STEPS TO DISCIPLESHIP - One Bread, One Body, 06/01/2023

Thursday, June 1, 2023, St. Justin, Martyr

Sirach 42:15-25
Psalm 33:2-9
Mark 10:46-52

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STEPS TO DISCIPLESHIP
"Be on your way." —Mark 10:52

Bartimaeus’ encounter with Jesus is a model example of discipleship. Bartimaeus was blind, and knew he needed help. Do you know that you can do nothing without the Lord? (Jn 15:5) Bartimaeus cried out to the Lord for help: “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” (Mk 10:47) Can you call out to Jesus for His mercy? Jesus called Bartimaeus to Himself (Mk 10:49). Can you answer His call? Bartimaeus threw aside his cloak even before he could see (Mk 10:50). What if he wasn’t healed and couldn’t find his cloak? He took a personal risk and came to Jesus. Can you take a risk and run to Jesus?

Then Jesus asked Bartimaeus, “What do you want Me to do for you?” (Mk 10:51) Jesus is asking you the same question. Bartimaeus told Jesus his deepest desire; he took another risk and laid his hopes before Jesus: “Rabboni...I want to see” (Mk 10:51). Can you tell Jesus your hopes and dreams? Jesus healed him and gave him sight, saying, “Your faith has healed you” (Mk 10:52). Do you have faith that Jesus can heal you?

Disciples of Jesus are those who follow in His footsteps (Lk 9:23). Bartimaeus “received his sight and started to follow [Jesus]up the road” (Mk 10:52). Be a disciple of Jesus. Cry out to Him. Answer His call. Take a risk and give Jesus your life. Let Jesus heal you and make His way your way. 

Prayer: "Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me Your paths" (Ps 25:4).

Promise: "At God's word were His works brought into being; they do His will as He has ordained for them." —Sir 42:15

Praise: St. Justin wrote to defend the Christian faith from heretics. For his efforts, he was beheaded and won a martyr's crown.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(For a related teaching on Hold Fast to the Faith, listen to, download or order CD 71-1 or DVD 71 on our website.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2023, through July 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio December 14, 2022"

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THE SIMPLICITY OF PENTECOST - One Bread, One Body, 05/31/2023

Wednesday, May 31, 2023, Visitation

Zephaniah 3:14-18 or
Romans 12:9-16
Isaiah 12:2-6
Luke 1:39-56

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THE SIMPLICITY OF PENTECOST
"Thereupon Mary set out, proceeding in haste into the hill country to a town of Judah, where she entered Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth." —Luke 1:39-40

All Christians are not only to receive Pentecost but also to give Pentecost to others. At the first Christian Pentecost, one-hundred and twenty disciples of Christ (Acts 1:15) received the Holy Spirit at 9 AM. Then they gave the Holy Spirit to almost three-thousand people before the day ended (Acts 2:41). We too must let the Holy Spirit come to us and through us.

Many Christians doubt that they will be able to give Pentecost to others. They are locked in the upper room because of fear, feelings of inadequacy, and self-hatred. They find it difficult to see themselves preaching as St. Peter preached, healing as St. Paul healed, or praying as the Blessed Virgin Mary prays.

Today’s feast day is one of hope for many of us. Mary brought Jesus and the Holy Spirit to Sts. Elizabeth and John not by extraordinary works but by obeying the Lord in little things. Mary visited and greeted Elizabeth (Lk 1:39-40). She loved and served Elizabeth. All of us can do what Mary did. We give Pentecost to others not only by extraordinary acts but especially by obeying the Lord in detail. The Holy Spirit is “given to those that obey Him” (Acts 5:32) and through those obeying Him. Obey; visit; love; serve. Give Pentecost.

Prayer: Father, may I obey You strictly, that is, immediately and completely.

Promise: "The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty Savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in His love, He will sing joyfully because of you." —Zep 3:17

Praise: "God Who is mighty has done great things for me, holy is His name" (Lk 1:49).

(For a related teaching on Mary's Visitation, listen to, download or order our CD 73-3 or DVD 73 on our website.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 2022"

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THE SACRIFICE - One Bread, One Body, 05/30/2023

Tuesday, May 30, 2023,

Sirach 35:1-12
Psalm 50:5-8, 14, 23
Mark 10:28-31

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THE SACRIFICE
"The just man's sacrifice is most pleasing, nor will it ever be forgotten." —Sirach 35:6

All cultures throughout history have instinctively understood that they needed to make offerings and sacrifices to God. The people of these cultures accordingly offered crops, animals, and even people.

The Lord revealed to the Jewish people that sacrifices entailed more than material things. He revealed the sacrifice of obedience. “To keep the law is a great oblation, and he who observes the commandments sacrifices a peace offering” (Sir 35:1). The Lord also revealed the sacrifice of charity. “In works of charity one offers fine flour, and when he gives alms he presents his sacrifice of praise” (Sir 35:2). Next, He revealed the sacrifice of justice, or at least of avoiding injustice (Sir 35:3).

Jesus revealed that sacrifices involved even more. He referred to the sacrifice of persecution (Mk 10:30). He ultimately offered the complete sacrifice of Himself on Calvary (Mk 10:34).

As we try to live a new Pentecost, we too are called to sacrifice time, preferences, money, and possessions (see Acts 2:42ff). As we do this, we often think of how to minimize sacrifices in the future, while God is thinking of maximizing our sacrifices. The Lord wants us to learn “how to share in His sufferings by being formed into the pattern of His death” (Phil 3:10). Sacrifice all the way.

