LORD OF OUR DARKNESS - One Bread, One Body, 01/15/2025

Wednesday, January 15, 2025,

Hebrews 2:14-18
Psalm 105:1-4, 6-9
Mark 1:29-39

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LORD OF OUR DARKNESS
"As evening drew on, they brought Him all who were ill, and those possessed by demons." —Mark 1:32

In today’s Gospel, Jesus heals in the evening, in the midst of the darkness (Mk 1:32-34). Jesus entered the darkness to drive the demons out of the darkness. “A people living in darkness has seen a great light. On those who inhabit a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen” (Mt 4:16).

In today’s first reading, Jesus enters the darkness of our fallen human state (Heb 2:14ff). He became one of us. The Almighty God, Whom the universe could not contain (1 Kgs 8:27), became “like His brothers in every way, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest before God on their behalf, to expiate the sins of the people. Since He was Himself tested through what He suffered, He is able to help those who are tempted” (Heb 2:17-18).

Jesus took on our human condition. He bears our afflictions and infirmities (Mt 8:17; Is 53:4). He takes the initiative to come to us not in our strength and beauty, but in our weakness and darkness. Have you ever felt unworthy of God’s love? You are not unworthy to Jesus. He came to seek and save the lost (Lk 19:10). He is the Lamb of God, gentle, innocent, and pure, yet He comes to take away the sins of the world, including yours (Jn 1:29).

Jesus stands and knocks at the door of your darkness (Rv 3:20). “Open wide your hearts!” (2 Cor 6:13) Let the Lord enter.

Prayer: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, nothing can separate me from Your love, not even the darkness (Rm 8:35-39). Come into my heart right now.

Promise: "Jesus likewise had a full share in [our humanity], that by His death He might rob the devil, the prince of death, of his power." —Heb 2:14

Praise: After two leaders of a prayer group reconciled with each other, God blessed them with a new fruitfulness by sending new members.

(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 December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 2024"

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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ORDERED TIME - One Bread, One Body, 01/14/2025

Tuesday, January 14, 2025,

Hebrews 2:5-12
Psalm 8:2, 5-9
Mark 1:21-28

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ORDERED TIME
"Have You come to destroy?" —Mark 1:24

The Church has now entered the season of Ordinary Time. A more precise meaning would be “Ordered Time,” for this season of the Church Year is marked by godly order as opposed to ordinary, mundane activity. Today’s Gospel shows the impact of God’s order coming into a situation. A man in the synagogue is possessed by a demon (Mk 1:23). His life is disordered rather than ordered under the freedom of the children of God. Jesus casts out the demon and sets this man free. This is no “ordinary” worship service! This man’s life is now under the order of God instead of the possession of Satan.

The demons ask Jesus: “Have You come to destroy us?” (Mk 1:24) The answer is a resounding “Yes!” “It was to destroy the devil’s works that the Son of God revealed Himself” (1 Jn 3:8). Jesus came to destroy the godless secular culture, sin, death, fear, injustice, hatred, the kingdom of darkness, and all that opposes the reign of God in this world. Jesus destroys so that the foundation site can be cleared to build what will last. Jesus is a Carpenter (see Mt 13:55), and He knows that a house cannot be built on a disordered foundation (see Mt 7:24-27).

In this season of Ordinary Time, cooperate with Jesus as He destroys and builds. Clear out of your life whatever is opposed to God’s order. Allow Jesus to destroy whatever He wishes. Be still, and know that He is God (see Ps 46:10, RSV-CE).

Prayer: Father, thank You for loving me so much that You send a "Master-Builder" (1 Cor 3:10) to remodel my life. Do in me whatever You must in order to do through me whatever You will.

Promise: "A completely new teaching in a spirit of authority! He gives orders to unclean spirits and they obey!" —Mk 1:27

Praise: Marcia stayed away from Mass for years. Her cousin sent her a video about Mary, the mother of Jesus. Marcia watched it and was so touched that she gave her life to Jesus and returned to the Church.

