Live the best Single Mingle Christian Sharing Lifestyle [even if you are married ;) ]: July 2025

Thursday, July 31, 2025

ON GOD’S CLOCK - One Bread, One Body, 08/01/2025

Friday, August 1, 2025, St. Alphonsus Liguori

Leviticus 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34-37
Psalm 81:3-6, 10-11
Matthew 13:54-58

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ON GOD'S CLOCK
"...celebrate at their proper time…" —Leviticus 23:4

The Lord has ordered each week so that Sunday, the first day of the week, is a day of rest and worship (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1193, 2177). Additionally, the Lord has ordered each year with liturgical seasons: Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. There are Holy Days of Obligation, such as All Saints Day and the Feast of the Assumption (Catechism, 2180). There are numerous other feast days as well, such as the Sacred Heart and the Transfiguration, as well as memorials of the saints.

This was one of the major issues God addressed when the book of Leviticus was written. God has a specific order for times and seasons in His Kingdom. Everything revolves around worship. Is your life ordered by God’s schedule for worship? Or is the worship of God just another thing to be jammed into (or squeezed out of) your schedule?

We have such a short time on this earth (see Ps 90:10). “Already [we] have devoted enough time to what the pagans enjoy” (1 Pt 4:3). God “has made everything appropriate to its time” (Eccl 3:11). Is the Lord “at the head of your calendar” (Ex 12:2ff)? Is the liturgical calendar at your fingertips? Re-order your schedule to make God the Lord of your time. Seek God “for timely help” (Heb 4:16, RNAB).

Prayer: Father, "teach us to number our days aright" (Ps 90:12).

Promise: "Open wide your mouth, and I will fill it." —Ps 81:11

Praise: St. Alphonsus Liguori resigned from working as a lawyer and gave his life to the Lord's service. He became a saint, guiding others with simplicity, gentleness, and clarity.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Give our Bible Telephone Line a try. Call 513-823-3111.)

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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 August 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 8, 2025"

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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Wednesday, July 30, 2025

MAKING THE FINAL CUT - One Bread, One Body, 07/31/2025

Thursday, July 31, 2025, St. Ignatius of Loyola

Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38
Psalm 84:3-6, 8, 11
Matthew 13:47-53

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MAKING THE FINAL CUT
Jesus said: "The reign of God is also like a dragnet thrown into the lake, which collected all sorts of things." —Matthew 13:47

At this moment, the dragnet is being pulled over the earth. It is collecting all sorts of things — churches, committed Christians, the lukewarm, sinners, denominations, ministries, the “religious,” church-goers, etc. The Lord will sift through this motley crew when the net is finally hauled ashore on Judgment Day at the end of the world. Then the angels will separate the worthwhile from the useless (Mt 13:48-50).

God waits till the end before He separates the wheat from the weeds (Mt 13:30) and the sheep from the goats (Mt 25:32). Human beings approach this situation differently. Unlike God, we want to pull out the weeds before harvest (Mt 13:28). We decide who makes the team and who doesn’t before the season starts. However, God makes the final cut at the end. The devil uses this to cause confusion. We think that, if we’re playing the religious games, have a position on the team, and score a few points, we must be on the team for good. But God hasn’t made the final cut.

Many things are in the dragnet, but only those saved and sanctified by Jesus through the Spirit make the final cut.

Prayer: Jesus, give me the grace to be ready for Your Second Coming now.

Promise: "The cloud covered the meeting tent, and the glory of the Lord filled the Dwelling." —Ex 40:34

Praise: St. Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus, which in his own lifetime spread the good news of Jesus Christ from Brazil to India.

(To help you make the final cut, listen to, download or order Am I Going to Heaven? on AV 54-3 or V 54 on our website.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 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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Tuesday, July 29, 2025

HALOS - One Bread, One Body, 07/30/2025

Wednesday, July 30, 2025, St. Peter Chrysologus

Exodus 34:29-35
Psalm 99:5-7, 9
Matthew 13:44-46

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HALOS
"The skin of Moses' face was radiant." —Exodus 34:35

When “Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the commandments” (Ex 34:29), he had the first halo ever seen. He got this halo by conversing with God (Ex 34:29) and on the occasion of receiving the Ten Commandments.

Like Moses, we should receive halos. In fact, we have a greater opportunity to receive a halo than did Moses (see Mt 11:11), for we have access to the Holy Spirit (see 2 Cor 3:7-8, 18). We get our halos by being baptized, living in faith, growing in holiness through conversation with God, and especially through obedience to His commandments (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, 144).

Thus, obeying the Lord is not a burden (see 1 Jn 5:3); rather, it is a life-saving opportunity to become holy, receive a halo, and live with God forever. To obey Him is our delight (Ps 40:9). The Lord didn’t have to choose us to obey Him. He could have gotten along without us. We are privileged to have the opportunity to obey the Lord.

Thank God we can obey Him. Accordingly, obey Him and glow with your halo.

