UNITED AGAINST JESUS - One Bread, One Body, 01/21/2026

Wednesday, January 21, 2026, St. Agnes

1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51
Psalm 144:1-2, 9-10
Mark 3:1-6

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UNITED AGAINST JESUS
"[The Pharisees] immediately began to plot with the Herodians how they might destroy [Jesus]." —Mark 3:6

The Pharisees were a holy religious group who were zealous for the God of Israel (see Mt 5:20). The Herodians were a secular political group loyal to King Herod. The Pharisees opposed the Roman occupation of Israel, while the Herodians were not opposed. The Pharisees and the Herodians were two groups that had little in common. Yet they began to work together because they both opposed Jesus. The Pharisees would likely not have worked with the Herodians but for their desire to stop Jesus. The same happened with Pilate and Herod, who had been enemies but became friends in their opposition to Jesus (Lk 23:7-12).

Who would you never imagine that you could work with? If you don’t fix your eyes on Jesus (Heb 12:2), deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow in Jesus’ footsteps (Lk 9:23), you might eventually find yourself preferring to work with that group of people rather than turning to Jesus. Would you ever join forces with Goliath, who insulted the Lord? (see 1 Sm 17:45)

Judas chose to work with those who opposed Jesus rather than bringing his questions directly to Jesus. There is a Judas within us, lurking to gain control of our lives. There is a civil war ever ready to break out in our hearts (Jas 4:1). But the Lord wants to train our hands for battle, our fingers for victory in the spiritual war (Ps 144:1-2). “Stretch out your hand” to Jesus (Mk 3:5), not to those opposed to Him.

Prayer: Jesus, You declared that we are either for You or against You (Mt 12:30). Grant that I may always be for You.

Promise: "Blessed be the Lord, my Rock, Who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war." —Ps 144:1

Praise: St. Ambrose wrote that St. Agnes "went to the place of execution more cheerfully than others go to their wedding."

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Join us Oct. 18-19 for a study of the Gospel of Mark. This is a great way to rekindle your love, knowledge and commitment to the Lord. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com.)

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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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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STOP CRYING - One Bread, One Body, 01/20/2026

Tuesday, January 20, 2026, Pope St. Fabian &
St. Sebastian

1 Samuel 16:1-13
Psalm 89:20-22, 27-28
Mark 2:23-28

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STOP CRYING
"How long will you grieve for Saul, whom I have rejected as king of Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and be on your way." —1 Samuel 16:1

Many Spirit-filled Christians are grieving because of the condition of the Church. They’re very disappointed in their pastors. They see the demonic strongholds in the Church. They lament the cooling of the Christian faith through secular humanism.

God’s word to us is: “Stop crying and start leading people to the Holy Spirit.” Like Samuel, we are to fill our horns with oil and get going. The One in us is greater than the one in the world (1 Jn 4:4). We are baptized into the Body of Christ and members of His Church. We should attack the gates of hell, which cannot prevail against us (Mt 16:18). As we remain “in Christ” (2 Cor 5:17), Satan will be shedding more tears than we are.

Remember, we don’t just have a chance to win; we have already won in Jesus’ death and Resurrection. Victory is assured because our victory in Jesus is final. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rm 8:31) “We are more than conquerors because of Him Who has loved us” (Rm 8:37). Even when we let the devil win temporarily, we can repent and let the Lord make “all things work together for the good of those who love” God (Rm 8:28). All the problems in the world and in the Church ain’t nothin’ the Holy Spirit can’t handle.

Prayer: Father, put a smile on my face, a spring in my step, and joy in my heart. Thank You for Jesus' victory.

Promise: "The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is Lord even of the sabbath." —Mk 2:27-28

Praise: Pope St. Fabian was lauded by St. Cyprian as "an incomparable man, the glory of whose death corresponded with the holiness of his life."

(It's not too early to make plans to join us for one of our inspiring retreats this summer. See our website for details.)

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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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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HOW LOVE OBEYS - One Bread, One Body, 01/19/2026

Monday, January 19, 2026,

1 Samuel 15:16-23
Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23
Mark 2:18-22

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HOW LOVE OBEYS
"Saul answered Samuel: 'I did indeed obey the Lord.' " —1 Samuel 15:20

After blatantly disobeying God, Saul maintained he was obedient. This is typical behavior for human beings, even for Christians. For example, some Catholic Christians miss Sunday Mass, contracept, ingest pornography on TV, videos, or online, or are racially prejudiced. Then, after committing these serious sins, they go to Holy Communion as if they were obedient to the Lord.