(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 December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 2024"

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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NET-WORK - One Bread, One Body, 01/13/2025

Monday, January 13, 2025, St. Hilary

Hebrews 1:1-6
Psalm 97:1-2, 6-7, 9
Mark 1:14-20

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NET-WORK
Jesus "observed Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea." —Mark 1:16

Jesus called the fishermen, Sts. Peter and Andrew, after observing them casting their nets into the sea. When Jesus called them, “they immediately abandoned their nets and became His followers” (Mk 1:18). He called the next two apostles, Sts. James and John, while they were putting their nets in order (Mk 1:19). Nets are mentioned three times in Mark’s account of Jesus calling the first four apostles. What is the significance of the nets?

From the fish’s point of view, nets are traps which take away the fish’s freedom and lead to their death. When we follow Jesus, we must abandon our nets. We must repent of sinful patterns in our lives which have trapped us and brought about our spiritual death. Through repentance, we can be free to follow Jesus.

From the fisherman’s point of view, nets are essential to his work. Therefore, these nets need to be in order, and the fisherman must cast them into the sea skillfully and frequently. The nets are our evangelistic outreach. To follow Jesus means to be fishers of men and women (Mk 1:17). To follow Jesus without frequently evangelizing is a contradiction.

All Christians must evangelize. Leave the nets of sin and cast the nets of faith.

Prayer: Jesus, may I not let a day go by without sharing Your love with someone.

Promise: "In times past, God spoke in fragmentary and varied ways to our fathers through the prophets; in this, the final age, He has spoken to us through His Son." —Heb 1:1-2

Praise: St. Hilary composed some of the greatest writings on the theology of the Trinity.

(For a related teaching on Evangelization, listen to, download or order our AV 55-1, AV 55-3 or V-55 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 December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 2024"

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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SPIRIT-FILLED AND SPIRIT-WILLED - One Bread, One Body, 01/12/2025

Sunday, January 12, 2025, Baptism of the Lord

Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7
Psalm 104:1-4, 24-25, 27-30
Luke 3:15-16, 21-22
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SPIRIT-FILLED AND SPIRIT-WILLED
"The Holy Spirit descended on Him in visible form like a dove." —Luke 3:22

On this last day of the Christmas season, we can receive in a new way the outpouring of the Spirit. Like Jesus, we must go to our Jordan and meet our St. John the Baptizer. There’s a person and a place that the Lord has chosen to be instrumental in lavishing His Spirit on us (Ti 3:6). Like Jesus, we will have to deny and humble ourselves to be at the right place at the right time (Mt 3:15). We will struggle within to “let it be done” to us (Lk 1:38).

Let’s resist our resistance to the Holy Spirit. The Lord wants to give the Spirit to us much more than we want to receive Him. If we would only want the Spirit more than we want our own way! Jesus, the Baptizer in the Spirit (Mk 1:8), is so quiet and gentle, “not crying out, not shouting, not making His voice heard in the street” (Is 42:2). It’s so easy to brush Him off, stifle the Christmas Spirit, and miss the opportunity of a lifetime. Yet, if we want to, we can hear Jesus breathing on us the words: “Receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn 20:22). The Spirit descends quietly as a dove (Mt 3:16), noticeable only to those who want to notice.

“My point is that you should live in accord with the Spirit and you will not yield to the cravings of the flesh” (Gal 5:16).

Prayer: Father, today immerse me in the Spirit.

