WHEN SHEEP MAKE SHEPHERDS - One Bread, One Body, 4/5/2008

EASTER CHALLENGE: Read the whole New Testament this Easter. Follow our
reading guide:

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/NTEaster.asp
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Saturday, April 5, 2008, St. Vincent Ferrer

Acts 6:1-7, Psalm 33, John 6:16-21
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/040508.shtml

WHEN SHEEP MAKE SHEPHERDS

"Look around among your own number, brothers, for seven men acknowledged
to be deeply spiritual." —Acts 6:3

"They presented these men to the apostles." —Acts 6:6

Did you notice that the leaders of the early Church placed the
responsibility for finding deacons on the "community of the disciples"?
(Acts 6:2) That's us! We are to be on the lookout for those who would make
good leaders in the Church.

This was new for the early Christians. Jewish priests and Levites were
born into their positions. The apostles were called and chosen by Jesus
Himself. The early Church, however, called the lay people to raise up
future leaders from "among [their] own number" (Acts 6:3).

Our priests and bishops today cannot possibly know each person who may
have a call to religious life and other forms of leadership in the Church.
They depend on each one of us to do our part in building up the Church. We
can do this by:
* asking God to reveal to us those "deeply spiritual and prudent" men
and women (Acts 6:3),
* pointing out to these people their gifts,
* encouraging (Heb 10:25) them and praying for them,
* discipling them to be more "spiritual" (Acts 6:3),
* presenting these people to Church leaders by offering to introduce
them to vocation directors, paying for them to go on retreats, etc. and
* making disciples (Mt 28:19) by having as many children as God calls
us to have and raising them in the faith.

The leaders of the Church are depending on you. "Look around" (Acts 6:3).

Prayer: Father, may I be for You a scout who is full of encouragement (Nm
13:2, 30ff).

Promise: Jesus "told them, 'It is I; do not be afraid.' " —Jn 6:20

Praise: St. Vincent advised priests to ask God "to fill you with
charity...; with it you can accomplish what you desire."

(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 my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from April
1, 2008 through May 31, 2008
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, October 23, 2007

The rescript 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 ecclesial permission 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/obob/obob.asp

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FOR BETTER AND FOR WORSE - One Bread, One Body, 4/4/2008

EASTER CHALLENGE: Read the whole New Testament this Easter. Follow our
reading guide:

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/NTEaster.asp
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Friday, April 4, 2008, St. Isidore of Seville

Acts 5:34-42, Psalm 27, John 6:1-15
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/040408.shtml

FOR BETTER AND FOR WORSE

"Day after day, both in the temple and at home, they never stopped
teaching and proclaiming the good news of Jesus the Messiah." —Acts 5:42

When Peter and John proclaimed Jesus' resurrection after healing the man
born lame, the Sadducees' reaction was anger (Acts 4:2). As the apostles
proclaimed the risen Christ through signs and wonders, the high priest and
the Sadducees reacted with jealousy (Acts 5:17). They expressed this by
having the apostles whipped (Acts 5:40). When Stephen proclaimed the risen
Christ, the onlookers responded with violence. They ground their teeth,
put their hands over their ears, attacked Stephen, and beat him with
stones until they murdered him (Acts 7:54-58).

The more Jesus' disciples proclaimed His resurrection, the more their
persecution intensified. The more intense the persecution, the more the
disciples continued to proclaim the resurrection. They considered it a
privilege to be judged worthy of ill-treatment for the sake of Jesus' name
(Acts 5:41). "Both in the temple and at home, they never stopped teaching
and proclaiming the good news of Jesus" (Acts 5:42).

Are you witnessing for the risen Jesus? Are some people responding with
faith and love? Are others filled with anger, jealousy, or violence toward
you? How are you taking this? Are you rejoicing in suffering rejection and
hostility for love of Jesus? Are you intensifying your proclamation of the
risen Christ?

Prayer: Father, may I react to rejection by forgiving and by witnessing
for Your Son with increased zeal.

Promise: "A vast crowd kept following Him because they saw the signs He
was performing for the sick." —Jn 6:2

Praise: St. Isidore taught, "When God's grace touches our inmost minds to
bring understanding, His word which has been received by the ears sinks
into the heart."

(For a related teaching, order our leaflet, "Accepting Jesus as Lord,
Savior, and God", or on audio AV 43-1 or video V-43.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from April
1, 2008 through May 31, 2008
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, October 23, 2007

The rescript 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 ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

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

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

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Distractions in life come in a variety of ways

Source: J.John

I heard about a woman who was travelling on a bus with her baby. She was so deep in conversation on her mobile that when the bus driver reached her stop, the woman got off the bus, leaving her four-month-old son behind. Fortunately, she quickly realised her mistake and got a taxi to chase the bus, and the baby was still where she had left him on the bus – crying, but otherwise OK.
Distractions in life can come in a variety of ways, sometimes disguised as harmless or even good things. They can sometimes be pleasant and sometimes painful, but the result is the same: we can miss the right thing, or the important thing. When couples prepare for marriage a common phenomenon takes place as the wedding date gets closer - the couple think less about the marriage, and more about the wedding. As the day draws closer everyone constantly talks about the details of the wedding and they ask far fewer questions about the marriage. This is an understandable dynamic, but it's not necessarily a good one. Often the wedding, which is a good thing, distracts the couple's attention from the marriage, which is a great thing. And although most weddings are perfect, many marriages aren't.

