Live the best Single Mingle Christian Sharing Lifestyle [even if you are married ;) ]: March 2024

Sunday, March 31, 2024

INCORRUPTIBLE? - One Bread, One Body, 04/01/2024

Monday, April 1, 2024, Easter Monday

Acts 2:14, 22-33
Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11
Matthew 28:8-15

View Readings

INCORRUPTIBLE?
"Nor will You suffer Your Faithful One to undergo corruption…" —Acts 2:27

When the chief priests and elders heard that the body of Jesus was no longer present in the tomb, they did not consider the Scripture which prophesied that the Messiah would not undergo corruption (Ps 16:10). Sadly, they hastened headlong into corruption through acts of bribery. They diverted money donated for the worship of God into financing a strategy of lies that opposed the Kingdom of God (Mt 28:11ff).

The chief priests were well aware that God sent a flood upon the earth specifically because He “saw how corrupt the earth had become” (Gn 6:12). The psalmist observed, “Such [people] are corrupt; they do abominable deeds” (Ps 14:1). The prophet Zephaniah’s comment applies well: “ ‘Surely now you will fear Me, you will accept correction’; [Jerusalem] should not fail to see all I have visited upon her. Yet all the more eagerly have they done all their corrupt deeds” (Zep 3:7).

The chief priests and elders, whom God expected to be incorruptible, became completely corrupt! They were not for Jesus, and they ended up turning against Him (see Mt 12:30). “To His own [Jesus] came, yet His own did not accept Him” (Jn 1:11).

As we begin the fifty-day season of Easter, where do you stand? Are you falling into more corrupt behavior? If so, change your lifestyle. “Bad company corrupts good morals” (1 Cor 15:33). Corruption does not inherit incorruption (1 Cor 15:50). If there is anything sinful or corrupt in you, repent! Let Jesus, risen in power, cleanse your mind, soul and body.

Prayer: Father, help me to fix my eyes on the Resurrection of Jesus, to keep me from undergoing corruption.

Promise: "Apart from You I have no good." —Ps 16:2

Praise: "This is the Jesus God has raised up, and we are His witnesses" (Acts 2:32). Alleluia!

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

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2024, through May 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 22, 2023"

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

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

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

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

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

Saturday, March 30, 2024

THE EASTER OFFENSIVE - One Bread, One Body, 03/31/2024

Sunday, March 31, 2024, Easter Sunday

Romans 6:3-11 (Vigil Readings)
Acts 10:34, 37-43

Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6-8
Mark 16:1-7
Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23

John 20:1-9

View Readings

THE EASTER OFFENSIVE
"Through baptism into His death we were buried with Him, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live a new life." —Romans 6:4

Alleluia! Jesus is risen! The stone is rolled away! The tomb is empty!

The Lord of Life has decided to destroy Satan’s culture of death right now on this Easter Sunday, in this Easter season. Our risen Lord has had it with abortion, racism, war, starvation, contraception, and other injustices. He has decided to get several hundred million Catholic Christians in hundreds of thousands of locations throughout the world to stand up to Satan and publicly reject Him and all his works and promises in this culture of death. This massive mobilization of Catholic Christians to launch a major offensive against Satan is called the renewal of baptismal promises.

Many of you may doubt that this is what happens when we renew our baptismal promises. We renewed them last year and in previous years, and nothing seemed to happen on a grand scale. Yet how many Catholics actually knew what they were doing in renewing their baptismal promises? How many took this seriously? Maybe there’s much more power in the renewal of baptismal promises than we have ever experienced or imagined. Let us renew our baptismal promises not in “corruption and wickedness” but in “sincerity and truth” (1 Cor 5:8).

Prayer: Father, make me an extremely effective witness for the risen Christ (see Acts 10:41).

Promise: "Everyone who believes in [Jesus] has forgiveness of sins through His name." —Acts 10:43

Praise: "He is not here; He has been raised up" (Lk 24:6). Alleluia!

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 7, 2023"

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

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

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

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

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

Thursday, March 28, 2024

NO REST FOR THE WICKED - One Bread, One Body, 03/29/2024

Friday, March 29, 2024, Good Friday

Isaiah 52:13—53:12
Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
Psalm 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-17, 25
John 18:1—19:42
View Readings

NO REST FOR THE WICKED
"Judas took the cohort as well as guards supplied by the chief priests and the Pharisees, and came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons." —John 18:3

The only apostle wide awake on Holy Thursday night, sadly, was Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus (Jn 18:3). All the other apostles with Jesus during His agony in the garden were sound asleep and could not keep their eyes open (Lk 22:45). Jesus said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Wake up, and pray that you may not be subjected to the trial” (Lk 22:46). But they were sound asleep, even while the cohort of several hundred soldiers approached the garden unnoticed by all except Jesus. He knew they were coming to arrest Him, but refused to flee from the extreme danger for love of us all. Meanwhile, Judas was wide awake, but in opposition to Jesus, not in service of Him.

How would a journalist record our own activity this Triduum? Are we asleep or unable to keep our eyes open and fixed on Jesus? (cf Heb 3:1) Are we keeping our eyes open, looking for an opportunity to sin or to betray Jesus? Or are we part of the crowd, oblivious to Jesus’ sufferings on our behalf?