Promise: "He saved us through the baptism of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit." —Ti 3:5

Praise: "The voice of the Lord is mighty; the voice of the Lord is majestic" (Ps 29:4). "In His temple all say, 'Glory!' " (Ps 29:9)

(For a related teaching on Don't Stifle the Spirit, listen to, download or order our AV 56-3 or V-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 December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 2024"

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 LAST SHALL BE FIRST - One Bread, One Body, 01/11/2025

Saturday, January 11, 2025,

1 John 5:14-21
Psalm 149:1-6, 9
John 3:22-30

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THE LAST SHALL BE FIRST
"Anyone who sees his brother sinning, if the sin is not deadly, he should petition God, and thus life will be given to the sinner." —1 John 5:16

Many have not had Christmas because they have not repented of sin in their lives. We should petition the Lord for sinners and life will be given to them. Through the Lord’s forgiveness, they will be given Christmas just before the season ends. The devil thought he had robbed them of Christmas. Yet, by prayer, we repossess from the robber and give many people another opportunity for Christmas.

On this second last day of the Christmas season, go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and invite others to join you. For so many, Confession is the key to Christmas. Many people are spiritually still in Advent. They need to obey St. John the Baptizer’s call to repentance (Lk 3:3). We are called to be ministers of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18), to encourage others to get the specks out of their eyes, after we have removed the planks from ours (Mt 7:5). The Lord is entrusting “the message of reconciliation to us. This makes us ambassadors for Christ, God as it were appealing through us. We implore you, in Christ’s name, be reconciled to God!” (2 Cor 5:19-20)

Tomorrow, on the last day of the Christmas season, let’s help others have their first day of Christmas by going down together into the waters of the Jordan and repenting of our sins.

Prayer: Father, give us a full Christmas even if we start Christmas on the last day of the season (see Mt 20:14).

Promise: "He must increase, while I must decrease." —Jn 3:30

Praise: After coming to Bible study for three years, Louise came to believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

(For a related teaching on Reconciliation, listen to, download or order our AV 1A-1 or V-1A 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 December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 2024"

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

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

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THE BEST FOR LAST - One Bread, One Body, 01/10/2025

Friday, January 10, 2025,

1 John 5:5-13
Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20
Luke 5:12-16

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THE BEST FOR LAST
"There are three that testify, the Spirit and the water and the blood." —1 John 5:7-8

To be baptized in the Holy Spirit means to be immersed in the Holy Spirit and therefore in the Father and the Son (see Mt 28:19). This means we are no longer immersed in our own concerns, feelings, and thoughts but have died to ourselves (see Lk 9:23). To be baptized in the Spirit is to be crucified with Christ (Gal 2:19-20) and to “live no longer” for ourselves but for Him (2 Cor 5:15). Knowing this, will you still pray: “Come, Holy Spirit”?

The Holy Spirit testifies, that is, gives witness for Jesus (1 Jn 5:6; Jn 15:26). The word for “witness” in Greek is “martyr.” This shows that witnesses for Jesus are often persecuted or even killed, as was Jesus. If you pray for the Holy Spirit, you are volunteering to be a witness for Jesus. You are getting yourself in trouble, putting yourself in danger, and risking your life. Nevertheless, will you pray: “Come, Holy Spirit”?

Will you have the true Christmas Spirit, the Holy Spirit? You will have the Spirit only as much as you die to self and accept the cross. In this new year, pray, “Come, Holy Spirit!”

Prayer: Father, give me the Christmas Spirit no matter what. May I want the Spirit more than I want pleasure, comfort, and acceptance from others.

Promise: "Whoever possesses the Son possesses life; whoever does not possess the Son of God does not possess life. I have written this to you to make you realize that you possess eternal life — you who believe in the name of the Son of God." —1 Jn 5:12-13

Praise: Instead of filing a complaint against a co-worker who harassed her for years, Edie asked God for an increase of the Holy Spirit to be able to love this individual. She was able to eventually reconcile peacefully with her persecutor.



