift you high." —1 Peter 5:6

John Mark, later known to the world as St. Mark, learned about the power of communal prayer when he saw St. Peter miraculously freed from prison through the prayers of those gathered at his mother’s house (Acts 12:12ff).

John Mark learned about serving the poor and building unity between Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians when he accompanied Sts. Barnabas and Paul on a relief mission (Acts 12:25).

John Mark learned about spiritual warfare and his own weaknesses when he quit the first missionary journey of the early Church (Acts 13:13).

John Mark learned that we don’t always get a second chance when Paul refused to take him on a second missionary journey (Acts 15:38). He learned that we sometimes do get a second chance when Barnabas took him on a missionary journey (Acts 15:39). He learned more about Jesus and His Church when he was spiritually adopted by Peter (1 Pt 5:13).

John Mark learned about Jesus, the Church, prayer, the poor, unity, mission, people, and life. Then the Lord chose John Mark to write one of the Gospels. The Holy Spirit graced him to write some of the most important words ever written (see Mk 1:1ff).

The Lord is teaching you now. If you learn your lessons, you will see the Holy Spirit work through you in wondrous ways.

Prayer: Father, may I be docile every day.

Promise: "Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you." —1 Pt 5:7

Praise: St. Mark spread the gospel far beyond his homeland and people by obeying the promptings of the Holy Spirit and writing it down for countless others to read.

(Open your heart and soul to the powerful work of the Spirit through our retreat May 19-21, Additional Life in the Spirit. See www.presentationministries.com for more information or call 513-373-2397.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 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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GETTING WORKED UP? - One Bread, One Body, 04/24/2023

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

Monday, April 24, 2023, St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen

Acts 6:8-15
Psalm 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30
John 6:22-29

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GETTING WORKED UP?
" 'What must we do to perform the works of God?' Jesus replied: 'This is the work of God: have faith in the One Whom He sent.' " —John 6:28-29

As we enter into the third week of the Easter season, some of you have walked with the risen Christ, listened to Him interpret the Scriptures, and recognized Him in the breaking of the bread (see Lk 24:15, 27, 30-31). Like millions of Christians throughout the centuries, you have cried out: “It is the Lord!” (Jn 21:7)

After meeting your beloved older Brother raised from the dead, you’ll never be the same. “The old order has passed away; now all is new!” (2 Cor 5:17; cf Rv 21:5) Everything is different — life, people, time, money, possessions, church, and work. You no longer work “for perishable food but for food that remains unto life eternal” (Jn 6:27). Like Sts. Andrew, Peter, James, John, and Matthew, some of you are called to leave your jobs. They’re not compatible with the risen life. However, most of you are called to do your jobs in a different, risen way. Like St. Stephen, you will be “filled with grace and power” (Acts 6:8). You will receive such wisdom (see Acts 6:10) that your word will build God’s kingdom, bring down the strongholds of the evil one (2 Cor 10:4), and even make you worthy of being persecuted (Acts 5:41).

Work as if a dead God-Man has risen from the grave and now lives in You. Jesus has risen! He lives in you! Work for Him.

Prayer: Father, may I work harder and more joyfully for love of You.

Promise: "The way of truth I have chosen." —Ps 119:30

Praise: St. Fidelis left his law career to become a priest, joining his brother George as a member of the Capuchin Order.

(For a related teaching on Job Performance for Jesus, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order our CD 43-3 or DVD 43 on our website.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 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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SUNDAY AFTERNOONS - One Bread, One Body, 04/23/2023

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

Sunday, April 23, 2023, Third Sunday of Easter

Acts 2:14, 22-33
1 Peter 1:17-21
Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11
Luke 24:13-35
View Readings

SUNDAY AFTERNOONS
"Were not our hearts burning inside us as He talked to us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?" —Luke 24:32

On the afternoon of His Resurrection, Jesus walked about seven miles with two of His disciples and “interpreted for them every passage of Scripture which referred to Him” (Lk 24:27). He did this even though His last three years of teaching the apostles seemed ineffective, for they had abandoned Him when He was executed. As Jesus taught His two disciples, their hearts were burning and being purified (Lk 24:32). That evening of His Resurrection, Jesus continued His ministry of teaching by opening the apostles’ minds to the understanding of the Scriptures (Lk 24:45). Jesus’ teaching of the Scriptures eventually bore fruit at Pentecost.