Prayer: Father, I center every detail of my life on the sacrifice of the Mass.

Promise: "Many who are first shall come last, and the last shall come first." —Mk 10:31

Praise: Although his children all married outside of the Church, Robert never lets a day go by without praying for them and for the souls of their children.



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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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WITHIN YOU IS MY TRUE HOME (see Ps 87:7) - One Bread, One Body, 05/29/2023

Monday, May 29, 2023, Mary, Mother of the Church

Genesis 3:9-15, 20 or
Acts 1:12-14
Psalm 87:1-3, 5-7
John 19:25-34

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WITHIN YOU IS MY TRUE HOME (see Ps 87:7)
"This man was born there." —Psalm 87:6

After the Ascension, the apostles “devoted themselves to constant prayer” (Acts 1:14). With the apostles in the upper room was “Mary the mother of Jesus” (Acts 1:14). The apostles, except St. John, were not with Mary at the foot of the cross as her Son was put to death (see Jn 19:25-27). At that time, the apostles abandoned Jesus (Mk 14:50). By deserting Jesus, they also ran out on Mary, who remained with Jesus (Jn 19:25).

In today’s first reading, the apostles are now gathered in the upper room with the mother they had left alone at the cross. It is implied in the text that peace and accord was enjoyed among those gathered in the upper room (Acts 1:14-15ff). Yet that peace came about because of a reconciliation not recorded in Scripture. Just as Jesus asked Peter three times “Do you love Me?” and so restored Peter to leadership (Jn 21:15-17), Mary gathered the apostles under her wings in the upper room, as Jesus wished to do with the people of Jerusalem (Lk 13:34).

Thus we say of the early Church, gathered in the upper room at Pentecost, that she (the Church) “was born there” (Ps 87:6). The pregnancy, so to speak, occurred both at the foot of the cross, and in the upper room. The early Church flourished amid the nurturing, love, and forgiveness of Mother Mary. With the founding members of the early Church, “behold your mother” (see Jn 19:27).

Prayer: Jesus, may I quench Your thirst (Jn 19:28) by fulfilling Your wish to receive Your mother Mary as my own mother.

Promise: "One of the soldiers thrust a lance into His side, and immediately blood and water flowed out." —Jn 19:34

Praise: As members of the Church, we are called to "keep God's commandments and give witness to Jesus"; Mother Mary sees our dignity and loves us as "her offspring" (see Rv 12:17).

(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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MOUTH-TO-MOUTH - One Bread, One Body, 05/28/2023

Sunday, May 28, 2023, Pentecost

Acts 2:1-11
1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13
Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34
John 20:19-23
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MOUTH-TO-MOUTH
Jesus "breathed on them." —John 20:22

In the beginning, “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). The breath of the Father gives life where previously there was no life.

On His Resurrection evening, Jesus “breathed on” His disciples “and said: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’ ” (Jn 20:22). The breath of Jesus brought the Holy Spirit and peace where previously there had been turmoil and fear.

On the day of Pentecost, “suddenly from up in the sky there came a noise like a strong, driving wind which was heard all through the house where they were seated. Tongues as of fire appeared, which parted and came to rest on each of them. All were filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to express themselves in foreign tongues and make bold proclamation as the Spirit prompted them” (Acts 2:2-4).

The breath of the Holy Spirit brings every good thing (see Jas 1:17). First the Spirit breathes on us, then He breathes through us. God’s words are given to us and spoken through us in the spiritual gifts such as teaching, evangelization, tongues, prophecy. etc. His breath brings life, peace, forgiveness, boldness, miraculous unity, and worldwide renewal (see Ps 104:30). The Spirit is breathing out. We just have to breathe in. It’s Pentecost! Take a deep breath and “receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn 20:22).

Prayer: Holy Spirit, You are Lord of my life (2 Cor 3:17-18). Do whatever You will with me. I love You.

Promise: To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." —1 Cor 12:7

Praise: Praise Jesus, Who died, rose, and ascended so that we could be filled with the Holy Spirit!

(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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STAYING POWER - One Bread, One Body, 05/27/2023

Saturday, May 27, 2023, St. Augustine of Canterbury
Pentecost Novena — Day 9

Acts 28:16-20, 30-31
Psalm 11:4-5, 7
John 21:20-25

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STAYING POWER
"Follow Me." —John 21:22

The Holy Spirit comes to confirm us — to make us strong and faithful to the Lord. Before Pentecost, Jesus’ disciples were like chameleons. Their commitment to Jesus changed according to the circumstances. For example, they said they would never disown Christ (Mt 26:35), but they all deserted Him in the Garden of Gethsemani (Mt 26:56). Jesus commanded St. Peter to follow Him, but Peter was more concerned about what other people were doing or not doing (Jn 21:21). Only by the power of the Spirit can we be faithful to the Lord.

St. Paul began in the Spirit and ended in the Spirit. From the day of his conversion, Paul proclaimed the kingdom of God. In the last scene of Acts, Paul was still proclaiming God’s kingdom “with full assurance, and without any hindrance whatever” (Acts 28:31). Finally, Paul was martyred, still proclaiming God’s kingdom.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Heb 13:8). We who are disciples of Jesus should also be the same in our commitment to Him. True love is “not alternately ‘yes’ and ‘no,’ ” it is “never anything but ‘yes’ ” (2 Cor 1:19). The Holy Spirit will make you faithful. Come, Holy Spirit of love and faithfulness!