Prayer: Father, make me glow with love for You.

Promise: "The reign of God is like a buried treasure which a man found in a field." —Mt 13:44

Praise: St. Peter gained recognition as a Doctor of the Church from his practical, Gospel-based, life-changing sermons.

(For a related teaching on Obedience School view, download or order our leaflet on our website.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 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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Monday, July 28, 2025

SINKING SHIP - One Bread, One Body, 07/29/2025

Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Sts. Martha, Mary & Lazarus

Exodus 33:7-11; 34:5-9, 28
Psalm 103:6-13
Luke 10:38-42 or John 11:19-27

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SINKING SHIP
"One thing only is required. Mary has chosen the better portion and she shall not be deprived of it." —Luke 10:42

Don’t just do something, sit there. Our world constantly pushes us to do something, to rush and run. Our world tells us that increasing our speed will somehow compensate for not knowing where we’re going. God tells us to slow down, sit down, or kneel down, but don’t speed up. Many of us are like St. Martha, bustling around, “anxious and upset about many things” (Lk 10:41). Jesus calls us to be like St. Mary of Bethany, “who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and listened to His words” (Lk 10:39).

Realistically, making the decision to stop and pray is the most practical thing we can do. The world is on a runaway, collision course with death, and our only hope is prayer. “Let My eyes stream with tears day and night, without rest, over the great destruction which overwhelms the virgin daughter of My people, over her incurable wound” (Jer 14:17). No amount of activity will fix this world. We need a miracle. It’s just a prayer away.

The prayer of faith is our only hope, and the only hope we need. Our world is dead. It’s been in the tomb long enough to smell of corruption (Jn 11:39). There’s nothing we can do but believe in Jesus, “the Resurrection and the Life” (Jn 11:25).

Prayer: Father, I realize I may be busily cleaning a sinking ship. I pray for a miracle and accept Your divine will.

Promise: "As the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is His kindness toward those who fear Him." —Ps 103:11

Praise: St. Martha so loved Jesus that she served a banquet in His honor (Jn 12:2).

(For a related teaching on Pray for Revival listen to, download or order our AV 56-1 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 June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 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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Sunday, July 27, 2025

LEADING MEN - One Bread, One Body, 07/28/2025

Monday, July 28, 2025,

Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34
Psalm 106:19-23
Matthew 13:31-35

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LEADING MEN
"What did this people ever do to you that you should lead them into so grave a sin?" —Exodus 32:21

Aaron’s leadership style was to satisfy the people. When the people approached him with a problem, Aaron didn’t consider God’s wishes. Instead, he tried to satisfy the people’s desires. Not succeeding, he simply “let the people run wild” (Ex 32:25). Under Aaron’s weak “leadership,” sinfulness, chaos, and confusion reigned instead of godly order (see 1 Cor 14:33, 40).

Moses was a true servant-leader (see Lk 22:26). He exercised his God-given authority as needed (Ex 32:26), but typically was meek (Nm 12:3) as he listened to his people’s needs (e.g. Ex 18:13). His leadership style was to satisfy God and sacrificially love his people. He constantly sought God’s direction as he submitted his leadership to God (Ex 34:34). He interceded on behalf of his beloved people, even if he might have to suffer because of it (see Ex 32:10-14, 32).

Is God calling you to be a leader? Seek God’s wishes. Answer His call. “With a leader to break the path they shall burst open the gate and go out through it” (Mi 2:13).

Prayer: Father, may we obey the leaders You give us and defer to them so they may rejoice in serving You (Heb 13:17).

Promise: "I will announce what has lain hidden since the creation of the world." —Mt 13:35

Praise: Lorraine found that the more time she gave to God in prayer, the faster her housework was accomplished.

(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 June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 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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Saturday, July 26, 2025

GOD CAME DOWN - One Bread, One Body, 07/27/2025

Sunday, July 27, 2025, 17th Sunday Ordinary Time

Genesis 18:20-32
Colossians 2:12-14
Psalm 138:1-3, 6-8
Luke 11:1-13
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GOD CAME DOWN
"I must go down and see..." —Genesis 18:21

God said that He would come down from heaven to earth to find out if there was sin on the earth. He came down to Sodom and Gomorrah and He did find sin — lots of it. These two sinful cities were destroyed (Gn 19:24ff). God heard the “outcry against” sin (Gn 18:20), and He answered with justice.

Then God came down again in response to many outcries. This time He came down in mercy as a helpless Infant. He came down from heaven to earth, and He didn’t even crush a bruised reed (Mt 12:20). The Son of God came not as a ruler who turns sinful nations into fiery ruins, but as a meek Infant.

Jesus taught us to seek God as a loving Father when we cry out. In the New Covenant, Jesus teaches us to pray, seek, ask, and knock for conversions and mercy. Jesus taught us that mercy is what God desires (Mt 9:13), and His “mercy triumphs over judgment” (Jas 2:13). God our Father knows what we need more than the most loving earthly father (Mt 6:32).

