HUMILITY IS THE KEY - One Bread, One Body, 3/12/2012

Monday, March 12, 2012

2 Kings 5:1-15, Psalm 42:2-3; 43:3-4, Luke 4:24-30
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031212.cfm

HUMILITY IS THE KEY

"His servants came up and reasoned with him." -2 Kings 5:13

Naaman was not just any military leader. He was the army commander of the king of Aram and a war hero who had brought victory to Aram (2 Kgs 5:1). In such a prestigious position, Naaman was very wealthy (see 2 Kgs 5:5). Naaman was among the elite. He was top gun.

Elisha was an extrovert. He worked many miracles, usually with a flair. However, when Naaman came to Elisha to be healed of leprosy, Elisha did not come out to see, talk to, or pray with Naaman (2 Kgs 5:10-11). Naaman felt snubbed and angry (2 Kgs 5:12).

The rationale for Elisha's uncharacteristic behavior may have been to give Naaman the opportunity to humble himself. When we humble ourselves, we open the door to God and to healing, for the Lord "is stern with the arrogant but to the humble He shows kindness" (1 Pt 5:5). When Naaman swallowed his pride and listened to Elisha and the advice even of his servants, he was healed (2 Kgs 5:14).

Jesus tried a similar approach with His hometown folk. He bluntly told them they were depriving themselves of God's graces because they did not accept His prophets (Lk 4:24-27). They could have humbled themselves, accepted correction from Jesus, and repented. Instead, they tried to throw Jesus over a cliff, and Jesus walked away (Lk 4:30). Humble yourself and give the Lord the opportunity to exalt you (Mt 23:12).

Prayer: Father, may I open the door separating me from You with the key called "humility."

Promise: "So Naaman went down and plunged into the Jordan seven times at the word of the man of God. His flesh became again like the flesh of a little child." -2 Kgs 5:14

Praise: Sondra quit looking for great signs and wonders and determined to trust God in faith.

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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 February 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 29, 2011

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
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PM eNewsletter Third Sunday of Lent

March 11th, Third Sunday of Lent

Jesus, Lent is about half over, have I changed?

Have I found the path that You want me on?

Or am I just doing what I usually do, and that is just do everyday without a true purpose.

Jesus, open my mind, and help me to come and sit with You in adoration.

Let me empty my mind and just focus on You and Your love.

Let me see my problems in the light of Your presence.

Let me see that I am truly Your child and friend, and that You are our brother, GOD, the
eternal one, the Alpha and the Omega.

Thank You for loving us and dying that we might have everlasting life with the Triune God
forever and ever.

Amen and Amen.

Thank you Lord, for loving us totally.
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One Bread, One Body

This weeks readings and reflections

Sunday DIVINE CLEANING
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=3/11/2012

Jesus "made a [kind of] whip of cords and drove sheep and oxen alike out of the temple area."
-John 2:15

By cleansing the temple, Jesus may have proclaimed that the animal sacrifices of the old law
were no longer necessary. This would be a shocking revelation, because animal sacrifice was
called for in Leviticus and was the heart of Jewish worship. When He cleansed the temple,
Jesus may have been saying He was above the Scriptures, tradition, and the Temple. He may have
been saying that He was God.

The obvious response to Jesus' seemingly blasphemous action was to either stone Him or ask for
a sign showing His authority to do such a thing, which would show that He was God. Jesus gave
such a sign, declaring that the Temple of His body would be destroyed and then raised up on
the third day (Jn 2:19).

When Jesus' body was destroyed on Calvary, He made the once-and-for-all perfect sacrifice that
atoned for all sin and made animal sacrifice obsolete (Heb 10:14, 18). When Jesus rose from
the dead, He showed He was God, for only God has power over death (see Jn 5:21). Only God has
the power to go beyond His revelation in Leviticus and His divinely revealed tradition.

When Jesus cleansed the Temple, He was not destroying property but prefiguring the obsolescence
of animal sacrifice - the heart of Jewish worship. Only God could do that. Therefore, Jesus
would have to be crucified as a blasphemer unless He actually was God. If He was God, and was
still crucified, then He would have to rise from the dead. Jesus rose. He is God. Amen!