Though Jesus had three times warned the apostles of His upcoming arrest (Mt 16:21; 17:22-23; 20:17-19), they were unprepared when the soldiers appeared in the garden. Those against Jesus were wide awake and on the job. Those for Jesus, by comparison, were asleep or sluggish. No wonder Jesus told parables about His servants needing to always be ready, vigilant and alert! “The moral is: keep your eyes open, for you know not the day or the hour” (Mt 25:13).

Prayer: Lord, help us to be alert and prepared, always ready to open when You knock on the door of our hearts (Mt 25:6; Rv 3:20).

Promise: "By His stripes we were healed." —Is 53:5

Praise: (none)

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

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 7, 2023"

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

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

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

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

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

DYING FOR YOU TO DRINK - One Bread, One Body, 03/28/2024

Thursday, March 28, 2024, Holy Thursday

Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Psalm 116:12-13, 15-18
John 13:1-15
View Readings

DYING FOR YOU TO DRINK
"This cup is the new covenant in My blood." —1 Corinthians 11:25

On Holy Thursday night, in the garden of Gethsemani, hundreds of soldiers fell to the ground when Jesus of Nazareth said, “I AM” (Jn 18:6). Yet this all-powerful, divine God-Man sweated blood on that night and asked the Father to let this cup pass Him by (Lk 22:42). He embraced the cup that would not “pass Him by,” and He left His apostles the cup of blessing (Mt 26:27).

His cup included washing the feet of His apostles. He used jars of water that were for ceremonial washing. As He changed water into wine at Cana (Jn 2:6), Jesus even gave His apostles, and us, “new wine” that far surpassed the choicest wine at Cana (Lk 22:18-20).

His cup included letting Himself be nailed to the cross for those who betrayed and denied Him. He prayed for their unity, strength and protection. He Who did not know sin, became sin for us, who were indifferent to Him (2 Cor 5:21). Mocked and scorned, Jesus died between two criminals. His own received Him not (Jn 1:11), despite centuries of prophecy given for the purpose of preparing their hearts.

“How deep are the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God” (Rm 11:33). How rich in mercy He is (Eph 2:4). He gave His Body for us in the Eucharist. Can you drink the same cup for Him Who gave His Body for you? Receive Jesus as He greatly desires to be received (Lk 22:15) — in this gift of His Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist.

Prayer: Jesus, You thirst for me to drink Your cup. I shall make a return to You by committing to receive You as You desire.

Promise: "Every time, then, you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until He comes!" —1 Cor 11:26

Praise: Praise the Eucharistic Jesus, Who humbles Himself for us!

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

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 7, 2023"

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

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

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

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

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

DOCILE OR JUDAS? - One Bread, One Body, 03/27/2024

Wednesday, March 27, 2024, Holy Week

Isaiah 50:4-9
Psalm 69:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34
Matthew 26:14-25

View Readings

DOCILE OR JUDAS?
"Then Judas, His betrayer, spoke: 'Surely it is not I, Rabbi?' " —Matthew 26:25

The last word Judas spoke to Jesus was to call Him “Rabbi,” meaning “Teacher” (Mt 26:49). One of the first words spoken to the risen Christ was: “Rabbouni” (Jn 20:16). This is a variation of the word “Rabbi,” and it also means “Teacher.”

Judas, the betrayer of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene, the first person to meet the risen Christ, both called Jesus by the same title. The difference was that Mary Magdalene listened to her Teacher, while Judas did not. In other words, Mary Magdalene was docile, that is, teachable, and Judas wasn’t. Docility is the difference between love or betrayal, life or death, and heaven or hell.

For example, morning after morning the Lord will open your ears (Is 50:4). He will teach you “how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them” (Is 50:4). However, to speak these rousing words, you will have to suffer. You may have to expose your back and face to “buffets and spitting” (Is 50:6). Naturally, you don’t want to suffer or even hear about suffering. Will you rebel (see Is 50:5) or be docile? If you are docile to the Rabbi’s teaching about the suffering of the cross (see Lk 9:23), you will meet the Rabbi risen from the dead. Be docile, or you’ll be Judas.

Prayer: Rabbi, send me the Holy Spirit of docility.

Promise: "See, the Lord God is my Help." —Is 50:9

Praise: Elizabeth decided to accept Jesus as the Messiah even though she risked losing her family.

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

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 7, 2023"

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

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

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

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

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

Monday, March 25, 2024

YOUR LAST COMMUNION - One Bread, One Body, 03/26/2024

Tuesday, March 26, 2024, Holy Week

Isaiah 49:1-6
Psalm 71:1-6, 15, 17
John 13:21-33, 36-38

View Readings

YOUR LAST COMMUNION
"He dipped the morsel, then took it and gave it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot." —John 13:26

At Saturday’s Easter Vigil and in the next two months, many people, especially children, will be celebrating their “First Communions.” This will be the first time they receive the Body and Blood, soul and divinity of Jesus. These first Communions will be among the greatest events in their lives.

But what about your last Communion? Will it rightly be called “Viaticum,” meaning “on the way with Jesus” to heaven? Or will it be like the Last Supper when Jesus gave “the bit of food” to Judas (Jn 13:26)? “Immediately after, Satan entered his heart” (Jn 13:27). Will your last Communion be months or years before your death, or moments before your death and entry into heaven? Is Holy Communion “kid’s stuff” for you, or the center and heartbeat of your daily life?