Prayer: Father, may my love for You grow deeper each day.

Promise: "There are still many other things that Jesus did, yet if they were written about in detail, I doubt there would be room enough in the entire world to hold the books to record them." —Jn 21:25

Praise: St. Augustine of Canterbury spent the last twelve years of his life bringing the gospel of Christ to England.

(Keep the Lord in your plans for this summer. We have a packed schedule of retreats and devotions planned. See www.presentationministries.com for a list and information on registration.)

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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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READY OR NOT? - One Bread, One Body, 05/26/2023

Friday, May 26, 2023, St. Philip Neri
Pentecost Novena — Day 8

Acts 25:13-21
Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20
John 21:15-19

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READY OR NOT?
"Do you love Me?" —John 21:15, 16, 17

As we near Pentecost, the questions loom: “Am I ready to receive the Holy Spirit in fullness? Am I ready to renew my Baptism and Confirmation? Am I ready to receive and to help others receive new Pentecosts?”

If we see signs of the miracle of unselfishness in our lives, we are probably ready for the Holy Spirit of Pentecost. If we are more concerned about feeding the sheep than feeding ourselves (see Jn 21:17), we are probably on the threshold of a new Pentecost. If we are willing to go not where we want but where the Lord leads us (see Jn 21:18), we may be unselfish enough to receive the Holy Spirit on His terms.

The Holy Spirit wants to come to us — but not to take orders from us or to do our wills. Why should the all-holy, all-knowing, and all-loving Third Person of the Trinity take orders from His finite, fallen, and sinful creatures? However, if we die to ourselves, we can live in the Spirit (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, 736).

By the grace of God, become increasingly concerned about other people’s problems, needs, and Pentecosts. Then you are ready to receive the Holy Spirit in fullness.

Prayer: Father, may I live no longer for myself but for You (see 2 Cor 5:15).

Promise: "(What He said indicated the sort of death by which Peter was to glorify God.) When Jesus had finished speaking He said to him, 'Follow Me.' " —Jn 21:19

Praise: St. Philip Neri's confessor encouraged his vocation; he was ordained to the priesthood at age 35.

(For a related teaching on Don't Stifle the Spirit, listen to, download or order our CD 56-3 or DVD 56 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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GUIDANCE COUNSELOR - One Bread, One Body, 05/25/2023

Thursday, May 25, 2023, St. Bede the Venerable
Pope St. Gregory VII

St. Mary Magdalene dé Pazzi
Pentecost Novena — Day 7

Acts 22:30; 23:6-11
Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11
John 17:20-26

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GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
"I bless the Lord Who counsels me." —Psalm 16:7

God the Father is “great in counsel” (Jer 32:19), always guiding us in every situation. He counsels us by day and by night (Ps 16:7). “He has counsel in store for the upright” (Prv 2:7).

God the Father has sent us Jesus, the “Wonder-Counselor” (Is 9:5). Jesus counsels us through His Word (see Ps 119:24), through direct personal guidance (see Is 30:21), and through the teaching ministry of His Church (see Lk 10:16).

Jesus and the Father have sent us the Holy Spirit. The Spirit counsels us in practical ways. For example, the Spirit clearly instructed Philip step-by-step in his evangelization of the Ethiopian official (Acts 8:29ff). The Holy Spirit instructs and counsels us in everything (Jn 14:26). He guides us to all truth (Jn 16:13).

Certainly the Lord intends to guide us in our personal lives. However, He expects us to take the gift He gives us and use it to bear fruit (Mt 10:8). He counsels us so that we can give counsel to others. When we received the Holy Spirit at our Baptism and Confirmation, we received “a spirit of counsel” (see Is 11:2; Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1831).

So many people have been led astray by ungodly counsel. You may be the only godly counselor some people will ever meet. Therefore, ask the Holy Spirit to increase your spiritual gift of counsel and lead you into contact with those who need it. May your words of counsel have a great, lasting effect (see 1 Sm 3:19).

Prayer: Triune God, I will stop listening to the world's "experts" and devote myself to following Your advice (Prv 3:1-6).

Promise: "You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in Your presence, the delights at Your right hand forever." —Ps 16:11

Praise: St. Bede the Venerable was so filled with the Holy Spirit that he died singing the "Glory Be."

(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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RIGHT GUARD - One Bread, One Body, 05/24/2023

Wednesday, May 24, 2023, Pentecost Novena — Day 6

Acts 20:28-38
Psalm 68:29-30, 33-36
John 17:11-19

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RIGHT GUARD
"I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to guard them from the evil one." —John 17:15

Savage wolves will come from within the Church (Acts 20:29) to distort the truth and lead astray “any who follow them” (Acts 20:30). As part of the persecution from these savage wolves, we will have to contend with the hatred of the world (Jn 17:14) and the rage of the devil against us (see Rv 12:12; 1 Pt 5:8).

We definitely need to be guarded, and in addition to our guardian angels, the Holy Spirit has assigned people to guard us (Acts 20:28). The leaders of the Church, especially the Pope, have a special responsibility to guard us. Therefore, we must be submissive to the Pope and the leaders of the Church, or the Holy Spirit’s chosen method of guarding us will be ineffective.