If the teaching of Jesus to trust our heavenly Father doesn’t impel us to depend totally upon God, then perhaps His example will be the impetus we need. Jesus came to this earth as a helpless infant, totally dependent upon His earthly parents, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph. May we likewise be like little children, totally dependent upon our loving Father. Jesus assures us: “Unless you change and become like little children, you will not enter the kingdom of God” (Mt 18:3).

Prayer: "Father…" (Lk 11:2).

Promise: "Even when you were dead in sin and your flesh was uncircumcised, God gave you new life in company with Christ. He pardoned all our sins." —Col 2:13

Praise: Risen Jesus, You are the merciful Lamb of God and the powerful Lion of Judah. All glory and honor is Yours. Alleluia!

(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 June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 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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Friday, July 25, 2025

WEEDEATER - One Bread, One Body, 07/26/2025

Saturday, July 26, 2025, Sts. Joachim & Anne

Exodus 24:3-8
Psalm 50:1-2, 5-6, 14-15
Matthew 13:24-30

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WEEDEATER
"When the crop began to mature and yield grain, the weeds made their appearance as well." —Matthew 13:26

North of the equator, it’s summertime, and you still may be doing some weeding in your garden. If you ask Jesus to help, you may be surprised when He says He doesn’t do weeding until harvest time (Mt 13:29-30). However, Jesus would be willing to change your weeds into wheat. This would both double your crop and get rid of your weeds, not by pulling but by changing them.

It’s very easy to notice the many weeds that surround us. The doubt, hypocrisy, confusion, and gossip of the weeds make life miserable. It seems best for everybody to pull the weeds. But the Lord knows that once they’re pulled, they’re dead. So He lets the weeds live and the wheat suffer for a while so that the weeds will have the maximum opportunity to repent and become wheat (see 2 Pt 3:9).

Rejoice when you suffer redemptively (see Col 1:24), for this means that there's time for the weeds to change and for the harvest to double.

Prayer: Father, may I repent, evangelize, pray, and suffer for the maximum harvest.

Promise: "This is the blood of the covenant which the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words of His." —Ex 24:8

Praise: Sts. Joachim and Anne accepted God's call to marry and raise a child. They dedicated their daughter to God, and God blessed her among all women.

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 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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Thursday, July 24, 2025

“GET OUT OF IT” - One Bread, One Body, 07/25/2025

Friday, July 25, 2025, St. James

2 Corinthians 4:7-15
Psalm 126:1-6
Matthew 20:20-28

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"GET OUT OF IT"
"Promise me that these sons of mine will sit, one at Your right hand and the other at Your left, in Your kingdom." —Matthew 20:21

If you’re serving Jesus for what you can “get out of it,” then sooner or later, you’ll “get out of it.” That is, you’ll eventually get yourself out of serving Christ. This is because serving and following Jesus consists of what Jesus gets out of it rather than what we get out of it.

St. James learned this lesson very well. King Herod had James beheaded (Acts 12:2). James “got out” of Jesus’ ministry not by quitting but by being killed for Him. James had once desired to be first in Jesus’ ministry (Mt 20:21). Ironically, James was indeed first among the Twelve apostles — first to be martyred.

James must have been a very powerful apostle to be singled out by Herod for death. James must have powerfully spoken out (see 2 Cor 4:13) from his Spirit of faith. Otherwise, the Jews wouldn’t have been so pleased by his death (Acts 12:3). Only after James was killed did the Jewish leaders turn to St. Peter to try to kill him as well (Acts 12:2ff). Herod could have picked any of the apostles for the “honor” of being the first to be beheaded. But he chose James.

Are you tempted to “get out of” ministry because you’re not getting enough out of it? Learn a lesson from St. James and give your entire life to Jesus (Mt 20:22ff). Let Jesus get everything He can out of you.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, my life is Yours. Do in me whatever You must in order to do through me everything You will.

Promise: "Everything is ordered to your benefit." —2 Cor 4:15

Praise: St. James is said to have powerfully evangelized Spain. Countless pilgrims have experienced the love of the Lord while hiking the Camino de Santiago and visiting the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

(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 June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 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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Wednesday, July 23, 2025

TAKE THAT - One Bread, One Body, 07/24/2025

Thursday, July 24, 2025, St. Sharbel Makhluf

Exodus 19:1-2, 9-11, 16-20
Daniel 3:52-56
Matthew 13:10-17

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TAKE THAT
"...will be taken away." —Matthew 13:12, RSV-CE

The graces that are taken away from us because we didn’t use them will not so much be taken away by God. More exactly, they are “given away,” released, let go of by the person who did not embrace those gifts and graces. We “lose” them (Mt 13:12).

If we focus on possessing graces and gifts, accumulating spiritual experiences as if they were a spiritual “bucket list,” we are in danger of gifts and graces being “taken away.” “That is the way it works with the man who grows rich for himself instead of growing rich in the sight of God” (Lk 12:21). For that man, it was all taken away in one night as his life was required of him (Lk 12:20).