In two days, we will celebrate throughout the world Holy Thursday, the day of the first Communion of all time. Make a new first Communion on Holy Thursday — the first time you’ve ever loved the Lord so much. If you continue to grow in the first love (see Rv 2:4) of this new first Communion, your last Communion will be a Holy Communion of love leading to heaven.

Prayer: Father, may my Communions this Holy Week be more holy and continue to become holier.

Promise: "Though I thought I had toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength, yet my reward is with the Lord, my recompense is with my God." —Is 49:4

Praise: After a prayer meeting one night, the Martins and the McCoys, both deeply in debt, burned their credit cards and put their finances in the Lord's hands.

(For a related teaching on Eucharist, listen to, download or order our CD 1A-3 or DVD 1A on our website.)

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 7, 2023"

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

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

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

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

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

Sunday, March 24, 2024

THE LAST STRAW - One Bread, One Body, 03/25/2024

Monday, March 25, 2024, Holy Week

Isaiah 42:1-7
Psalm 27:1-3, 13-14
John 12:1-11

View Readings

THE LAST STRAW
"The fact was, the chief priests planned to kill Lazarus too, because many Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in Him on account of Lazarus." —John 12:10-11

The raising of Lazarus from the dead was “the straw that broke the camel’s back,” and set in motion the plot to kill Jesus (see Jn 12:10). Simply by being alive, Lazarus was bringing people to believe in Jesus (Jn 12:11).

Can this be said of you? Simply by the fact that you are alive, and especially because you are alive in Christ, do people see you and then come to believe in Jesus? Do people need to be around you, call you on the phone, text you, glance at you because, by your very presence, you radiate the presence of God? Would worldly people wish to “cancel” you simply because you live, and especially because you live for Jesus as a witness to His mercy?

Lazarus died. Then he was raised from the dead by Jesus. But this also happened to you — if you were baptized. In Baptism, you died with Christ (Rm 6:3). Now you have been raised with Christ from the waters of Baptism (Rm 6:4-5).

Radiate Christ Jesus by fully living your Baptism. You have died with Christ; now die daily to yourself. Deny your very self and pick up your cross each day. During this Holy Week, follow in His footsteps to Calvary (Lk 9:23).

Do not fear the second death (Rv 2:11). If you persevere to the end, it cannot harm you (Mt 24:13, Douay-Rheims). “After all, you have died!” (Col 3:3) Live your life in Jesus to the full (Jn 10:10). Be like Lazarus. Draw others to Jesus simply by being alive for Him.

Prayer: Father, make me fully alive in Your Son Jesus.

Promise: "The Lord is my Light and my Salvation; whom should I fear?" —Ps 27:1

Praise: Praise You, Jesus, the Chosen, Beloved One (Jn 1:34; Lk 3:22). "You are the Son of God" (Jn 1:49).

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

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 7, 2023"

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

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

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

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

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

Saturday, March 23, 2024

“OH SAY, CAN YOU SEE?” - One Bread, One Body, 03/24/2024

Sunday, March 24, 2024, Passion (Palm) Sunday

Mark 11:1-10 or John 12:12-16 (Entrance Processional)
Isaiah 50:4-7

Philippians 2:6-11
Psalm 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24
Mark 14:1—15:47

View Readings

"OH SAY, CAN YOU SEE?"
"All who see Me scoff at Me." —Psalm 22:8

Although the crowd’s acclamation of “Hosanna” (Mk 11:9) would soon change to furious shouts of “Crucify Him” (Mk 15:13), Jesus loved each person in the crowd. Jesus has eyes of love to see each person, both from the vantage point atop the donkey and that of hanging from the cross. Jesus knew that He could not be swayed by the temporary acclamation of human praise (Jn 2:25; Jn 5:41-42). He had His face set like flint to proceed to Calvary (Is 50:7), but His heart was not hard; it was full of love for the broken and wounded (Mt 9:36).

Jesus’ eyes have always been looking at us (Ps 33:13-15, 18), searching the world. The Lord Jesus looks for all who would worship Him in spirit and in truth (Jn 4:23-24). Yet for a time during His Passion, His eyes were blinded as His Precious Blood covered His face. Nevertheless, Jesus fixed His eyes on you as He died to save you.

Will you fix your eyes on Jesus? (Heb 3:1) Will you look upon the Crucified One? Holy Week is the time to look at Jesus, as He truly is, the Suffering Servant Who gave His body and blood for you. It’s not automatic that a disciple fixes his or her eyes on Jesus. Judas took his eyes off Jesus during Holy Week. Fix your eyes on Jesus.

Prayer: Father, today I make a covenant with my eyes (Jb 31:1) to gaze daily upon Jesus (Ps 27:4).

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

Praise: "You who fear the Lord, praise Him; all you descendants of Jacob, give glory to Him" (Ps 22:24).