Do you know what the Pope is teaching? Do you try to read his letters (encyclicals) to you? Do you know what the Church teaches? Have you read at least part of the Catechism of the Catholic Church? We must know what the Church teaches in order to obey her. We must be obediently submissive to the Church in order to be guarded according to the plan of the Spirit (see Heb 13:17). We need to be guarded so we won’t be hurt badly or destroyed. Be guarded. Come, Holy Spirit!

Prayer: Father, though a thousand fall at my side (Ps 91:7), may I stand protected, untouched, safe, and saved.

Promise: "You need to recall the words of the Lord Jesus Himself, Who said, 'There is more happiness in giving than receiving.' " —Acts 20:35

Praise: While at prayer, Regina was prompted by the Holy Spirit to publish a book on the Rosary for children.

(For a related teaching on Power in the Spirit, listen to, download or order our CD 64-1 or DVD 64 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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FIRST LOVE - One Bread, One Body, 05/23/2023

Tuesday, May 23, 2023, Pentecost Novena — Day 5

Acts 20:17-27
Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21
John 17:1-11

View Readings

FIRST LOVE
"Paul sent word from Miletus to Ephesus, summoning the presbyters of that church." —Acts 20:17

On three of the nine days of our Pentecost novena, we read about the church of Ephesus. This church was founded by St. Paul. When Paul laid his hands on twelve Ephesian men, “the Holy Spirit came down on them and they began to speak in tongues and to utter prophecies” (Acts 19:6). Within two years, this church proclaimed God’s Word to over a million people in the province of Asia (Acts 19:10). This proclamation of God’s Word was accompanied by dramatic signs, wonders (see Mk 16:20), healings, and deliverances (Acts 19:12).

However, not all was well with the Ephesian Christians. Paul “insisted solemnly on repentance before God and on faith in our Lord Jesus” (Acts 20:21). “For three years, night and day,” Paul “never ceased warning” the Ephesian church “to the point of tears” (Acts 20:31). He warned them that savage wolves would come from their midst, distort the truth, and lead astray any who would follow them (Acts 20:29-31). Paul’s warnings were heeded by many who openly confessed their involvement in the occult (Acts 19:18ff). However, many Ephesian Christians did not repent. They made life miserable for Paul (see 1 Cor 15:32) and St. Timothy (see 1 Tm 1:3ff). A generation later, Jesus warned the church of Ephesus that it had lost its first love and needed to repent, or He would close it down (Rv 2:4-5).

This Pentecost, be like the church of Ephesus in its early days. Repent and return to your first love of Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, may I always love You more and never less.

Promise: "For these I pray — not for the world but for these You have given me, for they are really Yours." —Jn 17:9

Praise: After years of church-hopping, Virginia finally returned home to the Catholic Church.

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from 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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YOUR PENTECOST CONFESSION - One Bread, One Body, 05/22/2023

Monday, May 22, 2023, St. Rita of Cascia
Pentecost Novena — Day 4

Acts 19:1-8
Psalm 68:2-7
John 16:29-33

View Readings

YOUR PENTECOST CONFESSION
"As Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came down on them and they began to speak in tongues and to utter prophecies. There were in the company about twelve men in all." —Acts 19:6-7

The twelve Ephesian men so readily gave their lives to Jesus and received the Holy Spirit because they had received St. John the Baptizer’s baptism of repentance (see Acts 19:3-4). At the first Christian Pentecost, St. Peter told the people to repent in order to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). On the evening of the day on which Jesus rose from the dead, Jesus commanded His apostles to receive the Holy Spirit (Jn 20:22). Then he delegated to them the power to forgive sins in His name (Jn 20:23). The risen Jesus made it clear that the baptism of repentance is a precursor to being baptized in the Spirit (see Mk 1:4, 8).

On this fourth day of the Pentecost Novena, plan to go to Confession as soon as possible. One of the first works of the Spirit is to convict us of sin (Jn 16:8). If we respond to this grace by repenting, we open the door to an amazing series of movements of the Holy Spirit. It is both a necessity and a privilege for us to repent as deeply as possible. When even one person repents, all in heaven, including the Holy Spirit, rejoices (Lk 15:7). Repent. Give God joy. Receive the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Father, may sin lose its hold on me (see Heb 12:1).

Promise: "You will suffer in the world. But take courage! I have overcome the world." —Jn 16:33

Praise: St. Rita of Cascia loved and prayed for her abusive husband and he repented before his death.

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from 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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LOOK UP AND GO OUT - One Bread, One Body, 05/21/2023

Sunday, May 21, 2023, Ascension
Pentecost Novena — Day 3

Acts 1:1-11
Ephesians 1:17-23 or
Ephesians 4:1-13
Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9
Matthew 28:16-20
View Readings

LOOK UP AND GO OUT
"No sooner had He said this than He was lifted up before their eyes in a cloud which took Him from their sight." —Acts 1:9

The apostles asked Jesus: “Lord, are You going to restore the rule to Israel now?” (Acts 1:6) They were interested in knowing the time Jesus would restore the kingdom. Jesus responded: “The exact time it is not yours to know” (Acts 1:7). Then Jesus proceeded to bring up what He was interested in — not so much the time but the persons responsible for restoring the kingdom. The apostles had assumed Jesus would do the restoring. Jesus shocked them by asserting that they were to do the job. Before the apostles could try to shift the responsibility back onto Jesus, He ascended, leaving the apostles “holding the bag,” that is, having the responsibility of making disciples of all the nations (see Mt 28:19). However, Jesus did not leave His Church powerless. He promised us the Spirit’s power (Acts 1:8) and His presence “always, until the end of the world!” (Mt 28:20)

Jesus’ Ascension means that we, the members of the Church, take up where Jesus has left off. The responsibility for evangelizing the world is ours; the power of the Holy Spirit is ours; and the privilege of living and dying for His kingdom is ours. Because He has gone up, we must go out. Go now.