We need the Lord to open our eyes so we can beware of distractions that will preoccupy us and distract us from what is important. The apostle Paul tells us: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." The word the apostle Paul used for 'anxious' means ' to be pulled in different directions'. There are things in life which seem to pull us apart. In those situations the apostle Paul's simple solution was to pray.

When things come our way that threaten to de-rail us, one of the first things we can do is to follow the example Jesus himself set. In Mark 6:46 we read: "And when he had sent them away, [Jesus] departed into the mountain to pray." The Quaker, Thomas Kelly, once observed: "The outer distractions of our interests reflect an inner lack of integration in our own selves. We are trying to be several selves at once without all our selves being organised by a single, mastering Life within us."

WOW! That's a gem of a quote to prayerfully ponder on this week!

May you know the Lord's encouragement all around the compass and the clock.

Agapé

J.John
Useful link: www.philotrust.com

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE AND THE SPIRIT - One Bread, One Body, 4/3/2008

EASTER CHALLENGE: Read the whole New Testament this Easter. Follow our
reading guide:

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/NTEaster.asp
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Thursday, April 3, 2008

Acts 5:27-33, Psalm 34, John 3:31-36
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/040308.shtml

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE AND THE SPIRIT

"We gave you strict orders not to teach about that name, yet you have
filled Jerusalem with your teaching." —Acts 5:28

Peter and the apostles proclaimed that the Holy Spirit was given to those
who obey God (Acts 5:32). Jesus promised an unrationed outpouring of the
Holy Spirit to those who believed in and obeyed Him (Jn 3:34, 36).
Receiving the Holy Spirit is intimately connected with obedience.

Peter and the apostles replied to the Sanhedrin: "Better for us to obey
God than men!" (Acts 5:29) When the apostles mentioned obedience to God,
they contrasted this with civil disobedience, that is, disobedience to
man. In effect, the apostles were saying that the Holy Spirit is given to
those who obey God by disobeying the Sanhedrin's prohibition of witnessing
for Jesus. The Sanhedrin did not miss the point. Upon hearing the
apostles' comment, they "were stung to fury and wanted to kill them" (Acts
5:33).

To receive the Spirit, we must obey God rather than men. For example, we
must stand up for life even when the government demands taxes to finance
abortion. We must not laugh at "dirty jokes" or participate in gossip,
even when the unwritten laws of the office pressure us into compliance. We
must witness for Jesus, even if it is considered out of place by our
classmates or co-workers. We must disobey the written and unwritten laws
of men which contradict the will of God. Then we will receive an
unrationed outpouring of the Spirit (see Jn 3:34).

Prayer: Father, may I consider it a privilege to suffer for love of You
(see Acts 5:41). Come, Holy Spirit!

Promise: "Whoever believes in the Son has life eternal. Whoever disobeys
the Son will not see life, but must endure the wrath of God." —Jn 3:36

Praise: Obeying the Church, Linda spoke to a fellow parishioner who was
perpetuating a faulty liturgical practice.

(For a related teaching, order our tape on "Spiritual Adultery" on audio
AV 53-1 or video V-53.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from April
1, 2008 through May 31, 2008
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, October 23, 2007

The rescript 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 ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

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

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

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OVER THESE PRISON WALLS WE SHALL FLY! - One Bread, One Body, 4/2/2008

EASTER CHALLENGE: Read the whole New Testament this Easter. Follow our
reading guide:

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/NTEaster.asp
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Wednesday, April 2, 2008, St. Francis of Paola

Acts 5:17-26, Psalm 34, John 3:16-21
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/040208.shtml

OVER THESE PRISON WALLS WE SHALL FLY!

"We found the jail securely locked and the guards at their posts outside
the gates, but when we opened it we found no one inside." —Acts 5:23

Listen to the guards talking outside the prison walls...

"Look at him! That bum's been an alcoholic for twenty years! What's he
doing holding down a steady job? Look, he's witnessing to his co-workers
about how Jesus delivered him from the bottle. He can't do that. Let's
talk some sense into him..."

"What's happened to her? She's been shy and meek all her life. What's she
doing praying in front of the abortion clinic? She can't do that. It's
making people angry. We've got to stop her..."

"Look at Father! He's been a quiet priest all these years. Why is he
suddenly trying to renew our parish? He must have a hidden agenda. We'd
better talk to the bishop..."