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

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 7, 2023"

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

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

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

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

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

Friday, March 22, 2024

LET GOD BE GOD - One Bread, One Body, 03/23/2024

Saturday, March 23, 2024, St. Turibius of Mogrovejo

Ezekiel 37:21-28
Jeremiah 31:10-13
John 11:45-56

View Readings

LET GOD BE GOD
"If we let Him go on like this, the whole world will believe in Him." —John 11:48

Let’s not lag behind the Lord. The Israelites dragged their feet when the Lord told them to claim the Promised Land. Their lack of faith and courage resulted in their spending forty years wandering and dying in the desert instead of living the life of blessing and promise God had intended for them (Nm 14:32-34). Then, instead of waiting for God’s timing to be fulfilled, the Israelites became impatient with God. They disobeyed God, impetuously tried to seize the Promised Land, and were routed (Nm 14:39-45).

Let’s not jump ahead of the Lord. Abraham’s wife Sarah grew impatient of not having a promised child. So she jumped ahead of God’s plan and persuaded Abraham to father a son for her through her slave maidservant, Hagar (Gn 16:1-5ff). This impatience resulted in numerous fights between Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar, in addition to long-lasting discord and strife between the generations of peoples descended from Isaac and Ishmael (Gn 16:6-16; 21:9-21). Nearly fifteen years later (see Gn 17:25), God fulfilled His promise to provide Sarah a descendant in Isaac. Had Sarah been able to wait on the Lord instead of jumping ahead of Him, much suffering and injustice could have been avoided.

Let’s not rely on our understanding (Prv 3:5-6). Let’s be still and know that He is God (Ps 46:10, RSV-CE). Let’s be pliable instruments in God’s hands. As the Jewish leaders said in today’s Gospel, let Jesus go on like this (Jn 11:48), so that His will be done and all will believe in Him.

Prayer: Father, give me the grace to follow You perfectly and without hesitation. I trust completely in You.

Promise: "My dwelling shall be with them." —Ez 37:27

Praise: St. Turibius, an archbishop, went to Confession daily.

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

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 7, 2023"

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

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

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

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

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

Thursday, March 21, 2024

TAKING SIDES - One Bread, One Body, 03/22/2024

Friday, March 22, 2024,

Jeremiah 20:10-13
Psalm 18:2-7
John 10:31-42

View Readings

TAKING SIDES
"Then He went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier." —John 10:40

On one side of the Jordan, the people “again reached for rocks to stone Him” (Jn 10:31). They accused Jesus of blaspheming (Jn 10:33). “They again tried to arrest Him” (Jn 10:39).

On the other side of the Jordan, “many people came to” Jesus (Jn 10:41) and “came to believe in Him” (Jn 10:42).

Because God isn’t One to “take sides,” why did the people reject Jesus on one side of the Jordan and accept Him on the other? The answer is: that side where people believed in Jesus was the side where St. John the Baptizer had been baptizing (Jn 10:40). John’s baptism was “a baptism of repentance” (Lk 3:3). So where there was repentance, there was faith; but where there were only the great works of Jesus, there was no faith (see Jn 10:37-38, 41).

If you want to be on the right side of the Jordan, repent and confess your sins; then you will believe in Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). “Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mk 1:15, RSV-CE). “I tell you, there will likewise be more joy in heaven over one repentant sinner” (Lk 15:7). Repent or reject Jesus. Repent or crucify Jesus (Heb 6:6). Repent!

Prayer: Father, this Lent may I make one of the best Confessions of my life. May my Holy Week be truly holy.

Promise: "The Lord is with me, like a mighty Champion." —Jer 20:11

Praise: Jack returned to the Church, in a new relationship with Christ, just weeks before he died.

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

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 7, 2023"

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

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

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

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

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

TAKING SIDES - One Bread, One Body, 03/22/2024

On one side of the Jordan, the people “again reached for rocks to stone Him” (Jn 10:31). They accused Jesus of blaspheming (Jn 10:33). “They again tried to arrest Him” (Jn 10:39).

On the other side of the Jordan, “many people came to” Jesus (Jn 10:41) and “came to believe in Him” (Jn 10:42).

JESUS LOVES YOU TO DEATH - One Bread, One Body, 03/21/2024

Thursday, March 21, 2024,

Genesis 17:3-9
Psalm 105:4-9
John 8:51-59

View Readings

JESUS LOVES YOU TO DEATH
"They picked up rocks to throw at Jesus, but He hid Himself and slipped out of the temple precincts." —John 8:59

Jesus is God, “I AM” (Jn 8:58; Ex 3:14). Human beings have no power over Jesus, unless it is given them from above (Jn 19:11). On several occasions, people tried to kill Jesus, but He avoided death (see e.g. Lk 4:29-30; Jn 8:59; Jn 10:31, 39). Next week, the Church observes the Passion and death of Christ at the hands of men. Jesus could have called down twelve legions of angels to swiftly rescue Him from this gruesome death (see Mt 26:53), but He had freely chosen to lay down His life to save us (Jn 10:17-18).

When the moment arrived for Him to be arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus had the time and opportunity to slip away. A crowd with torches came to arrest him in the darkness of night. Jesus would have been able to see the flickering torches advance up the hill from the Kidron Valley (Jn 18:1-3). He had time to slip away over the top of the Mount of Olives and into the desert country. As the soldiers hiked up the hill to the garden, I picture Jesus thinking of me in danger of dying in my sins, and deciding to remain in that garden so that I could be saved instead of fleeing to save Himself. Can you picture Jesus thinking of you as the soldiers march up the hill to arrest Him? He loves each of us that much.