Many Christians, like Saul, believe the Lord’s commands are relative and general rather than absolute and specific. When we maintain that we obey God “for the most part,” this is more accurately called “disobedience.” The Lord commands us to obey Him carefully and exactly (Dt 5:32-33) without “turning aside to the right or to the left” (Dt 5:32). The Lord came not to abolish but to fulfill “the smallest part of a letter” of the Law (Mt 5:18). Jesus obeyed His Father in detail. He did nothing and said nothing except what the Father told Him (Jn 5:19; 12:49).

When you love someone, you care about the details of expressing that love. You want everything to be perfect for the one you love. Obey Jesus accordingly.

 

Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit to give me such love that I will obey You in detail.

Promise: "The day will come, however, when the Groom will be taken away from them; on that day they will fast." —Mk 2:20

Praise: Anna has been faithful to the ministry of bringing the Eucharist to shut-ins for many years.

(Don't let cabin fever get you down. Plan now to get renewed in your relationship with the Lord. See our website for a list of wonderful retreats we have planned for the spring and 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 December 1, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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TITLE INSURANCE - One Bread, One Body, 01/18/2026

Sunday, January 18, 2026, 2nd Sunday Ordinary Time

Isaiah 49:3, 5-6
1 Corinthians 1:1-3
Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-10
John 1:29-34
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TITLE INSURANCE
"Look! There is the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world." —John 1:29

The Holy Spirit inspired St. John to pack his Gospel with titles of Jesus. Praying and praising Jesus by speaking His titles and meditating upon them is insurance against taking Jesus for granted. It’s a great way to deepen our relationship with Him.

Among other titles, John refers to Jesus as:

• the Word of God (Jn 1:1) and Word-Made-Man (Jn 1:14),
• “Lamb of God” (Jn 1:29),
• God’s “Chosen One” (Jn 1:34),
• Rabbi, (and also Teacher) (Jn 1:38),
• “the Messiah” (Jn 1:41),
• Son of God and King of Israel (Jn 1:18, 49),
• “the Son of Man” (Jn 1:51),
• “the Bread of Life” (Jn 6:35, 48),
• “Light of the World” (Jn 8:12),
• “I AM” (Jn 8:28; see also Ex 3:14),
• “Lord” (Jn 9:38),
• “Good Shepherd” (Jn 10:11, 14),
• “the Resurrection and the Life” (Jn 11:25),
• “the Way, and the Truth, and the Life” (Jn 14:6),
• “the Vine” (Jn 15:5),
• “the King of the Jews” (Jn 19:19), and
• “my Lord and my God!” (Jn 20:28)

There are many other Scriptural titles of Jesus. These titles combat deception and encourage truth. Praise Jesus by His titles.

Prayer: Jesus, Lamb of God, I worship You with my whole heart.

Promise: "I will make you a light to the nations, that My salvation may reach to the ends of the earth." —Is 49:6

Praise: Praise Jesus, "the First and the Last and the One Who lives" (Rv 1:17-18).

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Join us Oct. 18-19 for a study of the Gospel of Mark. This is a great way to rekindle your love, knowledge and commitment to the Lord. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com.)

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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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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THE DIFFERENCE - One Bread, One Body, 01/17/2026

Saturday, January 17, 2026, St. Anthony the Abbot

1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1
Psalm 21:2-7
Mark 2:13-17

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THE DIFFERENCE
"There was no other Israelite handsomer than Saul; he stood head and shoulders above the people." —1 Samuel 9:2

Saul was the most handsome man in the entire nation of Israel. He was anointed king. This also made him the richest and most powerful man in the nation. Saul had so much going for him, yet committed suicide after years of being trapped in self-hatred (see 1 Sm 15:17), violence, and eventually the occult (see 1 Sm 28:8ff).

Levi was probably not as handsome, rich, or powerful as Saul, but he was very wealthy and influential in his position as a tax-collector. Like Saul, he was among the “shakers and the movers” in the worldly society. Like Saul, Levi was also trapped in sin. Unlike Saul, Levi did not come to a tragic end. Levi left his big job and big money to follow Jesus (Mk 2:14). The Spirit eventually inspired Levi (St. Matthew) to compile the opening Gospel in the New Testament. Finally, Jesus took Levi to be with Him forever in heaven.

Levi and Saul had much in common throughout their lives, but Levi ended in glory while Saul ended in despair and disgrace. The difference between these two men was repentance. Levi repented and Saul did not. That made all the difference in this world and in the next. Repent! (Mt 3:2, RSV-CE)

Prayer: Father, may I follow Jesus now before it's too late.

Promise: "People who are healthy do not need a doctor; sick people do. I have come to call sinners, not the self-righteous." —Mk 2:17

Praise: St. Anthony the Abbot removed himself from the world for God, and his godliness drew the worldly to him.