The gifts of the Spirit are designed to flow unimpeded. There are no dams in the spiritual life. Grace is meant to flow unrestricted, not to be stopped up as if it can be controlled for later use. Grace must flow. It’s taken away by “moths” and “rust” which eat at what we don’t use for God, but which we keep as a treasure in our scrapbook. It’s similar to the manna that would rot if it wasn’t used at the proper time (Ex 16:20).

You don’t have to fear losing what God has given you if you desire to share these gifts “for the common good” (1 Cor 12:7). You “keep” them by giving them away, by using them for the good of the Lord and other people. Focus on exercising these gifts in the service of the Lord — and then more will be given to you (Mt 25:29). “In the measure you give you shall receive” (Mk 4:24).

Prayer: Father, pour out Your Spirit upon me so that Your grace will always flow through me to a wounded world.

Promise: "Blest are your eyes because they see and blest are your ears because they hear." —Mt 13:16

Praise: St. Sharbel was a Lebanese monk who lived as a hermit for twenty-three years.

(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 June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 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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Tuesday, July 22, 2025

THE MANNA TEST - One Bread, One Body, 07/23/2025

Wednesday, July 23, 2025, St. Bridget of Sweden

Exodus 16:1-5, 9-15
Psalm 78:18-19, 23-28
Matthew 13:1-9

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THE MANNA TEST
"I will now rain down bread from heaven for you."—Exodus 16:4

God rained manna down on His people. Manna, the miraculous bread which God provided to Israel for forty years, was “fine flakes like hoarfrost on the ground” (Ex 16:14). Jesus proclaimed that the manna of the New Testament is both the Eucharist and the bread of God’s Word (Mt 4:4). Jesus also proclaimed: “This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and died nonetheless, the man who feeds on this bread shall live forever” (Jn 6:58). This bread is Jesus’ “flesh, for the life of the world” (Jn 6:51), that is, Holy Communion. In the new covenant, we can receive the new, “hidden” (Rv 2:17), and ultimate Manna, Jesus Himself, the Bread of life (Jn 6:35).

When the Lord rained manna down on His people, He tested them to see whether they would follow His instructions or not (Ex 16:4). In the new covenant, when the Lord rains down on us the manna of His Word and the Eucharist, He is testing us to see if we will not only hear His Word but also do it (Jas 1:22). The Lord gives us the new manna of His Word and the Eucharist to see whether we will live a eucharistically centered life and bear fruit in a hundredfold harvest (Mt 13:8).

Are you passing the manna test? Are you following all of Jesus’ instructions, not just in the letter of the law but in the Spirit? (2 Cor 3:6) Abide in God’s Word (Jn 8:31); live in communion with Him; pass the manna test.

Prayer: Father, may I delight in obeying You (see Ps 40:9).

Promise: "Let everyone heed what he hears!" —Mt 13:9

Praise: From an early age, St. Bridget dedicated every Friday to meditating upon Jesus' Passion.

(For a related teaching on This Is My Body view, download or order our booklet on our website.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 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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Monday, July 21, 2025

“GOD IS AGAPE” (see 1 Jn 4:16) - One Bread, One Body, 07/22/2025

Tuesday, July 22, 2025, St. Mary Magdalene

Song of Songs 3:1-4 or
2 Corinthians 5:14-17
Psalm 63:2-6, 8-9
John 20:1-2, 11-18
View Readings

Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

"GOD IS AGAPE" (see 1 Jn 4:16)
"Tell me where you have laid Him and I will take Him away." —John 20:15

God is Love (1 Jn 4:16), but He is not just any kind of love. He is “agape-love.” Agape is the Greek word that appears in the Scriptures which means unconditional love. God loves each one of us perfectly and infinitely. He loves us even though we helped crucify His Son by our sins (see Acts 3:15; Catechism of the Catholic Church, 598). He loves us whether or not we ever love Him. He loves us even if we decide to never love Him, even if we decide to hate Him and be alienated from Him forever.

St. Mary Magdalene loved Jesus with unconditional love. She asked to take away the dead body of Jesus (Jn 20:15). She wanted to hold His body even if He couldn’t touch, hear, or speak to her. To hold Jesus’ body would give her extreme pain, but she wanted to hold it anyway. She loved Jesus unconditionally.

Do you love Jesus when He seems dead to you? Would you love Jesus if He never answered any of your prayers? (see Hab 3:17-18) Would you love Him if you never felt Him? Would you love Him if He permitted all your children to die in one day? (see Jb 1:19-21) Would you die for love of Him (see Dn 3:18) even if He let you suffer terrible pain and disease? (see Jb 2:7)

God is Love (1 Jn 4:8). Receive His love, and love Him with that same unconditional love. St. Mary Magdalene, pray for us.

Prayer: Father, do in me whatever it takes for me to love You unconditionally.