Jesus came that all might be saved (1 Tm 2:4). Do “not treat God’s gracious gift as pointless” (Gal 2:21). Accept Jesus as Lord, Savior, and God.

Prayer: Father, this Lent give me an ever stronger appreciation of how deeply Jesus loves me.

Promise: "I solemnly assure you, if a man is true to My word he shall never see death." —Jn 8:51

Praise: Jesse repented of denying Jesus by his silence.

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

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 7, 2023"

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

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

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

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

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

TRIPLE THREAT - One Bread, One Body, 03/20/2024

Wednesday, March 20, 2024,

Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95
Daniel 3:52-56
John 8:31-42

View Readings

TRIPLE THREAT
"Thereupon Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire." —Daniel 3:93

At the beginning of Lent, we heard about Jesus fasting for forty days and overcoming three temptations from the devil (Mt 4:2ff). Traditionally, temptations have been ascribed to three sources: the world, the flesh, and the devil (see 1 Jn 2:16; cf Eph 2:1-3). In the book of Daniel, God’s people were attacked three times. First, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace (Dn 3:20). Second, Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den where he faced being devoured (Dn 6:17). Third, Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den again where he faced not only the lions but starvation (Dn 14:31).

These three attacks on God’s people can be analogous to the flesh, the devil, and the world. We Christians live in a fiery furnace of lust, addiction, and rage. Yet by living in the Holy Spirit we can be untouched by the flames of the flesh (see Dn 3:94). Second, the devil is described as a “roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Pt 5:8). But we can close “the lions’ mouths” (Dn 6:23) in the name of Jesus. Third, we Christians live in the lions’ den of our culture of death. The world hates the Word of God (Jn 17:14) and wants to starve us to death spiritually and make us spiritually anorexic. But the Lord will feed us miraculously and make us hungry for His prophetic Word (see Dn 14:33ff).

Holy Trinity, give us three victories this Lent.

Prayer: Father, may this Lent lead to the total victory of Easter.

Promise: "If you live according to My teaching, you are truly My disciples; then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." —Jn 8:31-32

Praise: Jesus delivered Ed from an addiction to alcohol. He no longer has a desire to drink, and serves Jesus on the job and in ministry.

(For a related teaching on Spiritual Anorexia, listen to, download or order our CD 101-1 or DVD 101 on our website.)

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 7, 2023"

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

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

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

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

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

Monday, March 18, 2024

THE SORROWS OF JOSEPH - One Bread, One Body, 03/19/2024

Tuesday, March 19, 2024, St. Joseph

2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16
Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22
Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29
Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24
or Luke 2:41-51
View Readings

THE SORROWS OF JOSEPH
"Your father and I have been searching for You in sorrow." —Luke 2:48

When we see a picture of Jesus hanging on the cross, we realize in a small way His great sorrows and sufferings. He suffered more than any human being ever has or ever will suffer. We also are aware of the sorrows of Mary, the Sorrowful Mother. However, we hear less often, if at all, of the sorrows of St. Joseph.

That Jesus was born in a stable must have hurt Joseph deeply. He may have thought to himself: “Can’t a husband and father do better for his wife and Baby?” Joseph must have suffered sorrow when he heard Simeon prophesy that Mary, Joseph’s wife, would be pierced with a sword of sorrow (Lk 2:35). When you love someone, it can be harder to hear about their sufferings than to suffer yourself. Joseph also suffered when he had to get up and flee that night with his wife and his Child to Egypt (Mt 2:14). The family life of refugees is full of sorrow. How hard it must have been for the sorrowing Joseph (Lk 2:48) to realize when Jesus said He had to be in His Father’s house, He was not referring to Joseph’s house (Lk 2:49). Also, Joseph suffered the daily sorrows of being looked down upon because of his lowly occupation (see Jn 6:42; Mk 6:3).

Finally, after a life of sorrows, Joseph died a happy death. He went to his Father’s house, the house where Jesus lived. In the end, Jesus wiped every tear from Joseph’s eyes (Rv 7:17).

Prayer: Father, may I love as St. Joseph loved. May I love enough to suffer much.

Promise: "Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before Me; your throne shall stand firm forever." —2 Sm 7:16

Praise: "Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before Me; your throne shall stand firm forever." —2 Sm 7:16

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 7, 2023"

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

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

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

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

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

Sunday, March 17, 2024

JESUS MAKES IT RIGHT FOR ALL - One Bread, One Body, 03/18/2024

Monday, March 18, 2024, St. Cyril of Jerusalem

Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62
Psalm 23:1-6
John 8:1-11

View Readings

JESUS MAKES IT RIGHT FOR ALL
"Nor do I condemn you. You may go." —John 8:11

Today’s Gospel account focuses on the woman caught in adultery, and Jesus refusing to condemn her. What about this woman’s husband and children? Did anyone consider the impact upon their suddenly shattered lives? Did anyone care that they too were in pain? What about the parents of the adulteress and the grief and shame they now had to bear? How about the wife and children of the “missing partner”? The damage caused by sexual sin is widespread and lasting. It doesn’t get repaired just because the person who committed the sexual sin receives forgiveness.