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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OUT OF ORDER - One Bread, One Body, 01/16/2026

Friday, January 16, 2026,

1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22
Psalm 89:16-19
Mark 2:1-12

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OUT OF ORDER
"The people, however, refused to listen to Samuel's warning and said, 'Not so! There must be a king over us. We too must be like other nations.' " —1 Samuel 8:19-20

The Israelites demanded to be governed by a king. This was not God’s will, but the people refused to listen. Many Christians today have also accepted social structures which are not God’s will. For example, many Christian couples don’t accept God’s order for the family. The husband is not considered head of his wife (1 Cor 11:3). Parents are not regarded as the primary educators of their children (see Dt 6:7). Many parishes are either tyrannies or democracies, while God’s will is that the Church be led by servant-leaders appointed by God’s authority, who lovingly lay down their lives for the parishioners, and to whom the parishioners submit.

When we accept structures which are not God’s will, we may at first think we’re protecting ourselves from abuses in the exercise of authority. Actually we are harming ourselves and others by doing things our way instead of God's way.

Husbands, repent of not loving and leading your wives according to God’s plan for marriage (Eph 5:25). Wives, repent of not being submissive to your husbands (Eph 5:22). Parents, repent of abandoning your children to the school systems, mass media, video games, smartphones, and TV. Parishioners, repent of rebellion and disobedience. When we live according to God’s order, we will see God transform our world.

Prayer: Father, may I do it Your way.

Promise: "When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralyzed man, 'My son, your sins are forgiven.' " —Mk 2:5

Praise: Apathy paralyzed Martha until reading the Scriptures and attending more weekday Masses rekindled her faith.

(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 December 1, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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SOLIDARITY - One Bread, One Body, 01/15/2026

Thursday, January 15, 2026,

1 Samuel 4:1-11
Psalm 44:10-11, 14-15, 25-26
Mark 1:40-45

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SOLIDARITY
"Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out His hand [and] touched him." —Mark 1:41

We have many lepers in our society although the disease is not common. Today’s lepers are any who are untouchable, incurable, or alienated. These people have resisted all attempts to love and heal them. Medical care and even healing prayer cannot heal a leper. Lepers must be touched. We must become vulnerable and even expose ourselves to leprosy. In fact, we must not only accept the possibility of becoming leprous, we must actually become lepers. Jesus began to touch lepers, and soon He Himself was the outcast, alienated, and despised.

We begin in service, move to vulnerability, and finally reach solidarity. Jesus saved the world not only by helping us or even endangering Himself. He saved us by becoming one of us (Jn 1:14). He emptied Himself (Phil 2:7), and became like us in all things but sin (Heb 2:17; 4:15). “He made Himself poor though He was rich” (2 Cor 8:9). “For our sakes God made Him Who did not know sin to be sin, so that in Him we might become the very holiness of God” (2 Cor 5:21).

Solidarity is the way of Christ. We free the poor not so much by helping them but by becoming one of them. We empower the powerless not by sharing the power but by sharing the weakness of the cross (2 Cor 13:4). We deliver the oppressed by walking in the steps of the crucified Savior.

Prayer: Jesus, show me how Your Incarnation applies to my life. Teach me what You taught St. Francis and Mother Teresa.

Promise: "When the ark of the Lord arrived in the camp, all Israel shouted so loudly that the earth resounded." —1 Sm 4:5

Praise: Gary had to recognize his weaknesses and humble himself before he could entrust his business to Jesus.

(For a related teaching on Jesus' Incarnation, listen to, download or order our AV 52-3 or DVD 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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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HARD HEARING - One Bread, One Body, 01/14/2026

Wednesday, January 14, 2026,

1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20
Psalm 40:2, 5, 7-10
Mark 1:29-39

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HARD HEARING
"Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening." —1 Samuel 3:9

It is extremely important for us to hear God. The Lord has promised: “Had they stood in My council, and did they but proclaim to My people My words, they would have brought them back from evil ways and from their wicked deeds” (Jer 23:22). By hearing God, we can change the world, for His words are “living and effective” (Heb 4:12).

However, it is extremely difficult for us to hear God because:

• of our fallen nature,
• many of us are “not familiar with the Lord” (1 Sm 3:7),
• “a revelation of the Lord” is “uncommon and vision infrequent” in our culture of death (1 Sm 3:1), and
• even leaders of the Church are susceptible to being spiritually asleep and blind so that they don’t help us (see 1 Sm 3:2).

Nevertheless, the Lord got through to Samuel and thereby converted “the whole Israelite population” (1 Sm 7:2). Although we may be as confused as the child Samuel, the Lord in His mercy continues to open the ears of the spiritually deaf. There is hope not only because God speaks, but also because He removes the many, formidable obstacles to hearing Him.