Promise: "The love of Christ impels us who have reached the conviction that since One died for all, all died. He died for all so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for Him Who for their sakes died and was raised up." —2 Cor 5:14-15

Praise: St. Mary Magdalene, once possessed by seven demons (Lk 8:2), freely gave herself to the One Who set her free.

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 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 AGAPE” (see 1 Jn 4:16) - One Bread, One Body, 07/22/2025

God is Love (1 Jn 4:8). Receive His love, and love Him with that same unconditional love. St. Mary Magdalene, pray for us.

Sunday, July 20, 2025

GRAND STAND - One Bread, One Body, 07/21/2025

Monday, July 21, 2025, St. Lawrence of Brindisi

Exodus 14:5-18
Exodus 15:1-6
Matthew 12:38-42

View Readings

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GRAND STAND
"Stand your ground, and you will see the victory the Lord will win for you today." —Exodus 14:13

If we stand our ground, we will see the victory of the Lord, for He will fight for us (Ex 14:14). Moses made this promise before the Lord rescued the chosen people by drowning the Egyptians in the Red Sea. This is a symbol of Baptism.

When we stand on the ground of our Baptism, we will see the Lord’s victory. We must stand on the fact that through Baptism we are in Christ (see Gal 3:27). Therefore, we are new creations, children of God the Father, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, temples of the Holy Spirit, and members of the Church, the Body of Christ (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1265, 1267).

If we stand on the ground of our own power, plans, or importance, we will not see the Lord’s victory. Our own basis for victory is groundless (see Lk 14:28-30).

God’s victory comes to those standing on the right ground: God’s ground. Many Christians have disregarded God’s “no trespassing” signs and stand on the wrong ground. When they repent, get back where they belong, and stand there, they will see God’s victory. Back to Baptism. Forward to victory (see Ex 14:15).

Prayer: Father, may I stand where You tell me to stand.

Promise: "At the judgment, the queen of the South will rise with the present generation and be the one to condemn it. She came from the farthest corner of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon; but you have a greater than Solomon here." —Mt 12:42

Praise: St. Lawrence of Brindisi defended the Church against heretics and raiding bands of Turks.

(For a related teaching on Conversion-Conversations view, download or order our booklet on our website.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 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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Saturday, July 19, 2025

“THE GREATEST THING IN ALL MY LIFE...” - One Bread, One Body, 07/20/2025

Sunday, July 20, 2025, 16th Sunday Ordinary Time

Genesis 18:1-10
Colossians 1:24-28
Psalm 15:2-5
Luke 10:38-42
View Readings

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"THE GREATEST THING IN ALL MY LIFE..."
"Martha, who was busy with all the details of hospitality, came to Him." —Luke 10:40

One of the greatest things a human being can do is to offer hospitality. When Abraham and Sarah offered hospitality, they entertained God and angels (Heb 13:2), who revealed to Abraham that his wife Sarah would miraculously have her first child at the age of ninety (Gn 18:2ff). Jesus gave us His Body and Blood in the context of the hospitality of the Last Supper. To qualify as a Christian leader, a person must be hospitable (1 Tm 3:2). Therefore, St. Martha’s hospitality to Jesus and His apostles was a great work of God.

Nevertheless, some things are even greater than the greatness of hospitality. To be a disciple, to sit at the Lord’s feet and listen to His words (Lk 10:39), is so great that the risen and ascending Jesus commanded His apostles to make disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19). This command is often and rightly called “the Great Commission.” Discipleship is the essence of God’s plan. It is our greatest privilege and responsibility to be and make disciples of the Lord. We were baptized into discipleship (Mt 28:19).

Renew your Baptism. Deny yourself, take up your crosses daily, lose your life (Lk 9:23-24), and be a disciple of the Lord.

Prayer: Father, may I live and die in imitation of Jesus (see Phil 3:10).

Promise: "Even now I find my joy in the suffering I endure for you. In my own flesh I fill up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of His body, the Church." —Col 1:24

Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Master of His disciples!

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 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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Friday, July 18, 2025

I HOPE SO - One Bread, One Body, 07/19/2025

Saturday, July 19, 2025,

Exodus 12:37-42
Psalm 136:1, 23-24, 10-15
Matthew 12:14-21

View Readings

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I HOPE SO
"In His name, the Gentiles will find hope." —Matthew 12:21

The Church through Pope Pius XII defined the dogma of Mary’s Assumption in 1950. After all the centuries the Assumption was preached and believed, the Church chose to define it in 1950 as a proclamation of hope. The Second Vatican Council’s great document on the Church concludes by proclaiming Mary as the “sign of sure hope” (Lumen Gentium, 68).

Pope St. John Paul II introduced the Catechism of the Catholic Church with the Scripture: “Venerate the Lord, that is, Christ, in your hearts. Should anyone ask you the reason for this hope of yours, be ever ready to reply” (1 Pt 3:15). Pope St. John Paul II prophetically named one of his books Crossing the Threshold of Hope. “In hope we were saved. But hope is not hope if its object is seen; how is it possible for one to hope for what he sees? And hoping for what we cannot see means awaiting it with patient endurance” (Rm 8:24-25).