The world thinks it has overcome Christians by putting them in jails
called "acceptable behavior." How surprised they are when Jesus snaps the
chains that bind us and sets us free in the open! (Ps 18:20) When we
receive the Holy Spirit, we act in truth and come into the light to
glorify God by our deeds (Jn 3:21). Since the world hates the light (Jn
3:20), they will want to throw us back into our old prisons (Acts 5:26).
But Jesus has set us free, and we are free indeed! (Jn 8:36)

"So stand firm, and do not take on yourselves the yoke of slavery a second
time!" (Gal 5:1) "Go out now and take your place" (Acts 5:20).

Prayer: Father, You so loved the world that You sent Your only Son to save
us (Jn 3:16). I am all Yours. Use me as You will.

Promise: "God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world,
but that the world might be saved through Him." —Jn 3:17

Praise: St. Francis broke through the culturally-imposed jail of a typical
teenager and gave his life to Jesus at the age of 13.

(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 my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from April
1, 2008 through May 31, 2008
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, October 23, 2007

The rescript 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 ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

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

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

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ACCTV April Newsletter

new australian productions, new shows for kids something for everyone on your australian christian channel more info>
// anzac day // We've put together a collection of specials to celebrate and remember the Anzac history and spirit. Anzac Then, Now and Forever unravels the Anzac story for a new generation. Battle for Zion explores the battlefields of North Africa and the Middle East and highlights the role played by Australian, New Zealand and British troops in the formation of the modern nation of Israel. Special Anzac Day viewing airs April 23rd - 25th. more info > // transforming nations // The winds of revival are sweeping the world. We are once again showing the popular 'Transform Nations' series, through the month of April. Around the world, communities are changing because of the infectious, transforming presence of God. See jails emptied and churches filled. Learn how the power of prayer can deliver similar results in your own neighbourhood. The Transform Nations series airs Saturday nights at 8:30. more info > // a month of testimony // A persons own story is one of the most powerful stories there is. Throughout April we have some amazing testimonies from some incredible people. From basketball star AC Green to soap star Hunter Tylo. From serial killer David Berkowitz to one time drug addict and diver for the Cousteau society, Steve Arrington, who now uses adventure to help teens make better choices. Our month of testimonies air in feature timeslots . more info >
	BUILDING FAMILIES // April on ACC will see some great programs devoted to developing parenting skills, building stronger marriages and helping teens through sticky issues. Check out The Sixty Minute Parent, Vive le Difference and No Apologies for some of the best advice around. Building Families specials air in feature timeslots. more info >
	DOWNLOAD YOUR TV GUIDE // Take a good look at everything April has to offer, including Anzac Day special programming, new programs and reviews of all features and documentaries: print off your TV guide right now. The new TV guide goes online a couple of days before the end of the month, each and every month to keep you up to date. Never miss anything again! more info >

Copyright Australian Christian Channel 2006. To unsubscribe, please click here.

WHAT!?! - One Bread, One Body, 4/1/2008

EASTER CHALLENGE: Read the whole New Testament this Easter. Follow our
reading guide:

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/NTEaster.asp
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Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Acts 4:32-37, Psalm 93, John 3:7-15
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/040108.shtml

WHAT!?!

"The community of believers were of one heart and one mind. None of them
ever claimed anything as his own; rather, everything was held in
common." —Acts 4:32

Go back and re-read the above verse. Then close your eyes for a moment and
picture the lifestyle of the early Christians. Our ancestors in faith
"were of one heart and one mind. None of them ever claimed anything as his
own; rather, everything was held in common" (Acts 4:32). "Nor was there
anyone needy among them, for all who owned property or houses sold them
and donated the proceeds. They used to lay them at the feet of the
apostles to be distributed to everyone according to his need" (Acts
4:34-35). This is the lifestyle in faith we inherited from the early
Christians.

You might say it's impossible to live a lifestyle like that in today's
world. You would be correct. To live like the early Christians, you'd need
to "be begotten from above" (Jn 3:7). You'd have to daily live the
"radical newness of the Christian life that comes from Baptism" (Lay
Members of Christ's Faithful People, 10). You would need to have a moment
by moment, unfailing trust in the constant providence of your heavenly
Father to provide everything you need (Mt 6:8, 11). Does this lifestyle of
faith resemble yours?

If we listed each of our possessions, we could probably manage to justify
to ourselves a reason for owning each item. However, could we justify it
to the poor, who need our help now? Could we justify ourselves to the
early Christians? Can we justify our lifestyle to Jesus?

Prayer: Lord, do I really trust You? Do I truly believe Your promises to
provide for me? May I live my Baptism in radical newness.

Promise: "Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the
Son of Man be lifted up, that all who believe may have eternal life in
Him." —Jn 3:14-15

Praise: Imitating the simple lifestyle of Jesus, Joseph sold his car and
now rides to work and church on a bicycle.

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

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

Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from April
1, 2008 through May 31, 2008
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, October 23, 2007

The rescript 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 ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

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

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

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

Copyright © 2008 Presentation Ministries

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