Therefore, if you don’t hear God, admit it. Repent of your part in this. Get as much help from the Church as you can. Ask God to speak to you. Read the teachings of the Church, especially the Scriptures. Be quiet. Simplify your life. Try to hear God. God will speak to your heart in “a still small voice” (1 Kgs 19:12, RSV-CE).

Prayer: Father, open my ears that I may hear.

Promise: Jesus "went into their synagogues preaching the good news and expelling demons." —Mk 1:39

Praise: Melanie frequently had let the TV play to fill the silent void in her house. When Jesus came into her life in a greater fullness, she turned off her TV and found peace and comfort in His presence alone.



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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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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ORDINARY AND NEW - One Bread, One Body, 01/13/2026

Tuesday, January 13, 2026, St. Hilary

1 Samuel 1:9-20
1 Samuel 2:1, 4-8
Mark 1:21-28

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ORDINARY AND NEW
"A completely new teaching..." —Mark 1:27

We begin the portion of the Church year called “Ordinary Time,” which means “ordered time” rather than “humdrum time.” Today’s Eucharistic readings proclaim that “ordinary” life in the Lord is new, exciting, and fulfilling. For example, the citizens of Capernaum were “amazed” at Jesus and His “completely new teaching in a spirit of authority” (Mk 1:27). In today’s first reading, Hannah and Elkanah could not conceive a child, but then they rejoiced (1 Sm 2:1ff) at the new life she conceived (1 Sm 1:20).

Perhaps you’ve suffered through a long, dry spell, and this year looks like more of the same. However, this ordinary time is a time for a new beginning, a fresh start. The Lord declares: “Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not; see, I am doing something new!” (Is 43:18-19)

God is the Creator, and He is always creating anew. The Spirit renews, that is, makes new, the earth (Ps 104:30). Be open to God’s “completely new” works this year in your parenting, marriage, childbearing, couple or family prayer, vocation, job performance, personal holiness, Christian community, evangelization, studies, etc. This is the year to step out in faith and live “the radical newness of” our Baptism (Lay Members of Christ’s Faithful People, Pope St. John Paul II, 10).

Jesus says: “See, I make all things new!” (Rv 21:5) Accept Jesus as Lord of your life and be “a new creation” in Him (2 Cor 5:17). “All that matters is that one is created anew” (Gal 6:15).

Prayer: Father, I "lay aside" my old way of life and my "old self," and "put on that new" self You give me (Eph 4:22, 24).

Promise: "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of Him." —1 Sm 1:17

Praise: St. Hilary had great zeal to defend the true Catholic faith. As a result of his teaching and his perseverance, all of Gaul (France) was freed from heretical teaching.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Join us Oct. 18-19 for a study of the Gospel of Mark. This is a great way to rekindle your love, knowledge and commitment to the Lord. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com.)

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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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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THE YEAR OF REPENTANCE, FRUITFULNESS, AND JOY - One Bread, One Body, 01/12/2026

Monday, January 12, 2026, St. Marguerite Bourgeoys (Canada)

1 Samuel 1:1-8
Psalm 116:12-19
Mark 1:14-20

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THE YEAR OF REPENTANCE, FRUITFULNESS, AND JOY
"Hannah, why do you weep, and why do you refuse to eat? Why do you grieve?" —1 Samuel 1:8

As we begin the new year, the Lord commands us to be “fishers of men” and women (Mk 1:17). We are to be fruitful in leading others to Christ (see Jn 15:5). However, many of us were not very fruitful in 2025 and have not changed anything for 2026. We may be spiritually barren as Hannah was physically barren.

If we don’t repent and begin to share our love for Jesus with other people, we may become like Hannah in other ways. In addition to being barren, Hannah was so despondent she refused to eat (1 Sm 1:7). We likewise may lose our joy (see Ps 51:14) and become spiritually anorexic if we don’t bear fruit evangelically. Many Christians today are noticeably sad. Young people notice this and see church as a dead, joyless place. Many Christians go to church only to fulfill their “Sunday obligation.” They don’t understand the Mass is a sacrifice. They’re not offering their “bodies as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to God” (Rm 12:1). They aren’t hungry for the spiritual nourishment of God’s Word and Holy Communion.

We can be like Hannah in more ways than one. We must repent, commit our lives to Jesus, and share our faith. Then we will come to life.

Prayer: Father, may I reap the greatest harvest this year.

Promise: "This is the time of fulfillment. The reign of God is at hand! Reform your lives and believe in the gospel!" —Mk 1:15

Praise: At the age of sixty-nine, St. Marguerite walked some one-hundred and sixty miles from Montreal to Quebec City to found a community of sisters at her bishop's request.