Hear the prophecy of hope. Be a sign of hope. Be a prophet of hope. “This hope will not leave us disappointed, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us” (Rm 5:5).

Prayer: Father, may I be motivated by hope.

Promise: "This was a night of vigil for the Lord, as He led them out of the land of Egypt; so on this same night all the Israelites must keep a vigil for the Lord throughout their generations." —Ex 12:42

Praise: Though still in her teens, Carol feels saddened when she cannot take part in daily Mass.

(For a related teaching on Hope listen to, download or order our AV 70-1 or V 70 on our website.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 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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Thursday, July 17, 2025

THE PASSOVER - One Bread, One Body, 07/18/2025

Friday, July 18, 2025, St. Camillus de Lellis

Exodus 11:10—12:14
Psalm 116:12-13, 15-18
Matthew 12:1-8

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THE PASSOVER
"It is the Passover of the Lord." —Exodus 12:11

Through the Passover, the Lord freed the Israelite nation from centuries of slavery. The Lord chose to do one of His greatest works through a family meal accompanied by prayer. This Passover meal was so important that it became “a memorial feast” to be celebrated by all generations “as a perpetual institution” (Ex 12:14).

A few hours before Jesus died on the cross to save us all from sin and for eternal life, He said: “I have greatly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer” (Lk 22:15). Then Jesus commanded: “Do this as a remembrance of Me” (Lk 22:19). Jesus connected the Passover with His death on the cross. He made the Eucharist the ultimate Passover.

St. Paul not only identified the Eucharist with the Passover but went so far as to call Jesus our Passover (1 Cor 5:7). The Passover is the great liberation-feast and the salvation-memorial. How important is the Passover in your life? How great is your desire to celebrate the Passover? Do you want to receive Christ, your Passover, daily? Do you invite others to the new Passover? Is your life centered on the eucharistic Jesus? Celebrate the Passover of the New Covenant.

Prayer: Father, may I desire to eat the Eucharist more than I desire anything else.

Promise: "Seeing the blood, I will pass over you; thus, when I strike the land of Egypt, no destructive blow will come upon you." —Ex 12:13

Praise: St. Camillus is the patron saint of the sick and of hospitals, nurses, and physicians.

(For a related teaching on This is My Body view, download or order our booklet on our website.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 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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Wednesday, July 16, 2025

REST STOP - One Bread, One Body, 07/17/2025

Thursday, July 17, 2025,

Exodus 3:13-20
Psalm 105:1, 5, 8-9, 24-27
Matthew 11:28-30

View Readings

Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

REST STOP
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you." —Matthew 11:28

Imagine yourself coming to Jesus with a huge burden on your back. Jesus takes the burden off your shoulders (see Ps 81:7). Before you can even thank Him and walk away unburdened, He takes a humongous burden off of His back and puts it on yours. Now you’ve got more to carry than ever before. For some reason, however, His yoke is easy and His burden light (Mt 11:30). Because this is Jesus’ burden, He is bearing most of the weight. You are another Simon of Cyrene helping Jesus carry the cross (Lk 23:26). You’re made to carry this cross. You’re rested and strengthened in carrying this cross. You come to a point where you boast of nothing but the cross of Jesus Christ (Gal 6:14).

Realistically, we cannot be unburdened in this life on earth. We can only be re-burdened with Jesus’ burden, the cross. Pretending that we can unburden ourselves makes life more burdensome. We make life harder by trying to make it easier. Paradoxically, the heaviest burden, that is, the cross, is the easiest to carry because Jesus carried it. It is in striving to carry the cross that we enter into His rest (see Heb 4:11). Take up your cross daily (Lk 9:23) and get the best rest you’ll get on this earth.

Prayer: Father, give me both earthly and eternal rest.

Promise: "I am concerned about you and about the way you are being treated." —Ex 3:16

Praise: Georgia sows the Word of God by sharing her faith with those in jail and in nursing homes.

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 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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Tuesday, July 15, 2025

MOUNTAIN RANGE - One Bread, One Body, 07/16/2025

Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Exodus 3:1-6, 9-12
Psalm 103:1-4, 6-7
Matthew 11:25-27

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Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

MOUNTAIN RANGE
"He came to Horeb, the mountain of God." —Exodus 3:1

There are many mountains in life. For example, Mount Gerizim is the mountain of blessings for God’s obedient people, while Mount Ebal is the mountain of curses (Dt 27:12-13). Mount Sinai (Horeb) is the mountain of the commandments (Ex 19:2ff), and Mount Carmel is the mountain of restoring our covenant with God and overcoming idolatry and false prophets (1 Kgs 18:19ff). Ultimately, Jesus wants us to walk with Him to Mount Calvary, by which we draw “near to Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem” (Heb 12:22).