Seven Sundays after the Sunday of Jesus’ Resurrection, Peter spent Sunday afternoon as Jesus had done on the Sunday of His Resurrection. Peter preached God’s Word from Joel 3, Psalm 16, and Psalm 110 (Acts 2:17ff, 25ff, 34). Hearts were burning, minds were opening, and the Church was being born.

The Church continues this pattern to the present day. As God’s Word is proclaimed, we recognize the risen Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit. Abide in God’s Word (Jn 8:31). Witness for the risen Jesus (Acts 2:32). Receive new Pentecosts.

Prayer: Father, Your Word is more precious to me than thousands of dollars (see Ps 119:72).

Promise: "In prayer you call upon a Father Who judges each one justly on the basis of his actions. Since this is so, conduct yourselves reverently during your sojourn in a strange land." —1 Pt 1:17

Praise: " '[Paul] sounds like a promoter of foreign gods,' because he was heard to speak of 'Jesus' and 'the resurrection' " (Acts 17:18). Risen Jesus, Your Resurrection testifies You are true God and true man.



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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 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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HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW? - One Bread, One Body, 04/22/2023

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

Saturday, April 22, 2023,

Acts 6:1-7
Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
John 6:16-21

View Readings

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?
"The word of God continued to spread, while at the same time the number of the disciples in Jerusalem enormously increased." —Acts 6:7

The early Church needed more workers for the harvest (Mt 9:37). The believers were feeding hundreds of people in their community meal and a whole group was overlooked (Acts 6:1). They brought this to the attention of the community, which selected “seven men acknowledged to be deeply spiritual and prudent” (Acts 6:3).

Can your church community do the same? Can you raise up seven deeply spiritual men for full-time service? Most church communities have a small minority of men, many of whom are not mature enough to exercise much leadership. They would be hard-pressed to raise up one or two strong men for full-time service. How did the early Church get all these spiritually mature men?

Through community life, the growth rate of men was greatly accelerated. In true Christian community, we can grow more in one year than in twenty years of isolated, individualized “Christianity.” Community life is the atmosphere conducive to growth and maturity in Christ (see Acts 2:42). Growing anything is not only a matter of working but of climate. Community is the climate in which a Christian can grow.

Prayer: Father, I repent of destroying the fabric of Christianity by living too much as an individual rather than as part of a family.

Promise: "They were frightened, but He told them, 'It is I; do not be afraid.' They wanted to take Him into the boat, but suddenly it came aground on the shore." —Jn 6:19-21

Praise: Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Thomas no longer hides his faith at work. Now he is even able to rejoice in persecution.

(For a related teaching on Christian Community, listen to, download or order our CD 76-1 and CD 76-3 or DVD 76 on our website.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 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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LIFE OR LIVING DEATH? (see 1 Jn 3:14) - One Bread, One Body, 04/21/2023

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

Friday, April 21, 2023, St. Anselm

Acts 5:34-42
Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14
John 6:1-15

View Readings

LIFE OR LIVING DEATH? (see 1 Jn 3:14)
"If their purpose or activity is human in its origins, it will destroy itself." —Acts 5:38

If you play your cards right, compromise your principles, and do whatever it takes, you can be successful by worldly standards, pass yourself off “as someone of importance,” and build up “quite a following” (Acts 5:36-37). Of course, without God, in the end your life will come to nothing and destroy itself (Acts 5:36, 38; see also Lk 9:24).

If you decide to follow Jesus, deny your very self, and take up the cross daily (Lk 9:23), your life will seem to be an absurdity (1 Cor 1:18; see also 4:9-10). You could have possessed, owned, and consumed so much, but you threw your life away running after a Jewish Carpenter Who said He was God. You won’t have much to show for your life except a loaf, a fish, or a few dollars. However, Jesus will multiply your little life to feed the masses (see Jn 6:10ff). Your life will go down in history, be written in the history book of life (see Rv 20:15; Lk 10:20), and transcend history into eternity.