(For a related teaching on Spiritual Anorexia, listen to, download or order our AV 101-1 or DVD 101 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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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IGNITION - One Bread, One Body, 01/11/2026

Sunday, January 11, 2026, Baptism of the Lord

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Acts 10:34-38
Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10
Matthew 3:13-17
View Readings

Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

IGNITION
"After Jesus was baptized, He came directly out of the water. Suddenly the sky opened." —Matthew 3:16

Jesus was thirty years old (Lk 3:23) when He was baptized in the River Jordan. His life was thirty years in the making, and He hadn’t even left home. He hadn’t gathered disciples or done great works. He was unknown and seemed to have hardly begun to fulfill the Father’s plan for His life.

Then Jesus came to the Jordan River and was baptized by St. John the Baptizer. “Suddenly the sky opened and He saw the Spirit of God descend like a dove and hover over Him. With that, a voice from the heavens said, ‘This is My beloved Son. My favor rests on Him’ ” (Mt 3:16-17). After being on the launching pad for thirty years, Jesus took off like a rocket. He was burning to light a fire on the earth (Lk 12:49). Jesus exploded into the three greatest years of ministry in history. He ran even to His death on Calvary and His Resurrection from the dead (see Phil 2:8-11).

God the Father has a great plan for you, His beloved son or daughter. Are you still on the launching pad? Are you dawdling? On this last day of Christmas, renew your Baptism; hear your Father’s voice speaking of His love for you; explode into a year of grace; fulfill the Father’s plan for your life.

Prayer: Father, speak to me. Affirm Your love for me again and again.

Promise: "God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good works and healing all who were in the grip of the devil, and God was with Him." —Acts 10:38

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 Evangelization, listen to, download or order our AV 59-1 or DVD 59 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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 2025""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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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“YOU ASKED FOR IT” - One Bread, One Body, 01/10/2026

Saturday, January 10, 2026,

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

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"YOU ASKED FOR IT"
"What we have asked Him for is ours." —1 John 5:15

Tomorrow is the last day of the Christmas season. The Lord has surprised us once again by loving us more this Christmas than we ever dreamed possible. But it’s not over yet. As great as Christmas has been, the Lord may well have been saving the best till last (see Jn 2:10). He will bring Christmas to a glorious conclusion, but we must ask to receive the fullness of His love (Mt 7:7).

“We have this confidence in God: that He hears us whenever we ask for anything according to His will. And since we know that He hears us whenever we ask, we know that what we have asked Him for is ours” (1 Jn 5:14-15).

Ask the Father for the repentance and salvation of every member of your family. Ask Jesus to increase in your life while you decrease (Jn 3:30). Ask to hear Jesus’ voice and to be overjoyed in the hearing (Jn 3:29). Intercede for those in authority to lead godly lives and make decisions according to God’s will (1 Tm 2:1-2). Pray with Jesus for all to be one as He and the Father are One (Jn 17:21). Most of all, pray for all “to be saved and come to know the truth” (1 Tm 2:4). We haven’t yet opened up our best Christmas presents. Ask and open.

Prayer: Father, I ask for the Holy Spirit (Lk 11:13).

Promise: "No one can lay hold on anything unless it is given him from on high." —Jn 3:27

Praise: Juan gave One Bread, One Body to his stern boss for years with no noticeable results. One month, Juan forgot to give his boss a copy. The boss asked for the book since he had been faithfully reading it.

(For a related teaching on the Ten Commandments of Intercession, 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 December 1, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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JESUS IS LIFE - One Bread, One Body, 01/09/2026

Friday, January 9, 2026,

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

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JESUS IS LIFE
"The testimony is this: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son." —1 John 5:11

When God gave us life, He didn’t give us an elixir, a potion, a pill, guaranteed health, a fountain of youth, or an unlimited supply of money. Instead, He gave us Jesus. God sent Jesus the Life into the world, and “this Life became visible” (1 Jn 1:2).

Jesus is “the Resurrection and the Life” (Jn 11:25). He is “the Way, and the Truth, and the Life” (Jn 14:6). He is the “Bread of Life” (Jn 6:35) and “the Word of Life” (1 Jn 1:1). To us, “ ‘life’ means Christ” (Phil 1:21). Jesus, the Life, testifies: “I came that they might have life and have it to the full” (Jn 10:10). When you believe that Jesus is God, you “have life in His name” (Jn 20:31; see also Jn 3:15-16).

Whoever is in Jesus finds life (Jn 1:4). “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).

Jesus bluntly states the problem: “You are unwilling to come to Me to possess that life” (Jn 5:40). Many want life, but not from Jesus. We live in a culture of death. We cannot change a culture of death into a civilization of life except through Jesus, Who is Life and Who gives life. Social programs, medical skill, or advanced technology alone won’t give life. Life is only found in Jesus. Scripture says: “I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life” (Dt 30:19). Choose Jesus.