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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 December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 2024"

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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PERPETUAL JUBILARIANS - One Bread, One Body, 01/09/2025

Thursday, January 9, 2025,

1 John 4:19—5:4
Psalm 72:1-2, 14-15, 17
Luke 4:14-22

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PERPETUAL JUBILARIANS
"Announce a year of favor from the Lord." —Luke 4:19

Twenty-four years ago Pope St. John Paul II closed the holy door and concluded the Great Jubilee. This did not mean that we are no longer jubilarians. Rather, it means that the greatest of all jubilees was over, and we should accept the grace for our lives to be perpetual jubilees. Jesus promised us this grace when He began His public ministry. The Spirit of the Lord was upon Him “to proclaim liberty to captives” and “to announce a year of favor from the Lord” (Lk 4:18, 19). Baptized into Christ, we are perpetual jubilarians.

Each Christmas we sing: “Angels we have heard on high” and ask the question: “Shepherds why this jubilee?” As we continue the jubilation of the Christmas season, let us rejoice in a new Pentecost in which the Holy Spirit frees us and renews the face of the earth (Ps 104:30). “With joy” let us “draw water at the fountain of salvation” (Is 12:3). Let us join Mary, magnifying the greatness of the Lord and rejoicing in God our Savior (Lk 1:46-47). May the jubilation of Christmas launch us into a jubilee year of freedom, justice, salvation, reconciliation, and restoration. Be a perpetual jubilarian in Christ.

Prayer: Father, by Your love, fill me with jubilation forever.

Promise: "We, for our part, love because He first loved us." —1 Jn 4:19

Praise: Gloria forgave the drunk driver that crashed into her car.

(As you make plans for the New Year, include time for spiritual growth. Attend one or more retreats at our Discipleship Center in Adams Co. Ohio. See our website 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 December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 2024"

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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CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN OF LOVE - One Bread, One Body, 01/08/2025

Wednesday, January 8, 2025,

1 John 4:11-18
Psalm 72:1-2, 10, 12-13
Mark 6:45-52

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CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN OF LOVE
"If we love one another God dwells in us, and His love is brought to perfection in us." —1 John 4:12

The Lord has a wonderful plan for our lives (see Jer 29:11). He plans for us not only to be loved or give love but even to abide in love and thereby abide in God (1 Jn 4:16). God, Who is Love, orchestrates the events of our lives to help us climb the mountain of unconditional love. When we sin, we fall down the mountain. When we obey, forgive, or repent, we climb up the mountain. Step by step, love by love, we can reach the heights of Christ’s love (see Eph 3:18). Eventually, we can reach the mountaintop of love, that is, heaven, where the love is unconditional, perfect, and everlasting in the presence of God, Who is infinite Love.

This Christmas season, take several big steps up the mountain of love. Love your spouse more than you have ever loved him or her. Forgive and love your enemies. Love strangers enough to tell them the Good News of God’s crucified love. Love as never before. This is the meaning of Christmas and of life.

Prayer: Father, may I break new ground in love and climb higher than I've ever been before.

Promise: "Our love is brought to perfection in this, that we should have confidence on the day of judgment; for our relation to this world is just like His." —1 Jn 4:17 Praise: Jesus healed Brett of terminal cancer.

Praise: Jesus healed Brett of terminal cancer.

(To learn more about the Bible and help you climb the mountain of love, consider listening to our teaching series on the New Testament. To begin, listen to, download or order AV 700, AV 701, AV 702 and AV 703 on the Gospel of Matthew 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 December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 2024"

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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“GOD IS LOVE” - One Bread, One Body, 01/07/2025

Tuesday, January 7, 2025, St. Raymond of Peñafort

1 John 4:7-10
Psalm 72:1-4, 7-8
Mark 6:34-44

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"GOD IS LOVE"
"Love, then, consists in this: not that we have loved God, but that He has loved us and has sent His Son as an offering for our sins." —1 John 4:10

God loved the world so much (see Jn 3:16) that He:

• created us,
• became a man,
• died on the cross for us,
• rose from the dead for us,
• offers us a share in His divine nature through Baptism (2 Pt 1:4),
• forgives all our sins,
• makes it possible for us to be His sons and daughters,
• invites us to be members of His mystical body, the Church,
• wants us to live in Him and Him in us (see Jn 6:56; 17:23),
• gives us His Body and Blood in Holy Communion,
• wants to make us a “royal priesthood, a holy nation” (1 Pt 2:9), and
• will return to take us to the perfect love and happiness of heaven.