Prayer: "God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory," grant us "a spirit of wisdom and insight to know" You clearly (Eph 1:17).

Promise: "He has put all things under Christ's feet and has made Him, thus exalted, Head of the Church, which is His body: the fullness of Him Who fills the universe in all its parts." —Eph 1:22-23

Praise: "Then, after speaking to them, the Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven and took His seat at God's right hand" (Mk 16:19). Praise Jesus Who ascended!



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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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HOME-WORK AND ROAD-WORK - One Bread, One Body, 05/20/2023

Saturday, May 20, 2023, St. Bernardine of Siena
Pentecost Novena — Day 2

Acts 18:23-28
Psalm 47:2-3, 8-10
John 16:23-28

View Readings

HOME-WORK AND ROAD-WORK
"When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him home and explained to him God's new way in greater detail." —Acts 18:26

The first Christian Pentecost had two parts. The Spirit was poured out on 120 disciples of Jesus in an upper room at 9AM on a Sunday (Acts 1:15; 2:15). Later that day, the Spirit was received by 3,000 people in the streets of Jerusalem (Acts 2:41). Not only does “charity begin at home,” but often Pentecost begins at home, or at least in an upper room. Then it hits the streets, only to return to the home, as those filled with the Spirit devote themselves to the communal life (Acts 2:42).

For example, Pentecost began at home for Cornelius and his household (Acts 10:24ff), and then it was extended to the ends of the earth. Moreover, Pentecost began for Apollos at the home of Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:26). Then Apollos took the Gospel in the power of the Spirit to Achaia (Acts 18:27). St. Paul did Pentecost in the opposite direction. He started on the street (Acts 9:3) and continued in the home of Judas on Straight Street (Acts 9:11ff) only to take Pentecost back out into the streets.

Pentecost is home-work and road-work. Receive the Holy Spirit at home and in the streets. Come, Holy Spirit!

Prayer: Father, make me a bold and loving witness for Jesus everywhere.

Promise: "They took him home and explained to him God's new way in greater detail." —Acts 18:26

Praise: St. Bernardine of Siena promoted devotion to the holy name of Jesus; but his weak voice was healed through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

(For a related teaching on Seek the Gifts of the Spirit, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, order or download our CD 3A-1, CD 3A-3, CD 3B-1 and CD 3B-3 or DVD 3A and DVD 3B 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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WHO’S GOT YOUR TONGUE? - One Bread, One Body, 05/19/2023

Friday, May 19, 2023, Pentecost Novena — Day 1

Acts 18:9-18
Psalm 47:2-7
John 16:20-23

View Readings

WHO'S GOT YOUR TONGUE?
"Do not be afraid. Go on speaking and do not be silenced." —Acts 18:9

At the first Christian Pentecost, the Holy Spirit dealt in a magnificent way with tongues. First, the Spirit appeared in the form of “tongues as of fire” (Acts 2:3). The apostles yielded their formerly silent tongues to speak in both native and foreign languages, proclaiming the prophetic Word of God (Acts 2:4ff). Their hearers used their tongues to repent and ask how to be saved (Acts 2:37).

Once the Spirit has your tongue, the battle begins. Satan accuses you of being foolish (Acts 2:13) and enflames any fears you may have. The world attempts to intimidate and silence you. This is what the apostles experienced once the Spirit took over their tongues. Nevertheless, the apostles yielded to the inspiration of the Spirit, not to the attacks of Satan and the world.

When we yield our tongues to the Spirit, the pressure to stifle the Holy Spirit and hold our tongues is so fierce that the Lord personally assures us: “Do not be afraid. Go on speaking, and do not be silenced, for I am with you” (Acts 18:9).

Today is the first day of the Pentecost Novena, nine days of prayer to prepare to receive the Holy Spirit in fullness at Pentecost. Give the Lord your mind, heart, soul, and tongue. Ask the Lord to teach you “what to say and how to speak” (Jn 12:49). Allow the Holy Spirit to control your speech in both your native tongue and in the spiritual gift of tongues.

Prayer: Father, I ask You in Jesus' name to prepare my heart to be a worthy dwelling place for the Holy Spirit.

Promise: "I give you My assurance, whatever you ask the Father, He will give you in My name." —Jn 16:23

Praise: Once drawn toward late night TV, Linda noticed that when she started serving the Lord, her life was so full of blessed service, there was no time to waste on watching TV.

(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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FULL-COURT PRESS - One Bread, One Body, 05/18/2023

Thursday, May 18, 2023, Pope St. John I

Acts 18:1-8
Psalm 98:1-4
John 16:16-20

View Readings

FULL-COURT PRESS
"Paul was absorbed in preaching." —Acts 18:5

Tomorrow begins the Holy Spirit novena, nine days of intense prayer to prepare for receiving the great outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Like St. Paul, we are to be absorbed, that is, totally occupied with the coming of the Spirit, as if the Spirit was pressing upon us from all sides (Acts 18:5). The Greek word, sunecho, translated as absorbed, can also mean pressed, compressed, preoccupied, or compelled.  Like the apostles and Mary in the upper room, we are to prepare diligently to receive the Holy Spirit (see Acts 1:14).