Prayer: Jesus, You have the Food and words of eternal life (Jn 6:51, 68). I will come directly to You for life (Mt 11:28).

Promise: "Who, then, is conqueror of the world? The one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." —1 Jn 5:5

Praise: Vanessa's car was totaled in a highway accident, but she walked away praising the Lord.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Join us Oct. 18-19 for a study of the Gospel of Mark. This is a great way to rekindle your love, knowledge and commitment to the Lord. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com.)

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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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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CHRISTMAS IN THE SPIRIT - One Bread, One Body, 01/08/2026

Thursday, January 8, 2026,

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

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CHRISTMAS IN THE SPIRIT
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me; therefore He has anointed Me." —Luke 4:18

We have four more days in the Christmas season. If we have the true Christmas Spirit, Who is the Holy Spirit, we are bringing the Good News of Jesus to the poor (Lk 4:18). That was the original meaning of giving Christmas cards. In the Christmas Spirit, we are proclaiming liberty to captives (Lk 4:18). The Christmas season should not be a time of enslaving, compulsive behavior and indulgence but the beginning of a year of life and freedom in Jesus. “Remember that you have been called to live in freedom — but not a freedom that gives free rein to the flesh” (Gal 5:13).

If Christ is having His way this Christmas, we are opening the eyes of the blind both physically and spiritually (Lk 4:18). We have let the Lord enlighten our innermost vision (Eph 1:18), and we can see more clearly and completely His plan of salvation and our part in it during 2026. If we have the true Christmas Spirit, we are releasing prisoners by calling ourselves and inviting others to repent and break out of the captivity of sin (Lk 4:18). We are calling people to total commitment to Jesus, for if we let Jesus set us free we are free indeed (Jn 8:36).

This freeing of ourselves and others is what it means to celebrate Christmas. A Christmas season in the Holy Spirit is not an escape from reality but the restoration of reality into the image and likeness of the Christ of Christmas.

Prayer: Father, give me Christmas by Your standards.

Promise: "Everyone begotten of God conquers the world, and the power that has conquered the world is this faith of ours." —1 Jn 5:4

Praise: Through the power of Jesus, Robert is now celebrating a twentieth year of sobriety.

(For a related teaching on Living In Reality, 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 December 1, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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LOVING CHRISTMAS - One Bread, One Body, 01/07/2026

Wednesday, January 7, 2026, St. Raymond of Peñafort

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

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LOVING CHRISTMAS
"If we love one another God dwells in us." —1 John 4:12

We love God and others, but we need to grow deeper in love, to be perfected in love by God’s grace (see 1 Jn 4:17). By obedience to the truth, we can purify ourselves for a genuine love of our brothers and sisters (1 Pt 1:22). As our love becomes deeper, more mature, and perfected, this “perfect love casts out all fear” (1 Jn 4:18). We can be so much in love and so free from fear “that we should have confidence on the day of judgment” (1 Jn 4:17).

Have you had a good Christmas season so far? By “good,” I don’t mean presents and parties, but love. Each day of this Christmas season, are you growing more deeply in God’s love? If so, you are having a wonderful Christmas. You are preparing for a fearless new year and for confidence even on Judgment Day.

Let us pray for the love of God to be “poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us” (Rm 5:5). Come, Holy Spirit and Christmas Spirit of love!

Prayer: Father, may I accept Your grace to love my brothers and sisters so much that I would die for them (1 Jn 3:16).

Promise: "He shall rescue the poor man when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him. He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor He shall save." —Ps 72:12- 13

Praise: St. Raymond was a confessor to Pope Gregory IX. He also succeeded St. Dominic as head of the Dominican order.

(Do you know about our Bible Telephone Line? 513-823-3111 is the number for an inspiring message each day based on the Scripture readings for the daily Mass.)

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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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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OFFERING YOUR SON - One Bread, One Body, 01/06/2026

Tuesday, January 6, 2026, St. André Bessette

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

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OFFERING YOUR SON
"Love, then, consists in this...that [God] has loved us and has sent His Son as an Offering for our sins." —1 John 4:10

I have three sons, and many of you have sons as well. When I look at God’s love for us through His selfless offering of His own Son for our sins (1 Jn 4:10), I realize how far short I fall of the love that God the Father reveals. I can’t even conceive of a situation in which I would love a group of sinful and rebellious people enough to let one of my sons be born in a cave and placed in a manger, or be beaten and killed on their behalf.

“Yes, God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him may not die but may have eternal life” (Jn 3:16). “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 Jn 4:10). “God is Love” (1 Jn 4:8), and “love is of God” (1 Jn 4:7). God says to you: “With age-old love I have loved you” (Jer 31:3). He wants you to “grasp fully...the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ’s love, and experience this love which surpasses all knowledge” (Eph 3:18-19).