What a privilege to live for Jesus! One day with Him is better than a thousand elsewhere (Ps 84:11). It’s better to suffer with Him than to enjoy life without Him (see Acts 5:41). “You are not to spend what remains of your earthly life on human desires but on the will of God” (1 Pt 4:2). Live and give all for Jesus.

Prayer: Father, may I not waste my life on doing my own thing.

Promise: "Day after day, both in the temple and at home, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news of Jesus the Messiah." —Acts 5:42

Praise: St. Anselm tried to satisfy his emptiness with worldly things but finally surrendered to the Lord and answered God's call to the monastic life.

(For a related teaching on Life Decisions, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order our CD 44-1 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 April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 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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THE GOLDEN ARCH - One Bread, One Body, 04/20/2023

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

Thursday, April 20, 2023,

Acts 5:27-33
Psalm 34:2, 9, 17-20
John 3:31-36

View Readings

THE GOLDEN ARCH
"He Whom God has exalted at His right hand as Ruler and Savior is to bring repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. We testify to this. So too does the Holy Spirit, Whom God has given to those that obey Him." —Acts 5:31-32

To have Easter, we must have Pentecost. Only by the Holy Spirit can we recognize the risen Christ. To receive the Holy Spirit and to live our new life in the Spirit, we must obey God (Acts 5:32).

The Greek word translated “obey” in Acts 5:29, 32 is not the common Greek word for obedience. It includes the prefix “arch,” connoting “first” and “authority.” In English, we use this prefix in the words “archbishop” and “archangel.” Thus, to receive the Holy Spirit we need “arch-obedience.” We need more than a utilitarian or even begrudging obedience. We need obedience in which we are consciously submissive to God-given authority. We also need an obedience in which God is put first, and all authorities contrary to Him are disobeyed (see Acts 5:29) since they are contrary to God. In “arch-obedience,” we are humble before God and rebellious against all authorities rebelling against God. Therefore, “arch-obedience” is confrontational and dangerous. All martyrs had “arch-obedience” and therefore had the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Father, may I love You so much that I am willing to risk my life for You.

Promise: "Whoever believes in the Son has life eternal. Whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure the wrath of God." —Jn 3:36

Praise: Because of her absolute trust in God, Beth had profound peace when her husband's business was brought to bankruptcy.

(For a related teaching, view, download or order our leaflet Obedience School or listen to, download or order Obeying God on 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 April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 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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ETERNAL DARKROOM - One Bread, One Body, 04/19/2023

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

Wednesday, April 19, 2023,

Acts 5:17-26
Psalm 34:2-9
John 3:16-21

View Readings

ETERNAL DARKROOM
"The judgment of condemnation is this: the Light came into the world, but men loved darkness rather than Light because their deeds were wicked." —John 3:19

Darkness is the absence of light. You can make a dark room light by turning on a flashlight. However, you can’t make a light room dark by turning on a “flashdark.” By definition, no one can invent a machine that shines darkness which overpowers light. You can only make a room dark by extinguishing the source of the light.

Jesus came to the world as its Light (Jn 12:46). However, men hated the light of Christ because they preferred evil lifestyles (Jn 3:19). Since they couldn’t overcome the Light (Jn 1:5), they attempted to extinguish Jesus by crucifying Him.

Alleluia! Jesus has risen! “The Light shines on in darkness” and can no longer be extinguished (Jn 1:5). So now the only way for men to find the darkness they crave is to erect a place to exclude the Light. Photographers do this by building a darkroom to develop their film. Those committed to a lifestyle of sin build their darkroom by erecting walls to exclude Jesus, the Light (Jn 8:12).