For those who have been innocently victimized by the sexual sins of others, today’s Gospel can be difficult to read. You see Jesus compassionately protect the sexual sinner, and it can seem like He has forgotten to address your damages. Be assured that Jesus has an answer for you as well. He offers you justice. Jesus is your Justice (1 Cor 1:30). You are a victim; Jesus became a Victim on your behalf. You need healing. Jesus is your Healer (Hos 11:4). He alone can heal everyone impacted by sexual sin. Perhaps Jesus was even thinking of you and your hurting loved ones when He drew on the ground with His finger (Jn 8:6).

Maybe you haven’t been victimized by sexual sin, but you are still impacted by these sins. You are forced to live in a culture dominated by rampant impurity. Every day, this culture bombards you with its messages and tries to pressure you and your loved ones to sin. Sexual sin is not private; it degrades entire cultures. Jesus alone has the power to forgive sin, reverse it, and even transform it to the good (see Rm 8:28). Where sin abounds, His grace abounds all the more (Rm 5:20). Put your trust in Him.

Prayer: Jesus, increase our faith in Your ability to heal and love.

Promise: "The whole assembly cried aloud, blessing God Who saves those that hope in Him." —Dn 13:60

Praise: St. Cyril continued to proclaim the truth though forced into exile three times.

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

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 7, 2023"

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

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

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

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

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

Saturday, March 16, 2024

EASTER IS ONLY FOR THE DEAD - One Bread, One Body, 03/17/2024

Sunday, March 17, 2024, Fifth Sunday of Lent

Jeremiah 31:31-34
Hebrews 5:7-9
Psalm 51:3-4, 12-15
John 12:20-33
View Readings

EASTER IS ONLY FOR THE DEAD
"The man who loves his life loses it, while the man who hates his life in this world preserves it to life eternal." —John 12:25

There are two more weeks until Easter. We are on the threshold of one of the most significant moments of our lives. Do we expect to meet the risen Christ this Easter? The risen, glorified Jesus is about to come to us in a special way. However, to experience the resurrection, we must be willing to die. Only the dead can come to life.

“I solemnly assure you, unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat. But if it dies, it produces much fruit” (Jn 12:24). We must accept the deaths of repentance, sacrifice, obedience, suffering, and persecution, or we do not have the prerequisites for resurrection. “Continually we carry about in our bodies the dying of Jesus, so that in our bodies the life of Jesus may also be revealed. While we live we are constantly being delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be revealed in our mortal flesh” (2 Cor 4:10-11).

The old song says: “Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die.” We might paraphrase it: “Everybody wants the resurrection without the crucifixion, the glory without the cross, Easter without Lent.”

Prayer: Jesus, may the next two weeks be a real-life "way of the cross."

Promise: "I will place My law within them, and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall be My people." —Jer 31:33

Praise: Praise and honor to You, forgiving and merciful Lord Jesus Christ.

(For a related teaching on Seek First the Kingdom, view, download or order our leaflet on our website.)

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 7, 2023"

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

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

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

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

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

Friday, March 15, 2024

WHAT ARE WE TO DO WITH JESUS? - One Bread, One Body, 03/16/2024

Saturday, March 16, 2024,

Jeremiah 11:18-20
Psalm 7:2-3, 9-12
John 7:40-53

View Readings

WHAT ARE WE TO DO WITH JESUS?
"The crowd was sharply divided over Him." —John 7:43

What are we to do with Jesus? (see Jn 11:47) Some people say He is the Prophet and the Messiah (Jn 7:40, 41). Over a billion people say He is our Savior, the Lord, the Son of God, God Himself. For two thousand years, people have said: “No man ever spoke like that before” (Jn 7:46), and “He told me everything I have ever done” (see Jn 4:29, 39). What are we to do with Jesus? If we accept Him as Lord and God, we must deny our very selves (Lk 9:23) and no longer live for ourselves but for Him (2 Cor 5:15).

Jesus taught: “Blest is the man who finds no stumbling block in Me” (Mt 11:6). Jesus is “a Stone which the builders rejected that became a Cornerstone” (1 Pt 2:7). He is a Sign of contradiction for the rise and fall of many (Lk 2:34). We will either crucify Jesus and hold Him up to contempt (Heb 6:6) or we will be crucified with Him (Gal 2:19). If we choose Jesus and the cross, the lives we live will no longer be our own but Christ living in us (Gal 2:20). What are we to do with Jesus? What will He do with us?

Prayer: Jesus, my Lord, my God, my All! (see Jn 20:28)

Promise: "You, O Lord, showed me their doings." —Jer 11:18

Praise: Sister Monica gave a Bible Study booklet to a prisoner. He was so touched that he spent the next week studying the Scriptures and wouldn't even watch the TV.

(For a related teaching on Developing A Deep Personal Relationship with Jesus, listen to, download or order CD 52-1 or DVD 52 on our website.)

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 7, 2023"

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

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

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

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

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

Thursday, March 14, 2024

THE CERTAINTY OF PERSECUTION - One Bread, One Body, 03/15/2024

Friday, March 15, 2024,

Wisdom 2:1, 12-22
Psalm 34:17-21, 23
John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

View Readings

THE CERTAINTY OF PERSECUTION
"Let us condemn him to a shameful death; for according to his own words, God will take care of him." —Wisdom 2:20

If we want to live a godly life, we can expect to be persecuted (2 Tm 3:12). We don’t know the severity of this persecution, but we do know the certainty of it.