God is indeed Love (1 Jn 4:8, 16), and there is no greater love than His perfect, infinite, unconditional, eternal love. We “love because He first loved us” (1 Jn 4:19). Therefore, let us live in His love (Jn 15:9-10) and love one another (1 Jn 4:7), especially our enemies. Let us love even to the point of laying down our lives for our brothers and sisters in Christ (1 Jn 3:16). Remain in Love and remain in God (1 Jn 4:16).

Prayer: Father, on this day of the Christmas season, give me love "from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith" (1 Tm 1:5).

Promise: "God's love was revealed in our midst in this way: He sent His only Son to the world that we might have life through Him." —1 Jn 4:9

Praise: St. Raymond was the successor of St. Dominic to head the world-wide Dominicans.



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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 December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 2024"

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

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

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THE GREATEST DAY OF CHRISTMAS? - One Bread, One Body, 01/06/2025

Monday, January 6, 2025, St. André Bessette

1 John 3:22—4:6
Psalm 2:7-8, 10-12
Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

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THE GREATEST DAY OF CHRISTMAS?
"A people living in darkness has seen a great light." —Matthew 4:16

Throughout much of the world, the highlight of the Christmas season is the feast of the Epiphany. The purpose of each person’s life is to follow the star, find Jesus, give Him the gift of our life, worship Him, and manifest the light of Christ to the ends of the earth (see Mt 2:10ff). Then the prophecy will be fulfilled: “A people living in darkness has seen a great light. On those who inhabit a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen” (Mt 4:16).

Therefore, let us follow:

• the star of repentance, for “the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mt 4:17),
• the star of prayer and “receive at His hands whatever we ask” (1 Jn 3:22), and
• the star of service. “Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice before Him; with trembling pay homage to Him, lest He be angry and you perish from the way, when His anger blazes suddenly. Happy are all who take refuge in Him!” (Ps 2:11)

In effect, let us follow the star of obedience. Only by strict and careful obedience will we find Jesus. Those who obey Him will find Him and remain in Him, and He will remain in them (1 Jn 3:24).

In these last six days of Christmas, may we be wise enough to give ourselves totally to Christ, let Him break new ground in our lives, and take us where we’ve never been before. Let us plunge ever more deeply into the infinite love of the triune God. Let us be consumed by the fire of His love (see Heb 12:29).

Prayer: Father, give me Your kind of Christmas.

Promise: "This is how we know that He remains in us: from the Spirit that He gave us." —1 Jn 3:24

Praise: St. André Bessette was a humble gatekeeper whose prayers for the sick brought about many cures.



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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 December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 2024"

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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WISDOM DOES NOT CONTRADICT ITSELF - One Bread, One Body, 01/05/2025

Sunday, January 5, 2025, Epiphany

Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13
Matthew 2:1-12
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WISDOM DOES NOT CONTRADICT ITSELF
"They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house, found the Child with Mary His mother." —Matthew 2:10-11

The wise men found the infant Jesus in a house some days after Jesus had been born in a stable. Their coming may have occurred around the time of Jesus’ Presentation in the Temple, forty days after His birth when Simeon prophesied that Jesus was both “a Light for revelation” and “a Sign that will be contradicted” (Lk 2:32, 34, RNAB). Possibly the wise men were wise because they did not contradict Jesus, the Sign that will be contradicted.

Because they believed the star of Bethlehem was announcing the birth of the King of the Jews, the wise men followed the star, prostrated themselves before Jesus, and “presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Mt 2:11). The actions of the wise men did not contradict Jesus. However, Herod, after having said he would offer Jesus homage (Mt 2:8), contradicted himself and tried to murder Jesus (Mt 2:16).