Monday HUMILITY IS THE KEY
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=3/12/2012

"His servants came up and reasoned with him." -2 Kings 5:13

Tuesday MERCY, MERCY
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=3/13/2012

"Should you not have dealt mercifully with your fellow servant, as I dealt with you?" -Matthew 18:33

For more readings and inspiration from Presentation Ministries, check us out at
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A Prophetic Lent
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Third Sunday of Lent Ez. 22:1-24:27
Mon. of 3rd week of Lent Ez. 25:1-29:16
Tues. of 3rd week of Lent Ez. 29:17-32:32
Wed. of 3rd week of Lent Ez. 33:1-37:28
Thurs. of 3rd week of Lent Ez. 38:1-42:20
Fri. of 3rd week of Lent Ez. 43:1-45:25
Sat. of 3rd week of Lent Ez. 46:1-48:35

The Secret of Confession
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"Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it so much as dawned on man what God has
prepared for those who love Him." (1 Corinthians 2:9)

The daughter of a Baptist minister becomes a Catholic because of the opportunity to go to
confession. A Presbyterian pastor involved in the healing.....................

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PM Internet Prayer Requests
http://www.presentationministries.com/prayer/prayer.asp

( check out BTL 3 sections below for another way of sharing prayers)

I found this prayer to Mary from Father Werenfried van Stratten (1913-2003) Founder of
Aid to the Church in Need that is so fitting, I would like to offer as my intention, pray
and share, please join me in praying: Mother, now that the need is at its greatest and
the powers of darkness seem to have free rein, we come to You with childlike trust and
implore Your powerful aid. We consecrate ourselves to You. Preserve us in the love of Your
Son, protect us from the evil of this world and lead us safe to the heart of God. Amen
Jesus I Trust in YOU!
(Ken, Texas, 3/10/2012 6:34:49 PM)

Dear father in heaven I pray that the results of the 2012 Match is in my favor. Lord Jesus
I need a job. I have worked hard at medical school and I pray that I will be given the
opportunity to become a pediatrician. Lord I also pray that the current situation that I
am involved in will resolve. Lord I have prayed for a companion, I now pray that you will
guide me to the one is best suited for me.
(Nordia, 3/10/2012 6:07:08 PM)

For special intention for Lola Santa for her speedy recovery. Give her comfort from her
illness.
(Emma D., White Marsh, MD, United States, 3/10/2012 5:25:18 PM)

Lord Jesus Christ, I ask and pray that you please help me and my girlfriend Eibett Medrano
stay strong in our relationship and help us build our trust and love back. Let us stay
loyal to each other and always let us be real with one another. In the name of the Lord
Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
(fernando, elgin, il, United States, 3/10/2012 5:22:36 PM)

For all prayers posted. Amen.
(Anonymous, 3/10/2012 5:02:13 PM)

For the salvation of souls, especially mine. Amen.
(Anonymous, 3/10/2012 5:01:49 PM)

Lord I am tired , stressed , worn out and weary . I am almost for sure that I am in the
state of depression. I live in a home with ungrateful people who sucks every bit of life
and energy that I have. I can not move due to my financial situation. There are many days
that I have to contain tears. I am so tired of living in the house. I have been trying for
years to get out of this situation. Each day I live here I feel beaten down and weak. I am
starting to even cut off a lot of my friends because I don't have the energy to be bother.
I need strength , happiness and patience . I ask for the blessing of a job and the amount
of pay to take my self out of this situation.
(Fatima J, New York, NY, United States, 3/10/2012 4:39:59 PM)

Please follow link to additional prayer intentions.
http://www.presentationministries.com/prayer/prayer.asp
________________________________________________

MP3 4 You

The internet ministry for PM is highlighting our downloadable tapes online. The Gospels of
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are featured as are The Acts of the Apostles Part 1 thru 4, 1
Corinthians Part 1 & 2, and Romans Parts 1-3, thru Revelation. Also available, many MP3 formatted
Audio tapes of most epistles in the bible and numerous 15 minute Bible studies by Fr. Al Lauer.

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Small Christian Community Resources

Introduction to Small Christian Community
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"Unless the Lord Build the House..." - Psalm 127:
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Building Small Christian Communities (Team Manual)
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For more information contact: community@presentationministries.com
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Bible Telephone Line

New Technology for Bible Telephone Line Ministry
Local Numbers Double Practically Overnight!