The nine days of a novena can be compared to the nine months of a pregnancy. A pregnant mother is completely preoccupied with the baby growing in her womb. She is in tune with the movements of her baby. As the months pass, the baby grows within her and presses more firmly upon her. Near the end of the pregnancy, all she can think of is “Come, Baby.”

We need the Holy Spirit novena in order to become ever more attuned to the movements of the Holy Spirit. This is a time to come to Jesus and beg Him for the grace to thirst for the Spirit (see Jn 7:37-38). No matter how much we want the Holy Spirit, it’s less than God desires us to want the Spirit. By the end of the nine days, we should constantly be thinking “Come, Holy Spirit.” Desire to receive the Holy Spirit more than a mother with a full-term baby wants to give birth. “Come, Holy Spirit!”

Prayer: Father, pour out the Spirit in my life like a tidal wave. Carry me in the Spirit anywhere You wish.

Promise: "You will grieve for a time, but your grief will be turned into joy." —Jn 16:20

Praise: Pope St. John I reconciled the Eastern and Western Church. Pope St. John I, pray for unity in the body of Christ in our present time.

(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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HOW MUCH CAN YOU BEAR? - One Bread, One Body, 05/17/2023

Wednesday, May 17, 2023,

Acts 17:15, 22—18:1
Psalm 148:1-2, 11-14
John 16:12-15

View Readings

HOW MUCH CAN YOU BEAR?
"I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now." —John 16:12

Several decades ago, I began my computer programming career. During my first month on the job, so much new information came my way that I left work each day with a headache from information overload. I learned much each day. However, my boss had a great deal more to teach me, and I couldn’t bear it yet. Likewise, schools separate students into twelve grades. High-school subjects are not taught to first-graders; they aren’t mentally ready for that yet.

Besides being mentally unable to bear information, people may not be emotionally ready for certain information. For example, Jesus had just told His apostles He would be leaving them. He could see they were grieving His departure (Jn 16:5-6) and realized that they couldn’t bear any further revelations (Jn 16:12).

Finally, we may not be ready spiritually to bear God’s revelation. If we live in sin, our spiritual hearing is blocked and our hearts too hardened to receive what Jesus wants to tell us (see e. g. Mk 4:15ff). Like the Corinthians, we may be immature Christians not yet committed to growing in discipleship. Though we should be able to bear solid teaching by now, the Lord has to feed us spiritual milk, for we are still infants in Christ living at the level of the flesh (1 Cor 3:1-3).

God insists upon repentance (Acts 17:30). Repent of all sin and of any stifling of the Holy Spirit (1 Thes 5:19). Abide in God’s Word (Jn 8:31) and in Holy Mass. Bear the Good News. Bear great fruit for Jesus.

Prayer: Jesus, enlarge me so I can bear more for You (Acts 20:32; 2 Tm 2:20-22). "Speak, for Your servant is listening" (1 Sm 3:10).

Promise: "In Him we live and move and have our being." —Acts 17:28

Praise: Wearing a crucifix has opened the door for Bill to witness.

(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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FAMILY CELEBRATIONS - One Bread, One Body, 05/16/2023

Tuesday, May 16, 2023 ,

Acts 16:22-34
Psalm 138:1-3, 7-8
John 16:5-11

View Readings

FAMILY CELEBRATIONS
He "joyfully celebrated with his whole family his newfound faith in God." —Acts 16:34

The converted jailer immediately shared his faith with his family and joyfully celebrated God’s new life with them. Here are some ways for a family to celebrate their faith in God:

• anniversaries: celebrating the day each family member received Sacraments, such as Baptism (Acts 16:33-34), First Holy Communion, Confirmation, Matrimony, etc.,
• patron saints: celebrating the feast day of the patron saint of each family member (or the saint they were named for),
• monthly Confession parties: the family goes to Confession together and celebrates afterward (e.g. Lk 15:23, 32), and
• monthly tithing parties: the family gathers to pray, tithe, and celebrate. Children without money are allotted money to tithe such as they and their parents discern.

Families have many more ways to celebrate what God has done for them. No family is so perfect that they can’t make “still greater progress” (1 Thes 4:1) in holiness, unity, faith, and joy. Ask the Holy Spirit to convict you (Jn 16:8) about the unity of your family and pour out the love of God in the hearts of each member of your family (Rm 5:5). “You families...give to the Lord glory and praise” (Ps 96:7).

Prayer: Father, may each member of my family experience the joy of knowing, loving, and serving You. May my family bear great fruit for You.

Promise: "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, and all your household...then he and his whole household were baptized." —Acts 16:31, 34

Praise: It was because of the encouragement of another Christian that Monique had the confidence to begin a new ministry.

(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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CALLED TO THE WITNESS STAND - One Bread, One Body, 05/15/2023

Monday, May 15, 2023, St. Isidore the Farmer

Acts 16:11-15
Psalm 149:1-6, 9
John 15:26—16:4

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CALLED TO THE WITNESS STAND
"A time will come when anyone who puts you to death will claim to be serving God!" —John 16:2

The Holy Spirit witnesses for Jesus and calls us to do the same (Jn 15:26-27). This is one of the main reasons why many Christians don’t want the Holy Spirit to be very active in their lives. Although they realize that witnessing is an act of love which will lead people to Christ, they also know that witnessing will result in personally suffering and being persecuted. Jesus’ witnesses will be expelled even from Church and, moreover, may be put to death (see Jn 16:2). In Greek, the word “witness” is “martyr,” someone who physically lays down his life for Jesus and is violently put to death.