We too contradict Jesus and ourselves when we say:

• we believe in God, but we don’t tell others about Him,
• we receive the Body and Blood of Jesus in Holy Communion, but we don’t allow Holy Communion to transform us,
• the Bible is the Word of God, but we don’t read it daily, and
• prayer is communicating with God, but we don’t set aside a daily prayer time.

There may be other contradictions in our lives. Yet the wise men and women are not contradictory; they are prostrate in worship of Jesus.

Prayer: Father, make me consistent, faithful, and wise.

Promise: "Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you...Nations shall walk by your light." —Is 60:1, 3

Praise: "He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit; seen by the angels; preached among the Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up into glory" (1 Tm 3:16).



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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 December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 2024"

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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STAYING POWER - One Bread, One Body, 01/04/2025

Saturday, January 4, 2025, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

1 John 3:7-10
Psalm 98:1, 7-9
John 1:35-42

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STAYING POWER
"Where do You stay?" —John 1:38

Two disciples of St. John the Baptizer were following Jesus, but at a distance. This is often the way Christians follow Jesus. We try to do God’s will for the most part, but intentionally keep Jesus more than “arm’s length” away. We don’t let Him get close to us. However, Jesus will turn around and challenge us by asking: “What are you looking for?” (Jn 1:38) If we truthfully answer Jesus’ question, we may have to say that we’re looking for blessings, security, or peace of mind, although we should say we’re looking for a deep, personal relationship with Him.

John’s two disciples may have surprised themselves when they asked Jesus, “ ‘Rabbi (which means Teacher), where do You stay?’ ‘Come and see,’ He answered. So they went to see where He was lodged, and stayed with Him that day” (Jn 1:38-39). Jesus wants His disciples to stay with Him, to have a relationship with Him that is deeply personal and totally consuming. He wants us to stay with Him when we leave church, go to work, talk with non-Christians, eat, stare at our handheld electronic device, watch TV, play, and go to bed. If we don’t accept Jesus as Lord of all, He’s not Lord at all. If we don’t stay with Him, we haven’t truly followed Him.

Prayer: Father, beginning this Christmas season, may I stay with Jesus at the times when I previously left Him.

Promise: "It was to destroy the devil's works that the Son of God revealed Himself." —1 Jn 3:8

Praise: As she raised her five children, Mother Seton also founded the Sisters of Charity, a parish, a school, and an orphanage.

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 2024"

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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RECOGNIZING THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT - One Bread, One Body, 01/03/2025

Friday, January 3, 2025, Most Holy Name of Jesus

1 John 2:29—3:6
Psalm 98:1, 3-6
John 1:29-34

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RECOGNIZING THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
"The reason the world does not recognize us is that it never recognized the Son." —1 John 3:1, NAB

If we don’t recognize Christ, we don’t recognize Christians, Christmas, and other dimensions of Christianity. If we don’t recognize Christ, we don’t recognize the only Way to God the Father and Truth Himself (Jn 14:6). Thus we would deprive ourselves of Life (Jn 14:6).

Yet, we have difficulty recognizing Christ. Even St. John the Baptizer, whose mission was to prepare the way for Christ’s coming, did not recognize Christ for some time (Jn 1:31, 33). How then can we recognize Christ, Christians, Christmas, and Christianity, and thereby know God our Father, live in the Truth, and have the abundant life? (see Jn 10:10) John recognized Christ when he “saw the Spirit descend like a dove from the sky” and rest on Jesus (Jn 1:32). We too will recognize Christ by the working of the Holy Spirit. Thus, Christmas and life itself depend on our docility to the only true Christmas Spirit, the Holy Spirit.

As we draw closer to the last day of the Christmas season, when we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus in the Holy Spirit, let us repent of any resistance to God’s will and cry out: “Come, Holy Spirit!”