The Bible Telephone Line (BTL) has been in operation for 19 years. Begun by Fr. Al
in 1991, it now continues with three teachers trained by him and by Presentation
Ministries. In cities where local numbers have been established, the BTL provides
callers with a short teaching on the readings for the daily Mass. It is available 24
hours a day and 7 days a week. Callers may also leave a short prayer request which
will be shared on the line with the other callers the next day.

** Please check these listings as a number of changes have been made.**

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Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth
http://presentationministries.com/BST/bst2012-01.asp?navlink=latest

Notable quotations from Pope Benedict XVI and official
teachings of the Roman Catholic Church

FAITH AND LOVE

"GRACE AND JOY"

Faith grows when it is lived as an experience of love received and when it is
communicated as an experience of grace and joy. It makes us fruitful, because it expands
our hearts in hope and enables us to bear life-giving witness...

"THE WITNESS OF CHARITY"

The Year of Faith will ... be a good opportunity to intensify the witness of charity.

FAITH AND CHARITY

Faith without charity bears no fruit, while charity, without faith would be a sentiment
constantly at the mercy of doubt. Faith and charity each require the other, in such a way
that each allows the other to set out along its respective path.

(Source: Apostolic Letter Porta Fidei, issued 10/11/2011)

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2012 RETREATS
Online Registration

2012 RETREATS

Catholic Retreats

Discipleship Retreats at the Paul Jansen Discipleship Center

Most of our scheduled discipleship retreats have been canceled so that we may enter into a
time of prayer, drawing nearer to the Lord our God and seeking His will for our ministry.

Our Lady's Holy Mountain Community will be praying with the Church and adoring our Lord in
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. We invite you to join us as we pray.

View our Retreat Schedule to see which retreats are still offered.

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DIVINE CLEANING - One Bread, One Body, 3/11/2012

Sunday, March 11, 2012, Third Sunday of Lent

Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:22-25, Psalm 19:8-11, John 2:13-25
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031112.cfm

DIVINE CLEANING

Jesus "made a [kind of] whip of cords and drove sheep and oxen alike out of the temple area." -John 2:15

By cleansing the temple, Jesus may have proclaimed that the animal sacrifices of the old law were no longer necessary. This would be a shocking revelation, because animal sacrifice was called for in Leviticus and was the heart of Jewish worship. When He cleansed the temple, Jesus may have been saying He was above the Scriptures, tradition, and the Temple. He may have been saying that He was God.

The obvious response to Jesus' seemingly blasphemous action was to either stone Him or ask for a sign showing His authority to do such a thing, which would show that He was God. Jesus gave such a sign, declaring that the Temple of His body would be destroyed and then raised up on the third day (Jn 2:19).

When Jesus' body was destroyed on Calvary, He made the once-and-for-all perfect sacrifice that atoned for all sin and made animal sacrifice obsolete (Heb 10:14, 18). When Jesus rose from the dead, He showed He was God, for only God has power over death (see Jn 5:21). Only God has the power to go beyond His revelation in Leviticus and His divinely revealed tradition.

When Jesus cleansed the Temple, He was not destroying property but prefiguring the obsolescence of animal sacrifice - the heart of Jewish worship. Only God could do that. Therefore, Jesus would have to be crucified as a blasphemer unless He actually was God. If He was God, and was still crucified, then He would have to rise from the dead. Jesus rose. He is God. Amen!

Prayer: Father, may my obedience to Jesus be so radical as to be understandable to others only if they believe Jesus is God.

Promise: "God's folly is wiser than men." -1 Cor 1:25

Praise: Praise Jesus, Whose love knows no bounds! Alleluia!

(For a related teaching, order our tape "Jesus, the Redeemer" on audio AV 50-3 or video V-50.)

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

Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from February 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 29, 2011

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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GUILT RIDDANCE - One Bread, One Body, 3/10/2012

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Micah 7:14-15, 18-20, Psalm 103:1-4, 9-12, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031012.cfm

GUILT RIDDANCE

"Who is there like You, the God Who removes guilt?" -Micah 7:18

In today's eucharistic Scriptures, the Lord throws our repented sins far into the ocean, into the very depths of the sea (Mi 7:19). Then He erects a huge sign marked: "No Swimming!" Yet some of us don't really understand God's amazing love. We put on a spiritual wetsuit, dive into the ocean in an attempt to retrieve our guilt, and spend years feeling guilty for having caused God and others so many problems. We're more comfortable in our prison of guilt than in being set free by Jesus.