As the last week of the Christmas season concludes, look again at the Christ-Child, God’s only Son, Who is the incarnate Love of God poured out into the world and into our hearts (Rm 5:5). “Live in His love” (Jn 15:10).

Prayer: "O wonder of Your humble care for us! O love, O charity beyond all telling, to ransom a slave You gave away Your Son!" (from the Easter Vigil Exsultet)

Promise: "Everyone who loves is begotten of God and has knowledge of God." —1 Jn 4:7

Praise: St. André has been instrumental in the healing of many through his powerful intercession to St. Joseph.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(For a related teaching on Divine Love, listen to, download or order our AV 52-3 or DVD 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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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THE ANTICHRIST - One Bread, One Body, 01/05/2026

Monday, January 5, 2026, St. John Neumann

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

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THE ANTICHRIST
"This is how you can recognize God's Spirit: every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ come in the flesh belongs to God, while every spirit that fails to acknowledge Him does not belong to God. Such is the spirit of the antichrist." —1 John 4:2-3

The antichrist “will appear as part of the workings of Satan, accompanied by all the power and signs and wonders at the disposal of falsehood — by every seduction the wicked can devise” (2 Thes 2:9-10). Thus it is humanly impossible to recognize the deceptions of the antichrist who will come at the end of the world and of the spirit of the antichrist which “is in the world already” (1 Jn 4:3). However, the Lord has provided a way to prevent us from being deceived. The spirit of the antichrist is recognizable because it refuses to acknowledge Jesus in the flesh (1 Jn 4:2).

Jesus is in the flesh in His physical body, His Eucharistic body (see Jn 6:51ff), and in the members of His Body the Church. The spirit of the antichrist will deny or de-emphasize Jesus’ Incarnation. This can be done by proclaiming Jesus’ divinity to the exclusion of His humanity or by denying Jesus’ divinity, making Jesus’ conception and birth no different than those of anyone else. The spirit of the antichrist may also ignore Jesus’ Eucharistic presence. It would make Holy Communion just a symbol and not central to Christianity. Finally, the spirit of the antichrist relegates the Church to being just a human organization. The antichrist promotes a churchless, individualized Christianity. Because it pretends that the Church is Christ’s Body only figuratively and not really, the spirit of the antichrist will not submit itself to the authority of the Church. “Such is the spirit of the antichrist” (1 Jn 4:3). “Thus do we distinguish the spirit of truth from the spirit of deception” (1 Jn 4:6).

Prayer: Father, by my obedience to You in Your Word in Your Church, may 2026 be a year of truth and not of deception.

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

Praise: St. John Neumann was the first bishop in the U.S. to introduce the Eucharistic devotion of "Forty Hours."



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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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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LET HIM HAVE IT - One Bread, One Body, 01/04/2026

Sunday, January 4, 2026, 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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LET HIM HAVE IT
"All kings shall pay Him homage; all nations shall serve Him." —Psalm 72:11

Today’s great feast of the Epiphany celebrates the manifestation of Jesus to the nations. The wise men traveled a great distance, at much inconvenience, bringing valuable gifts to honor Jesus. The presence of the Baby Jesus manifested the love in their hearts.

King Herod likewise had his love of power made manifest for all the world to see. He pretended to be a worshipper to deceive the Magi (Mt 2:7-8). Eventually, his deception was made manifest, and all could see clearly the malice in Herod’s heart (see Mt 2:16ff).

Things inside us will also be made manifest. If we treasure anything besides Jesus, that attachment will eventually be made manifest to the world (see Mt 10:26-27; Lk 12:3). Is anything in your life more important than Jesus? You cannot give yourself to God and mammon; you will hate the one and love the other. You cannot have two masters (Mt 6:24).

What will be made manifest to the world in your life? Like the magi, lay it before Jesus as a complete self-offering. Let Him have it, before the whole world sees. Jesus will replace that with His grace, so what is displayed from your life to the world is “goodness” (Mt 5:16) and “good deeds” (Eph 2:10).

Prayer: Jesus, fill me with an insatiable desire to worship You.

Promise: "Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow." —Is 60:5

Praise: Praise You, Jesus, King of the universe. Alleluia!