Prayer: Father, give me the true Christmas Spirit forever.

Promise: "Beloved, we are God's children now; what we shall later be has not yet come to light. We know that when it comes to light we shall be like Him." —1 Jn 3:2

Praise: "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)

(For a related teaching on Holy Spirit, Our Hope, listen to, download or order our AV 81-3 or V-81 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 December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 2024"

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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“TEACH ME” (Ps 25:4) - One Bread, One Body, 01/02/2025

Thursday, January 2, 2025, St. Basil the Great
St. Gregory Nazianzen

1 John 2:22-28
Psalm 98:1-4
John 1:19-28

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"TEACH ME" (Ps 25:4)
"This means you have no need for anyone to teach you." —1 John 2:27

The above verse, 1 John 2:27, refers to Jeremiah 31:34, which reads, “No longer will they have need to teach their friends and kinsmen how to know the Lord. All, from least to greatest, shall know Me, says the Lord.” Isaiah prophesied “that the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the Lord, as water covers the sea” (Is 11:9). Hosea prophesied that God desires knowledge of Himself more than sacrificial offerings (Hos 6:6).

Although God makes Himself known to us directly, we still need to be taught. Why then would St. John say that we have no need for anyone to teach us? (1 Jn 2:27) Perhaps it’s because John is speaking about the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit guides us to all truth (Jn 16:13) and reminds us of all Jesus taught us (Jn 14:26).

The anointing of the Spirit which “teaches [us] about all things” (1 Jn 2:27) also convicts us of sin (Jn 16:8). “He who loves correction loves knowledge” (Prv 12:1). But most of us don’t want to be corrected. Thus we struggle with docility to the Spirit’s desire to teach us everything. We need help; we need godly teachers. If we all received the Spirit deeply and lived day by day in the Spirit (Gal 5:25), we would know the Lord and follow the Spirit’s guidance. “Receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn 20:22).

Prayer: Father, "teach me Your paths" (Ps 25:4).

Promise: "He Himself made us a promise and the promise is no less than this: eternal life." —1 Jn 2:25

Praise: St. Gregory wrote of St. Basil: "We seemed to be two bodies with a single spirit. Our single object and ambition was virtue and a life of hope in the blessings that are to come."

(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 December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 2024"

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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“SILENT NIGHT” - One Bread, One Body, 01/01/2025

Wednesday, January 1, 2025, Mary, Mother of God

Numbers 6:22-27
Galatians 4:4-7
Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8
Luke 2:16-21
View Readings

"SILENT NIGHT"
"Mary treasured all these things and reflected on them in her heart." —Luke 2:19

The world begins the year with noisemakers, fireworks, and cacophony. The Church begins the year at the manger with Mary, treasuring “all these things” and “reflecting on them in her heart.” The world begins the year with a noisy night; we Christians begin with “silent night.”

That which begins with a bang often ends in “dead silence.” That which begins in “live silence” often ends in a bang, which changes the world. The Lord commands us, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps 46:10, RSV-CE). He assures us, “By waiting and by calm you shall be saved, in quiet and in trust your strength lies” (Is 30:15). The “better part” is to sit at the Lord’s feet and listen to His words (see Lk 10:39, 42).

As we begin this new year, let us be “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (Jas 1:19). In silence, there is revelation, joy, and peace. “It is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord” (Lam 3:26). “Silence, all mankind, in the presence of the Lord! For He stirs forth from His holy dwelling” (Zec 2:17).

Prayer: Father, on this day of prayer for peace, make us peacemakers (Mt 5:9), even if we have to suffer for peace (see Col 1:20).

Promise: "The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!" —Nm 6:24-26

Praise: Praise Jesus, eternal Son of God and incarnate Son of Mary!

(Do you know about our Bible Telephone Line? Call 513-823-3111 for a brief inspiring message each day based on the Scripture readings for the day.)

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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 December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 2024"

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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