To start climbing God’s mountain range, we need to begin as Moses began — on Mount Horeb (Ex 3:1). There we see God in the burning bush (Ex 3:2-4). We see God consuming us by the fire of His love (see Heb 12:29). On Mount Horeb, we hear God call our names (Ex 3:4) and reveal to us His name (Ex 3:14). Mount Horeb is holy ground (Ex 3:5). Here we take off our shoes (Ex 3:5) and humble ourselves. On Mount Horeb, we enter into the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (Ps 111:10) and of much of the Christian life.

Climb Mount Horeb. Hear your Father call you by name.

Prayer: Father, after beginning at Horeb, may I end at Zion.

Promise: "No one knows the Son but the Father, and no one knows the Father but the Son — and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal Him." —Mt 11:27

Praise: Our Lady of Mount Carmel promised that her Son would transform our lives if we would repent.

(For a related teaching on Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Evangelization listen to, download or order our AV 58-3 or V 58 on our website.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 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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Monday, July 14, 2025

BABY PICTURES - One Bread, One Body, 07/15/2025

Tuesday, July 15, 2025, St. Bonaventure

Exodus 2:1-15
Psalm 69:3, 14, 30-31, 33-34
Matthew 11:20-24

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Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

BABY PICTURES
"She took a papyrus basket, daubed it with bitumen and pitch, and putting the child in it, placed it among the reeds on the river bank." —Exodus 2:3

Imagine a homemade basket floating on a river. Inside this basket is a crying, three-month-old baby boy. This baby will grow up to save the Israelite nation from slavery.

Imagine a newborn Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger (Lk 2:7). This Baby has been born in a stable and is surrounded by animals. This Baby is God and the Savior of the world.

Imagine the several thousand babies who will be aborted today surgically or chemically. See them floating and growing inside their mothers. These babies will be starved to death, poisoned, or dismembered today. These babies were destined to be children of God.

These three sets of baby pictures separated by thousands of years are related. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how the middle picture of Jesus is the picture of life and freedom. There is one Baby picture we need to look at constantly. “Fix your eyes on Jesus” (Heb 3:1), the Savior and Hope of the world.

Prayer: Father, make me stop staring at myself.

Promise: "The Lord hears the poor, and His own who are in bonds He spurns not." —Ps 69:34

Praise: St. Bonaventure wrote: "Let us pass over with the crucified Christ from this world to the Father."

(Call 513-823-3111 to hear the Good News on our Bible Telephone Line every 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 June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 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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Sunday, July 13, 2025

DEATH-DEFYING? - One Bread, One Body, 07/14/2025

Monday, July 14, 2025, St. Kateri Tekakwitha

Exodus 1:8-14, 22
Psalm 124:1-8
Matthew 10:34—11:1

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Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

DEATH-DEFYING?
"Look how numerous and powerful the Israelite people are growing, more so than we ourselves! Come, let us deal shrewdly with them to stop their increase." —Exodus 1:9-10

Pharaoh tried to decimate the chosen people by commanding “all his subjects, ‘Throw into the river every boy that is born to the Hebrews’ ” (Ex 1:22). Satan is trying to decimate the Christian people by commanding us to contracept and not have children or, if this fails, to kill our children through chemical and surgical abortions. If we obey Satan’s commands, we will perpetuate and extend our culture of death. But if we, like Moses’ mother, rebel and choose life (Ex 2:1-10), we will see the Lord raise our culture from the dead.

Most people don’t recognize Satan’s attempts to impose his will on us. Satan disguises the fact that he seeks nothing less than a totalitarian dictatorship. He likes to let his pawns think that they are doing their own thing. It is amusing to him when his slaves pretend they are free.

Therefore, “choose life” (Dt 30:19) and rebel against the tyranny of the prince of death (see Heb 2:14). Choose Jesus, “the Way, and the Truth, and the Life” (Jn 14:6). Reject sin and its deadly wages (Rm 6:23). Don’t let yourself be used and abused by our culture of death. Join the exodus of God’s people from death, sin, and damnation into life eternal.

Prayer: Father, I accept fully the abundant life given to me through your Son's death (see Jn 10:10).

Promise: "Whoever gives a cup of cold water to one of these lowly ones because he is a disciple will not want for his reward." —Mt 10:42

Praise: St. Kateri was burdened with sickness and persecution from her own people but endured in her commitment to Christ Jesus.

(For a related teaching on Sexual Sin, Abortion, and the Pill view, download or order our leaflet on our website.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 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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Saturday, July 12, 2025

NEAR-MISS? - One Bread, One Body, 07/13/2025

Sunday, July 13, 2025, 15th Sunday Ordinary Time

Deuteronomy 30:10-14
Colossians 1:15-20
Psalm 69:14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36-37 or Psalm 19:8-11
Luke 10:25-37
View Readings

Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

NEAR-MISS?
"It is something very near to you." —Deuteronomy 30:14

The priest and Levite both “saw” the wounded victim, but didn’t want to get near him to avoid becoming ritually impure (Lk 10:31, 32). The Samaritan, though, had no hesitation about getting near the hurting man. The Samaritan “approached him” (Lk 10:34) and “treated him with compassion” (Lk 10:37).