If you make the final decision to separate yourself from Jesus the Light, there’s a place “of definitive self-exclusion from” God (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1033). It’s called hell. In hell, you are safe forever from being bothered by Jesus the Light (see Lk 16:26). Sadly, the eternal fire (Mk 9:48), demonic harassment, and ruthless punishments of hell won’t bother you much at all compared to the pain of eternal separation from God and His love (see Catechism, 1035). Therefore, repent now! Accept Jesus, Who came to save you, not to condemn you (Jn 3:16-17). Live in His Light.

Prayer: Jesus, apart from You, I can do nothing (Jn 15:5). Protect me from myself. "Draw me" always to You (Sg 1:4; Jn 12:32).

Promise: "I will bless the Lord at all times." —Ps 34:2

Praise: Hoping beyond her imagination, Pam saw her father miraculously healed of his smoking addiction.

(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 April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 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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RISEN LIFE IS RADICAL - One Bread, One Body, 04/18/2023

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

Tuesday, April 18, 2023,

Acts 4:32-37
Psalm 93:1-2, 5
John 3:7-15

View Readings

RISEN LIFE IS RADICAL
"You must all be begotten from above." —John 3:7

One simple test of whether or not you’re living the radically different risen life is your attitude toward money. If you live the risen life, you aren’t preoccupied with money. Like Barnabas and other disciples in the early Church, you’d gladly sell your “property or houses” for the Lord (Acts 4:34). It isn’t a problem to tithe and give alms, for you’re more concerned with the welfare of the needy than with possessions (Acts 4:34-35).

Risen life is radically different from “non-risen” life. The difference is even more striking than the contrast between the murky darkness of the womb and the dazzling brightness of sunlight (see Jn 3:3). To a person not living the risen life, understanding risen life is like a child in the womb trying to understand the wind outside the womb (see Jn 3:8). Such a person probably can’t understand why someone would tithe, but they do hunger for the joy, newness, peace, and freedom they see in those who truly live the risen life.

At present, you may not feel like a soaring eagle, but risen life has nothing to do with your feelings. It has everything to do with the action of the Holy Spirit begetting you from above (Jn 3:6). Jesus is risen! He is “the Resurrection and the Life” (Jn 11:25). With Mary, say: “Lord, let it be done to me according to Your will” (see Lk 1:38). Be born to risen life.

Prayer: Jesus, how can I settle for a half-life when You offer me life to the full? (Jn 10:10) I want everything You have for me.

Promise: "Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that all who believe may have eternal life in Him." —Jn 3:14-15

Praise: Sadie saw the healing power of the Eucharist as she observed a co-worker grow in holiness once that person became a daily communicant.

(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 April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 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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MANY HAPPY RETURNS? - One Bread, One Body, 04/17/2023

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

Monday, April 17, 2023,

Acts 4:23-31
Psalm 2:1-9
John 3:1-8

View Readings

MANY HAPPY RETURNS?
"After being released, the two went back to their own people." —Acts 4:23

The Church has completed the eight-day celebration of the Octave of Easter. We have been celebrating Jesus’ Resurrection after three days in the tomb. When Jesus rose from the tomb, He returned to His followers. He then acted with great power, teaching the Scriptures and conferring the Holy Spirit in a life-changing way (see Lk 24:32).

Sts. Peter and John imitated Jesus’ pattern when they were set free after being held captive. Upon “being released, the two went back to their own people” (Acts 4:23). Together, they prayed with such confidence and power that the building shook. “They were filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 4:31). The apostles later continued this pattern of imitating Jesus: whenever they were set free, they returned to their fellow believers immediately (Acts 5:41ff; 12:11-12; 14:19-20).

Like Jesus, Peter, and John, we’ve been celebrating our own release from captivity these past eight days. Where now will we return? Most will return to the hypnosis of overusing their handheld electronic devices. Many return to their TVs to watch baseball or basketball. Others return to movies, restaurants, and other diversions. Will we return to the isolation of the pleasures of this world, thereby stripping ourselves of power? “Remember that you have been called to live in freedom — but not a freedom that gives free rein to the flesh” (Gal 5:13). Imitate Jesus and the apostles. Return now to your brothers and sisters in Christ, and return in the power of the Spirit (see Lk 4:14).