We all want life in the Holy Spirit, or we at least want the emptiness of life without the Spirit to be filled. However, we often don’t want the Holy Spirit enough to suffer. The cost of Pentecost is the cross, and not many want to pay such a high price.

Ask the Lord to give you a desire to receive the Holy Spirit that is even greater than the desire to avoid pain. Only love is stronger than our natural desire to avoid pain (see Sg 8:6; Ps 63:4). Look at a picture of Jesus hanging on the cross. Ask for and receive love. Strongly desire the Spirit. Thirst for the Spirit (Jn 7:37). Receive the Spirit. Receive an even greater love. Receive a new Pentecost.

Prayer: Father, may I consider Your love a greater good than life (Ps 63:4).

Promise: "She already reverenced God, and the Lord opened her heart to accept what Paul was saying." —Acts 16:14

Praise: St. Isidore, a peasant farmer, lived in outstanding holiness and humility. His entire life was a constant prayer, whether at work in the fields or at home (see Lk 18:1).

(To help you to receive a new Pentecost, view, download or order our booklet, Praying for a New Pentecost, 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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ARSONIST - One Bread, One Body, 05/14/2023

Sunday, May 14, 2023, Sixth Sunday of Easter

Acts 8:5-8, 14-17
1 Peter 3:15-18
Psalm 66:1-7, 16, 20
John 14:15-21
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ARSONIST
Peter and John "upon arriving imposed hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit." —Acts 8:17

Near the end of Jesus’ public ministry, Samaritans would not allow Jesus and His disciples to pass through their town because they were headed toward Jerusalem. The apostle John was indignant. He asked Jesus for permission to call down fire from heaven to destroy those Samaritans (Lk 9:52-54). Jesus refused him, rebuking John on the spot (Lk 9:55).

Jesus did eventually allow John to call down fire from heaven onto the Samaritans. The deacon Philip had taken the Gospel in power to the unbelieving Samaritans, and they received the Word of God (Acts 8:5ff). “When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two...prayed that they might receive the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8:14, 15). John laid his hands on those whom he had earlier wished to incinerate, and the fire of God, the Holy Spirit, did fall upon them to consume them with the love of God (Acts 8:17). Jesus gave John his wish, but not in the way John had expected. Possibly, John had to undergo a bigger conversion than the Samaritans did.

Are there any people you wouldn’t mind having God remove from earth? Can you imagine Jesus eventually using you as His agent to bring these people into new life in the Spirit? If we are to love our enemies, we need that same gut-wrenching conversion John experienced. Repent! Forgive and love your enemies (Lk 6:35). “Receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn 20:22).

Prayer: Jesus, send the fire of the Holy Spirit to burn away the hardness in my heart. May I lead thousands to receive the Spirit.

Promise: "He who loves Me will be loved by My Father. I too will love him and reveal Myself to him." —Jn 14:21

Praise: Praise the risen Lord Jesus, King of all heaven and earth, Who is with us (see Rv 19:16).

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from 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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THE WORLD WAR - One Bread, One Body, 05/13/2023

Saturday, May 13, 2023, Our Lady of Fatima

Acts 16:1-10
Psalm 100:1-3, 5
John 15:18-21

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THE WORLD WAR
"If you find that the world hates you, know it has hated Me before you." —John 15:18

Christians continue to be surprised that the world hates them. We may naively think that the world has changed since it rejected and crucified Jesus. Also, we may think that we’re not enough like Jesus to be worthy of rejection and persecution. Nevertheless, we have been fundamentally changed by being baptized into Christ (see Rm 6:3). We have a new nature. As new creations (see Gal 6:15), we have been chosen out of the world by Christ (Jn 15:19). The world recognizes that we no longer belong to it. Therefore, it hates, persecutes, and tries to kill us (Jn 15:19-20; 16:2).

Although the world hates even lukewarm, sinful Christians, the Lord wants to give the world more reason to persecute us. The Lord wants to make us holy, to make us like Him. Then we are not just a potential threat to the world but we are an actual threat to turn it upside down (see Acts 17:6). Then the world feels compelled to persecute us immediately and vehemently.

Live your Baptism. Be a threat to the world. Be ever more worthy of being hated and persecuted by the world (see Mt 5:11). Be holy. Be like Jesus.

Prayer: Father, make me "worthy of ill-treatment for the sake of the Name" of Jesus (Acts 5:41).

Promise: "Through all this, the congregations grew stronger in faith and daily increased in numbers." —Acts 16:5

Praise: Our Lady of Fatima was credited by Pope St. John Paul II with both prophesying an assassin's attack and saving him from being killed by that attack.

(For a related teaching on Spiritual Warfare, listen to, download or order our CD 57-3 or DVD 57 on our website.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from 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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COME, SPIRIT OF CRUCIFIED LOVE! - One Bread, One Body, 05/12/2023

Friday, May 12, 2023, Sts. Nereus & Achilleus
St. Pancras

Acts 15:22-31
Psalm 57:8-10, 12
John 15:12-17

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COME, SPIRIT OF CRUCIFIED LOVE!
"This is My commandment: love one another as I have loved you." —John 15:12

Jesus commands us not only to love one another but to love as He has loved us! That means that we are to lay down our lives for our friends (Jn 15:13) and even for our enemies (Rm 5:8, 10). In this way, we will be recognizable as Jesus’ disciples, because no one except Jesus loves his enemies by dying for them (Rm 5:10).