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.) (As you make plans for the New Year, include time for spiritual growth. Attend one or more retreats at our Discipleship Center in Adams County, 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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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A NAME TO PURIFY - One Bread, One Body, 01/03/2026

Saturday, January 3, 2026, Most Holy Name of Jesus

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

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A NAME TO PURIFY
"Everyone who has this hope based on Him keeps himself pure, as He is pure." —1 John 3:3

How can we ever keep ourselves pure, as Jesus is pure? (1 Jn 3:3)

• The name of Jesus. On this memorial of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, “our help is in the name of the Lord” (Ps 124:8). God purifies our lips (see Zep 3:9; Is 6:6-8) that we may call upon His name (Ps 116:13).
• Frequent Confession. In this Sacrament, God provides “a fountain to purify from sin and uncleanness” (Zec 13:1).
• The Holy Eucharist. We, who struggle to be pure, might think, “If only there was some medicine I could take that would give me the strength to be pure...” There is such medicine: the Holy Eucharist, “the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn 1:29). Desire to receive Holy Communion often, daily if possible.
• Daily Prayer. It’s easier to keep something pure that is cleansed daily. Sin “clings to us” (Heb 11:1), but daily prayer combats the impurity that is trying to keep a toehold in our lives. It’s like brushing our teeth daily; the impurities can’t readily cling to our teeth.
• The Holy Spirit. The Spirit fights against the flesh (Gal 5:17) and works to make us holy.
• The Word of God. Immerse yourself in the “purifying...bath of water by the power of the Word” (Eph 5:26; see also Jn 15:3).

Let Jesus take away your sins (see 1 Jn 3:5) and purify you.

Prayer: Jesus, refine and purify me like gold in the consuming fire of Your love (Mal 3:3; Heb 12:29).

Promise: "See what love the Father has bestowed on us in letting us be called children of God!" —1 Jn 3:1

Praise: The Holy Name of Jesus means "God saves." Praise You, Jesus, our Savior. Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess Your most adorable and holy name (Phil 2:9-11). 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 December 1, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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THE CHRIST OF CHRISTMAS - One Bread, One Body, 01/02/2026

Friday, January 2, 2026, St. Basil the Great
St. Gregory Nazianzen

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

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THE CHRIST OF CHRISTMAS
"...he who denies that Jesus is the Christ. He is the antichrist." —1 John 2:22

Jesus Christ is God. “All were created through Him, and for Him. He is before all else that is. In Him everything continues in being” (Col 1:16-17­). Primacy is “His in everything” (Col 1:18). “Absolute fullness reside(s) in Him” (Col 1:19). Jesus Christ is “the faithful Witness, the First-Born from the dead and Ruler of the kings of earth” (Rv 1:5). He is “the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and End” (Rv 21:6).

“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) Even Jesus’ enemies subtly imply His supremacy by being named “antichrists.” They are named in reference to Him. Jesus sets the standard. Everything is secondary to Him. Jesus is not called the anti-Satan or the anti­-evil. He is the Christ, and even antichrists can’t help but give witness (although unwillingly) to Jesus’ divinity.

We are in the middle of the Christmas season. Even time itself bows down before the Christ. Even antichrists exist in reference to Jesus.  How much more will true Christians proclaim the Christ of Christmas!

Prayer: "JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!" (Phil 2:11)

Promise: "Remain in Him now, little ones, so that, when He reveals Himself, we may be fully confident and not retreat in shame at His coming." —1 Jn 2:28

Praise: By the power of the Holy Spirit, St. Basil protected his diocese from heresy.

(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 December 1, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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THE YEAR OF HOPE - One Bread, One Body, 01/01/2026

Thursday, January 1, 2026, Mary, Mother of God

Numbers 6:22-27
Galatians 4:4-7
Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8
Luke 2:16-21
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THE YEAR OF HOPE
"They went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby lying in the manger." —Luke 2:16

At the end of what may be the major document of the twentieth century, Vatican II’s teaching on the Church, the Blessed Virgin Mary is proclaimed as a sign of sure hope (Lumen Gentium, 68). We pray: “Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.” Yes, many of us are in the valleys and are experiencing the banishment due to our sins. Of course, Jesus is our only Hope. But the Lord has chosen Mary to be part of the way He gives us hope. Mary shows to us “the blessed Fruit of her womb, Jesus.”

Today, once again, the Church has called us to begin the year by praying for peace. Mary also has called us for decades to pray for peace. Nonetheless, we may feel like saying: “All too long have I dwelt with those who hate peace. When I speak of peace, they are ready for war” (Ps 120:6-7). Is there any hope for peace? Mary points to Jesus, our only Hope, and she commands us: “Do whatever He tells you” (Jn 2:5).

Is there any hope to stop abortion, starvation, racism, war, and other common atrocities? By faith, at the side of Mary, look to Jesus, our only Hope and the only Hope we need.

Prayer: Father, with my eyes fixed on Your Son Jesus, give me a new year characterized by an invincible hope (see Heb 12:2).

Promise: "When the designated time had come, God sent forth His Son born of a woman, born under the law, to deliver from the law those who were subjected to it, so that we might receive our status as adopted sons." —Gal 4:4-5

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



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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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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