Love has to get near and get involved. Love by its very nature can’t keep its distance. Jesus, Who is Love, could have remained in heaven in eternal bliss with His Father. However, His love impelled Him (see 2 Cor 5:14) to seek us out (Lk 19:10), be near us (Ps 145:18), and even be God-with-us, Emmanuel (Mt 1:23). Now He is so near us that He dwells within us (Jn 6:56; 17:23).

Is there any person, group, or class of people you won’t get near? Do you stay away from the poor, uneducated, crippled, aged, criminals, unrepentant, or those of a different race or religion? These may be your “wounded victims,” your chance to be a good Samaritan. Jesus may be saying that as often as you neglected to get near these people, you neglected to get near Him (Mt 25:45).

Prayer: Jesus, You never kept Your distance from anyone. May I and all who follow You love as You love.

Promise: "The Lord hears the poor, and His own who are in bonds He spurns not." —Ps 69:34

Praise: Praise You, Jesus, resurrected, ascended, and glorified. You sit at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us (Rm 8:34). Alleluia!

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(For a related teaching on The Truth Will Set You Free view, download or order our booklet on our website.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 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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Friday, July 11, 2025

TRASH-TALK - One Bread, One Body, 07/12/2025

Saturday, July 12, 2025,

Genesis 49:29-32; 50:15-26
Psalm 105:1-4, 6-7
Matthew 10:24-33

View Readings

Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

TRASH-TALK
"Every hair of your head has been counted." —Matthew 10:30

Today is haircut day. The apron I wear as I sit in the barber chair is covered with little shavings of white hair. When the haircut is over, the barber removes the apron and shakes it out, spreading those hairs all over the floor. Then he sweeps the floor and throws my shorn hair into the trash. God has counted all the hairs of my head (Mt 10:30), even those that are of no account and were cast into the trash.

As Pope Francis often says, we live in a throwaway culture. Secular society treats so much as disposable and not worthy of regard: aborted babies (except for their body parts), the aged who are past the age of productivity, the unprofitable, those in prison, etc. Yet Jesus taught that “all are alive for Him” (Lk 20:38).

Jesus recycles people who have been discarded (see 2 Cor 5:17). He fertilizes the unfruitful over and over and pours out His grace continually upon them, even though others regard them as mere clutter (see Lk 13:7-9). Our trash is Jesus’ treasure. Jesus takes the most unloved, heals and forgives them, restores their souls (Ps 23:3), and creates a masterpiece out of their lives.

Even if you have thrown away your life, give yourself now to Jesus. Nothing is impossible (see Lk 1:37) for the God Who treasures every hair of your head and refuses to discard you.

Prayer: Jesus, I empty the trash can of my life and place it at the foot of Your cross. Take my life and recreate it in Your image.

Promise: "Whoever acknowledges Me before men I will acknowledge before My Father in heaven." —Mt 10:32

Praise: Laura repented of aborting her child. Jesus delivered her from self-hatred and raised her up to lead a ministry in her parish.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Check our website for a full listing of the retreats offered this summer.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 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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To add your e-mail address to this list go to https://www.presentationministries.com/subscribe/email

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Thursday, July 10, 2025

GETTING READY TO DIE - One Bread, One Body, 07/11/2025

Friday, July 11, 2025, St. Benedict

Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30
Psalm 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40
Matthew 10:16-23

View Readings

Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

GETTING READY TO DIE
"At last I can die, now that I have seen for myself that Joseph is still alive." —Genesis 46:30

Simeon prayed: “Now, Master, You can dismiss Your servant in peace” (Lk 2:29). Simeon was ready to die because he had seen Christ.

St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was ready to die because shortly before his death he saw “an opening in the sky, and the Son of Man standing at God’s right hand” (Acts 7:56).

Death is knocking at the door. Jesus also stands at the door of our lives and knocks (Rv 3:20). If we open the door, see Jesus, and give our lives to Him, we are ready to die and to live.

Jesus promised: “Blest are the single-hearted for they shall see God” (Mt 5:8). To see Jesus is not a matter of the eyes but of the heart (see Eph 1:18). When we see Jesus as our Lord, Savior, and God, then we have a new life, a life stronger than death (see Mt 16:25).

Prayer: Father, enlighten "the eyes of [my] heart" (Eph 1:18, RSV-CE).

Promise: "When they hand you over, do not worry about what you will say or how you will say it. When the hour comes, you will be given what you are to say. You yourselves will not be the speakers; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you." —Mt 10:19-20

Praise: St. Benedict worked miracles, prophesied, and wrote a rule of monastic life which has been followed by monks for centuries.

(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 June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 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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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..

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