Although many non-Christians pride themselves on being tolerant, they will probably not tolerate Christians, for we are obnoxious to them (Wis 2:12). They think we are setting ourselves against their doings, reproaching them “for transgressions of the law,” charging them with violations of their training, and censuring their thoughts (Wis 2:12, 14). Merely to see us is a hardship for many non-Christians because our lives are different (Wis 2:14-15). There is an automatic tension between Christians and non-Christians. Eventually something has to give; something has to snap. Non-Christians either take up Jesus’ cross (Lk 9:23) or they crucify Jesus and hold Him up to contempt by attacking His disciples (see Heb 6:6).

May your life in Christ be so authentic that you are worthy of being persecuted.

Prayer: Father, in life may I lead many people to You. In death, may I lead many more people to You.

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

Praise: Jesus healed Michael of tumors in his throat.

(For a related teaching on The Remnant, listen to, download or order CD 79-3 or DVD 79 on our website.)

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

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

For many years, several youths gathered together monthly to pray the rosary in front of a local abortion chamber for an end to legalized abortion.

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

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

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

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

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

I DESIRE MERCY - One Bread, One Body, 03/14/2024

Thursday March 14, 2024,

Exodus 32:7-14
Psalm 106:19-23
John 5:31-47

View Readings

I DESIRE MERCY
"Then He spoke of exterminating them, but Moses, His chosen one, withstood Him in the breach to turn back His destructive wrath." —Psalm 106:23

The scene described in Psalm 106:23 above might leave the impression that God is angry, vengeful, and eager to punish. A more complete interpretation is that God is perfectly just. Sins, both personal and national, have harmful effects on innocent people and nations. Justice demands that these wrongs to humanity and civilization be righted. The justice of God also demands that reparation be made for the wrong He Himself has suffered from the sins of humanity. However, God delights in mercy (Mi 7:18) and is more eager to give mercy than we are to receive it. Not only that, but Jesus Himself intercedes for us and for nations (1 Jn 2:1-2). Sadly, many have prevented themselves and others from receiving God’s mercy (see Mt 23:13).

The Lord declares: “The people of the land practice extortion and commit robbery; they afflict the poor and the needy, and oppress the resident alien without justice. Thus I have searched among them for someone who could build a wall or stand in the breach before Me to keep Me from destroying the land; but I found no one” (Ez 22:29-30). This passage reveals a God Who wants His justice to be overruled by an appeal to His mercy. Yet who is willing to sacrifice their time to appeal for God’s mercy by standing in the breach to intercede on behalf of a sinful world?

The Lord desires mercy (Mt 9:13). Do we desire mercy enough to stand in the breach and intercede for it?

Prayer: Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Promise: "The Lord relented in the punishment He had threatened to inflict on His people." —Ex 32:14

Praise: For many years, several youths gathered together monthly to pray the rosary in front of a local abortion chamber for an end to legalized abortion.

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

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1, 2023, through January 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio March 17, 2023"

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

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

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

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

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

THE GREATEST ACT OF FAITH - One Bread, One Body, 03/13/2024

Wednesday, March 13, 2024,

Isaiah 49:8-15
Psalm 145:8-9, 13-14, 17-18
John 5:17-30

View Readings

THE GREATEST ACT OF FAITH
Jesus "was speaking of God as His own Father, thereby making Himself God's equal." —John 5:18

When we renew our baptismal promises at Easter, we will state that Jesus is God, the Lord, the uniquely begotten, eternally begotten Son of God (see Mk 14:61-62).

If Jesus is God and if God the Father is God, does that mean that there is more than one God? If not, are Jesus and the Father part of God but not God individually? But if each one is God, doesn’t that make two gods? How can three Persons be one God? Isn’t the Trinity a denial of monotheism? It is not easy to answer these questions. They can seem illogical, but they are trans-logical. They are not contradictory; they are mystery.

Jesus began to reveal His divinity and the Trinity when He said:

“The Son cannot do anything by Himself — He can do only what He sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise” (Jn 5:19).
“Everything the Father does He shows Him” (Jn 5:20).
“Just as the Father raises the dead and grants life, the Son grants life to those to whom He wishes” (Jn 5:21).
“The Father Himself judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son, so that all men may honor the Son just as they honor the Father” (Jn 5:22-23).
“Just as the Father possesses life in Himself, so has He granted it to the Son to have life in Himself” (Jn 5:26).

Only by grace can we renew our baptismal promises by believing in Jesus’ divinity and the Trinity. Accept this great grace.

Prayer: Father, give me "great faith" (see Mt 15:28).

Promise: "I will never forget you." —Is 49:15

Praise: Jesus set Diego free from a compulsion to use pornography.