How are we, with all our selfishness, to love so divinely? The Holy Spirit will purify us “by obedience to the truth” (1 Pt 1:22) so as to produce the fruit of love in our lives (Gal 5:22). The Holy Spirit will cry out in our hearts, “Abba” (Gal 4:6; Rm 8:15). We will know that we are loved perfectly by our Father. Then we will be able to love in an amazing way, for we “love because He first loved us” (1 Jn 4:19).

One week from today, we begin the annual Pentecost novena. As the Christian community throughout the world prays during these nine days, the Holy Spirit changes our “culture of death” into a “civilization of love.”

Come, Holy Spirit of love!

Prayer: Father, You are Love. I will live in You and in Love (1 Jn 4:16).

Promise: "When it was read there was great delight at the encouragement it gave." —Acts 15:31

Praise: Sts. Nereus and Achilleus were beheaded for Jesus, offering their "bodies to God as weapons for justice" (Rm 6:13).

(We invite you to join us for our Forty Hours Devotion and Family Campout; June 9-11. Gaze on the Lord, hear inspired teachings and share Catholic fellowship. Call 937-587-5464 or 513-373-2397 to register or for more information.)

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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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DEJA VU? - One Bread, One Body, 05/11/2023

Thursday, May 11, 2023,

Acts 15:7-21
Psalm 96:1-3, 10
John 15:9-11

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DEJA VU?
"We ought not to cause God's Gentile converts any difficulties." —Acts 15:19

The leaders of the early Church discerned that the Holy Spirit was not requiring Gentile Christians to observe the Mosaic law except for abstaining “from anything contaminated by idols, from illicit sexual union, from the meat of strangled animals, and from eating blood” (Acts 15:20). We have no Biblical record of the Gentile Christians having any problems with abstaining “from the meat of strangled animals and from eating blood.” However, some Gentile Christians had serious problems in obeying the first two commands.

St. Paul warned the Corinthian Christians that by eating meat from animals which had been used in idol worship they were not only offending others’ consciences (Rm 14:20; 1 Cor 10:28; 8:9) but also having communion with demons (1 Cor 10:20-21).

The command to abstain from illicit sexual union was probably even more difficult to obey. Paul warned and taught the Gentile converts that their bodies were temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19) and that “no fornicators, idolators, or adulterers...no sodomites” would inherit God’s kingdom (1 Cor 6:9-10; cf Gal 5: 19-21). He told the church of Ephesus and all the churches: “As for lewd conduct or promiscuousness or lust of any sort, let them not even be mentioned among you; your holiness forbids this” (Eph 5:3). Paul maintained that those who rejected His teachings against sexual immorality were rejecting “not man, but God Who sends His Holy Spirit” (1 Thes 4:8).

Almost all of us reading this are Gentile Christians. Do we have the same problems as the first Gentile Christians? Are we still trapped in sexual sin and idolatrous compromise with the ways of the world? Repent! Be pure as Jesus is pure (1 Jn 3:3).

Prayer: Father, make me holy in every aspect of my life (1 Pt 1:15).

Promise: "All this I tell you that My joy may be yours and your joy may be complete." —Jn 15:11

Praise: Abstaining from meat during Lent renewed Georgia's Easter.



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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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CUT THE LORD A BREAK - One Bread, One Body, 05/10/2023

Wednesday, May 10, 2023, St. Damien of Moloka'i
St. John of Avila

Acts 15:1-6
Psalm 122:1-5
John 15:1-8

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CUT THE LORD A BREAK
"He prunes away every barren branch, but the fruitful ones He trims clean to increase their yield." —John 15:2

A glance at Scripture paints a picture of the Lord as a rather inconsistent Farmer. First, He goes crazy with the pruning shears, snipping off everything in sight, both fruitful and barren branches (Jn 15:2). In the next scene, the Lord cuts nothing at all. He refuses to cut weeds which threaten the fruitfulness of the adjoining wheat (Mt 13:29-30). Then the Lord allows an unproductive fig tree to go yet another year without fruit, so that it can have one more year of extra-special care (Lk 13:8ff). Next, He curses a fig tree without fruit, so that it instantly withers up (Mt 21:19). Finally, He allows unfruitful tenant farmers to treat Him with contempt for years, kill His messengers and even His Son (Mt 21:34ff).

The main point in these seemingly incongruous Scriptures is that the Father is the Vinegrower (Jn 15:1). God knows the proper actions to take in each situation and in each person’s life. If we are being painfully pruned, it’s tempting to compare our situation to others whom God treats with tolerance (cf Mt 20:12). We do better to respond with gratitude for His every action, painful or gentle. We do well to rejoice whenever God shows patience and compassion to those less fruitful than ourselves. We should praise Him instantly when He treats others more mercifully, praying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever” (Ps 136:1ff). “Trust in Him at all times” (Ps 62:9).

Prayer: Father, I will trust in You with all my heart and rely not on my own intelligence (Prv 3:5).

Promise: "He who lives in Me and I in him, will produce abundantly, for apart from Me you can do nothing." —Jn 15:5

Praise: St. Damien of Moloka'i set aside his own fears to minister to a leper colony in Hawaii. He sacrificially served Jesus in the least of His brothers (see Mt 25:40).

(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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