Prayer: Father, "grant to Your servants, even as they speak Your word, complete assurance by stretching forth Your hand in cures and signs and wonders to be worked in the name of Jesus, Your holy Servant" (Acts 4:29-30).

Promise: "You must all be begotten from above." —Jn 3:7

Praise: Reading the Catechism drew Robert closer to Jesus.

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 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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CONSUMED BY MERCY (Heb 12:29) - One Bread, One Body, 04/16/2023

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

Sunday, April 16, 2023, Divine Mercy Sunday

Acts 2:42-47
1 Peter 1:3-9
Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
John 20:19-31
View Readings

CONSUMED BY MERCY (Heb 12:29)
"My Lord and my God!" —John 20:28

God is “rich in mercy” (Eph 2:4). Jesus was consumed by Divine Mercy (see Heb 12:29). This mercy poured out of Him during His public ministry. In those three years, Jesus performed all the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, healing, and teaching, persevering despite opposition. Yet this outpouring of the works of mercy was not enough to satisfy Him. The restlessness of Divine Mercy flowing through His body led Him to offer Himself as a sacrifice on the Cross to atone for all the sins of mankind.

Jesus was in anguish until His mercy could be poured out (Lk 12:50). Even hanging in agony on the Cross, Jesus’ desire to give mercy came forth from His lips, as He exclaimed: “I am thirsty” (Jn 19:28). The image of Divine Mercy depicts the twin rays of mercy streaming from the heart of Jesus, signifying blood and water that issued from His pierced side.

Will you satisfy Jesus’ thirst by receiving His mercy? There is a cost to receiving mercy; once received, you must freely give mercy (Mt 10:8). Mercy is the treasure, the pearl of great price (Mt 13:44-46); it will consume you and cost all you have (Heb 12:29). As with Jesus,  mercy cannot rest until it bursts forth from you to the world. Satisfy Jesus’ thirst. Drink from the fountain of His mercy and let Him transform you into His ambassador of mercy for a sinful, wounded world.

Prayer: Lord of Mercy, may your priests be ambassadors of Divine Mercy to Your people. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for priests.

Promise: "His mercy endures forever." —Ps 118:2

Praise: "The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness" (Ps 145:8). Risen Jesus, Your mercy sustains us.

(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 April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 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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TAKE THE WITNESS STAND - One Bread, One Body, 04/15/2023

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

Saturday, April 15, 2023, Easter Saturday

Acts 4:13-21
Psalm 118:1, 14-21
Mark 16:9-15

View Readings

TAKE THE WITNESS STAND
"They called them back and made it clear that under no circumstances were they to speak the name of Jesus." —Acts 4:18

Jesus is risen, and we are His witnesses (see Acts 1:8; 2:32; 3:15; 4:33; 10:41; 13:31). Satan could not keep Jesus from rising from the dead, but he can try to keep us from being witnesses for the risen Christ. However, we should never stop “speaking of what we have heard and seen” (Acts 4:20) from the risen Christ, no matter how much we may have to suffer. The risen Jesus Himself will back us up by reprimanding those who do not believe our witness (Mk 16:14). He will also send the Holy Spirit to put the words in our mouths so we can witness (Lk 12:12). The Spirit will likewise convict of sin those who disbelieve our witness (Jn 16:8).

Therefore, witnessing is one of the most powerful ways of communicating the Gospel of Jesus Christ (see Acts 1:8). When we witness to our faith in Jesus, we share the faith and grow in it ourselves. Witnessing glorifies the risen Jesus, builds the kingdom of God, and hastens our growth in holiness. Witnessing for the risen Christ changes the culture of death into a civilization of life and love. Thus, Satan, “the prince of death” (Heb 2:14), hates witnessing, for he is especially defeated by it (Rv 12:11).

Love God; defy the devil; be a witness for the risen Jesus.

Prayer: Father, may I witness for Jesus right where I am, and then to my neighbors and co-workers, and then to cities and countries (see Acts 1:8).