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 7, 2023"

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

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

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

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

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

Monday, March 11, 2024

“LET THE RIVER FLOW” - One Bread, One Body, 03/12/2024

Tuesday, March 12, 2024,

Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12
Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9
John 5:1-16

View Readings

"LET THE RIVER FLOW"
"I saw water flowing out from beneath the threshold of the temple." —Ezekiel 47:1

The source of a river is often a small trickle of water. Typically, rivers get deeper through ground water and tributaries which increase the river’s depth. That is not the case in Ezekiel’s river. Miraculously, its only source is the trickle from the Temple (Ez 47:1). Another miracle is that this river’s flow makes the salt water fresh (see Ez 47:8-9). Ezekiel is referring to the Dead Sea, the saltiest lake on earth, saltier than even the ocean. There is no life in the Dead Sea. Yet the trickle from this holy water even brings life to the Dead Sea! (see Ez 47:10)

Ezekiel’s holy river is a prophecy of the Holy Catholic Church. Jesus is Head of the Church (Col 1:18). The Church is watered by the flow of water from the side of the pierced Christ (Jn 19:34). Jesus brings life where there is no life. We look at the limitations and weaknesses of the members of the Church when we instead need to be looking at Jesus. We see a limited Church, with only a trickle of visible grace. But the life of God starts small, with only a mustard seed, only a crumb of yeast (Mt 13:31-33).

We can never limit God’s grace. We see sin abound and only a trickle of grace, rather than seeing grace abounding more than sin (see Rm 5:20). Jesus commands us: “Open your eyes and see! The fields are shining for harvest!” (Jn 4:35)

Believe that the Lord is working powerfully through His Church. Drink from the trickle of water. It will become a river of life, leaping up within you (Jn 4:14; 7:37-38).

Prayer: Father, may I love the Church as Jesus does.

Promise: "The man was immediately cured." —Jn 5:9

Praise: Rick teaches his students reverence for God's Word merely by the way he physically handles the Bible.

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

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 7, 2023"

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

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

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

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

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

Sunday, March 10, 2024

PRAYER AND TRAFFIC SIGNS - One Bread, One Body, 03/11/2024

Monday, March 11, 2024,

Isaiah 65:17-21
Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13
John 4:43-54

View Readings

PRAYER AND TRAFFIC SIGNS
"It was at that very hour, the father realized, that Jesus had told him, 'Your son is going to live.' " —John 4:53

Prayer, of course, is not informing or persuading God. He is all-knowing and all-loving. Prayer is God informing and persuading us. Prayer is not an attempt to get our will done. Rather, we pray so we can know and do God’s will. In our prayer, God persuades us in His love to change our ways rather than do our own thing.

Therefore, we don’t need to keep asking God for something unless this helps us know and surrender to His will. Repetition in petitioning God is for our benefit, not for God’s. When we let God get through to us, our prayer is answered. Then we should stop asking and start thanking. We’re not waiting for God to answer our prayer, but He is waiting for us to let Him answer our prayer. The moment our prayer is answered is not when we see it answered but when we yield to God’s will. For example, the prayer of the royal official in today’s Gospel reading was answered at 1 PM (Jn 4:52). He found out about it the next day.

Those who have surrendered their lives to God don’t repeat their petitions much. They mostly thank God for constantly and quickly answering their prayers. Ask God simply; yield totally; thank greatly.

Prayer: Father, in prayer may I understand that, after I obey the "Yield" sign, the next sign is "Thank."

Promise: "Lo, I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the things of the past shall not be remembered or come to mind." —Is 65:17

Praise: Louise's marriage was a shambles. She made a full Confession for the first time in a decade, and the Lord reconciled her and her husband.

(For a related teaching on I Believe in Miracles, listen to, download or order our CD 63-3 or DVD 63 on our website.)

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 7, 2023"

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

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

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

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

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

GOD IS RICH - One Bread, One Body, 03/10/2024

Sunday, March 10, 2024, Fourth Sunday of Lent

2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23
Ephesians 2:4-10
Psalm 137:1-6
John 3:14-21
View Readings

GOD IS RICH
"God is rich in mercy; because of His great love for us He brought us to life with Christ when we were dead in sin. By this favor you were saved." —Ephesians 2:4-5

Today is traditionally called “Laetare Sunday.” “Laetare” means “rejoice,” for Lent is half over and Easter is only three weeks away. We rejoice not because we don’t have to fast for much longer but because God has already done marvelous works this Lent, and this is only the beginning.

What are you expecting for Holy Week and the Easter season? Do you expect a fifty-day Sunday for the Easter season? No matter how high your hopes, the Lord will do more than you could ever ask or imagine (Eph 3:20). “Is it possible that He Who did not spare His own Son but handed Him over for the sake of us all will not grant us all things besides?” (Rm 8:32)

After God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son (Jn 3:16), we can only underestimate the love, grace, and glory God has in store for us (1 Cor 2:9). He “gave us a place in the heavens, that in the ages to come He might display the great wealth of His favor” (Eph 2:6-7). We are so small and closed in on ourselves. God is so great and lavish in His love. How can the ocean of God’s love be poured into the thimble of our selfishness? “Open wide your hearts!” (2 Cor 6:13)

Prayer: Father, I'm sorry I've been too self-centered to receive Your love. I repent. Do anything You want to open wide my heart.

Promise: "Whoever, therefore, among you belongs to any part of His people, let him go up, and may his God be with him!" —2 Chr 36:23

Praise: "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His kindness endures forever" (Ps 106:1).

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 7, 2023"

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

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

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

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

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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

Our Main Sponsor