Promise: "Proclaim the good news to all creation." —Mk 16:15

Praise: Praise Jesus, "the Resurrection and the Life"! (Jn 11:25) "This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it" (Ps 118:24). Alleluia!

(Do the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil keep you from experiencing the presence and power of God? The retreat Living in Reality, held April 21-23, will give you the keys to living a fulfilled Christian life with the power of the Holy Spirit. Call 513-373-2397 or e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com to register or for questions.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 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 CHARCOAL GRILLING - One Bread, One Body, 04/14/2023

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

Friday, April 14, 2023, Easter Friday

Acts 4:1-12
Psalm 118:1-2, 4, 22-27
John 21:1-14

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A CHARCOAL GRILLING
"When they landed, they saw a charcoal fire." —John 21:9

When Simon Peter denied Jesus three times, he was standing beside “a charcoal fire” (Jn 18:18). After meeting the risen Jesus several times, Simon Peter then decided to return to his pre-Jesus career of commercial fishing (Jn 21:3), in effect denying Jesus’ call to be a fisher of men (Lk 5:10).

Standing near the charcoal fire, Jesus asked Simon three times, “Do you love Me?”  In so doing, Jesus also took him back to the scene of his three denials. Jesus allowed Simon Peter to undo his denials and replace them with professions of love. Jesus restored St. Peter and cleansed him of guilt and shame.

When Simon’s denials were escalating, Jesus decided to intervene. Jesus had once told Simon clearly that if he knew his Master’s wishes, but did not prepare to carry them out, he would be severely punished and ranked “among those undeserving of trust” (Lk 12:46-47). However, Jesus came to Simon Peter not with the promised punishment but with compassion. Rather than ranking Simon among the untrustworthy, Jesus instead restored Peter’s commission in the presence of several other apostles (Jn 21:15-17), trusting him to feed His people with the Gospel.

Where is the “charcoal fire” in your life? Are you hiding your shame and guilt from Jesus? Open your heart to Jesus and allow Him into the worst areas of your life. He is gentle, compassionate, and “rich in mercy” (Eph 2:4). He wants to restore, cleanse, and empower you to help Him build His kingdom.

Prayer: Jesus, why do I hide from You? I open wide my life to You. Burn away my unworthiness and consume me in Your love.

Promise: "There is no salvation in anyone else, for there is no other name in the whole world given to men by which we are to be saved." —Acts 4:12

Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Whose name is above every other name!

(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 April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 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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AT THE NAME OF JESUS - One Bread, One Body, 04/13/2023

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

Thursday, April 13, 2023, Easter Thursday

Acts 3:11-26
Psalm 8:2, 5-9
Luke 24:35-48

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AT THE NAME OF JESUS
"It is His name, and trust in this name, that has strengthened the limbs of this man whom you see and know well."—Acts 3:16

The name of Jesus has ultimate power. In Jesus’ name, the lame walk (Acts 3:6ff). At the name of Jesus, every knee must bow, in the heavens, on the earth, and under the earth (Phil 2:10-11). “There is no salvation in anyone else, for there is no other name in the whole world given to men by which we are to be saved” (Acts 4:12).

No wonder the secular world removes pictures of Jesus from its schools and workplaces and refuses to allow the name of Jesus to be mentioned. The secular culture forbids prayer in its institutions. No one is to even mention the name of Jesus, under penalty of sanction or even termination of employment. Like the leaders of the Jewish Sanhedrin, the culture makes “it clear that under no circumstances [is anyone] to speak the name of Jesus or teach about Him” (Acts 4:18).

The world cannot share power with Jesus, for it despises Jesus as a rival master (see Mt 6:24), and no one can have two masters. One or the other must go, Jesus or the world. Therefore, reject the world, the flesh, and the devil from your life, and enthrone Jesus as your Lord and Master. Speak His powerful name publicly. Citizens of a lost, broken, and hurting world act out of ignorance (Acts 3:17) and instinctively reject Jesus for fear of losing power. Nonetheless, these people desperately need to hear the Good News Jesus brings. Proclaim the name of Jesus, which leads all to salvation (Acts 4:12).

Prayer: Jesus, make it second nature for Your name to spring to my lips in all circumstances.

Promise: "May a season of refreshment be granted you by the Lord when He sends you Jesus." —Acts 3:20

Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who has conquered our fear and timidity!

(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 April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 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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THE RISEN JESUS AND THE POPE - One Bread, One Body, 04/12/2023

Wednesday, April 12, 2023 , Easter Wednesday

Acts 3:1-10
Psalm 105:1-4, 6-9
Luke 24:13-35

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THE RISEN JESUS AND THE POPE
"The Lord has been raised! It is true! He has appeared to Simon [Peter]." —Luke 24:34

The Holy Spirit inspired the authors of Scripture to testify that the risen Jesus appeared especially to St. Peter (also known in the New Testament as Simon, Simon Peter, Cephas, and Kephas) before appearing to the entire group of apostles. St. Paul also makes a special reference “that He was seen by Cephas, then by the Twelve” (1 Cor 15:5). These, and other references, give evidence to the primacy of Peter.

At the Last Supper, Jesus told Peter that Satan had specifically requested to put Peter and the apostles to a stern trial (see Lk 22:31ff). Jesus told Peter that it would be his role to strengthen the other apostles (Lk 22:32).

According to the above testimony of St. Luke and St. Paul, Jesus appeared personally to Peter after rising from the dead, and only then did He appear to the remaining disciples. Jesus has especially chosen Peter, and his successors, the Popes. He gives them special graces, charisms, and callings. To come closer to the risen Jesus, draw closer to St. Peter and the Popes.

Prayer: Father, may I live every element of Your plan for me in full.

Promise: "They had come to know Him in the breaking of bread." —Lk 24:35

Praise: The authority of Peter and the Popes was the last stumbling block to Martin's conversion. By an act of faith, he decided to convert to the Catholic Church into which the Lord had long been leading him.

(For a related teaching on Risen Life, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order our CD 4A-1, CD 4A-3, CD 4B-1 and CD 4B-3 or our DVD 4A and DVD 4B on our website.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 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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RUN THE RACE (2 Tm 4:7) - One Bread, One Body, 04/11/2023

Tuesday, April 11, 2023, Easter Tuesday

Acts 2:36-41
Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22
John 20:11-18

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RUN THE RACE (2 Tm 4:7)
"Rather, go to My brothers and tell them." —John 20:17

Jesus is risen, and we are His witnesses! After you renewed your baptismal promises on Easter, did you explode from the starting blocks, run into the whole world, and proclaim joy, freedom, and victory in the risen Christ? If so, you are like Mary Magdalene on Resurrection day. Keep on running for Jesus (see 2 Tm 4:7).

If, however, on this third day of the Easter octave beginning the Easter season, you are not running with the Gospel, but are dawdling at the starting line, then repent, renew your baptismal promises again, and be filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). “Save yourselves from this generation which has gone astray” (Acts 2:40).

The first question of our Baptismal promises is: “Do you reject Satan?”  If we don’t reject Satan, we refuse to let the love of Christ impel us to proclaim the Good News of the risen Christ (see 2 Cor 5:14). We don’t reject Satan if we have love for the world (1 Jn 2:15) and do not crucify our flesh with its passions and desires (Gal 5:24). We don’t reject Satan if we don’t believe in and love the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit with all our hearts, all our minds, all our souls, and all our strength (see Lk 10:27).

Therefore, let the risen Christ burn and purify your heart through His Word (see Lk 24:32). Speak from the abundance of your heart (Lk 6:45), and renew your baptismal promises again. Then bolt from the blocks with the Good News of the risen Christ.

Prayer: Father, make me a sprinter, miler, and marathon runner for love of You.

Promise: "Those who accepted his message were baptized; some three thousand were added that day." —Acts 2:41

Praise: When Louis discovered the Truth in the Catholic Church, he gladly shared it with his brothers and sisters.

(For a related teaching on Prophetic Lifestyle, listen to, download or order our CD 75-3 or DVD 75 on our website.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 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

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