The Lord doesn't want us to move back into prison after He has set us free. He grabs the guilt we recovered from the sea and tramples it under His feet (Mi 7:19). Jesus is serious. He really doesn't want us to take back that guilt. At this point, some of us are tempted to feel guilty about feeling guilty. This is why Jesus tells the story about the prodigal son. Jesus wants to see the guilty party - with music and celebration (Lk 15:23, 25).

When we're truly set free from our prison of guilt, however, not everyone rejoices. People want to put us back into our prison cell. When Jesus removes and tramples our guilt, we are free indeed! (Jn 8:36) Don't pay attention to what others think. Instead, focus on what Jesus thinks. We must "keep our eyes fixed on Jesus" (Heb 12:2). If He is for us, who can be against us? (Rm 8:31) If Jesus alone rejoices to see us free from guilt, then our opponents are outnumbered. "So stand firm, and do not take on yourselves the yoke of slavery" and guilt "a second time" (Gal 5:1).

Prayer: Jesus, may all prisoners come to know in the core of their being the depths of Your mercy and compassion for them.

Promise: "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He put our transgressions from us." -Ps 103:12

Praise: "Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all my being, bless His holy Name" (Ps 103:1).

(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 February 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 29, 2011

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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GREAT FORGIVENESS - One Bread, One Body, 3/9/2012

Friday, March 9, 2012, St. Frances of Rome

Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28, Psalm 105:16-21, Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/030912.cfm

GREAT FORGIVENESS

"He made him lord of his house and ruler of all his possessions." -Psalm 105:21

After Jesus fasted for forty days in the desert, He "returned in the power of the Spirit" (Lk 4:14). Likewise, we will emerge from this Lenten fast as great men and women of God, "filled with faith and the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5), but only if we accept God's grace to forgive those who have hurt us.

Joseph became one of the greatest people in history and one of the most powerful men in the world, but he first had to forgive his brothers for planning to murder him and for eventually selling him into slavery (Gn 37:20, 28). Jesus, the Greatest of all, God Himself, was the Stone rejected by the builders (Mt 21:42). Jesus was rejected so viciously that He was nailed to a cross. There He prayed: "Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing" (Lk 23:34). The greatest people are the greatest forgivers.

Forgiveness is one of the major graces given in our fasting. Forgiveness is the road to greatness, the way of the cross, the vocation of every person. Forgive and be great.

Prayer: Father, may I forgive as Jesus forgave when He hung upon His cross.

Promise: "The Stone Which the builders rejected has become the Keystone of the structure. It was the Lord Who did this and we find it marvelous to behold." -Mt 21:42; Ps 118:22-23

Praise: St. Frances wrote that sometimes, as a housewife, she must leave God at the altar to find Him in her housekeeping.

(For a related teaching, order our leaflet, "Fourteen Questions on Forgiveness", or our audio on "Forgiveness" AV 106A-1, AV 106A-3, AV 106B-1 or our video V-106A, V-106B.)

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

Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from February 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 29, 2011

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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"ONE LIFE TO LIVE" - One Bread, One Body, 3/8/2012

Thursday, March 8, 2012, St. John of God

Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1:1-4, 6, Luke 16:19-31
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/030812.cfm

"ONE LIFE TO LIVE"

"If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if one should rise from the dead." -Luke 16:31

We can choose to go to hell. Each one of us was born with a warped, fallen nature. We possess a hard heart, "tortuous" and "beyond remedy" (Jer 17:9). We can be so hard-hearted that we are like a barren desert or a lava waste (Jer 17:6). We can be so thick-headed that someone rising from a casket doesn't even make an impression on us (Lk 16:31).

"Who can free" us from such a wretched state? (Rm 7:24) Jesus alone can probe our warped minds and hardened hearts (Jer 17:10). If we ask Him, Jesus will remove our old, hardened heart and give us a new, natural heart (Ez 36:26).

This is a critical, eternal, life-changing matter. If we choose to keep Jesus away from our heart, we'll probably also keep Him away from us forever in the isolation of hell. If we beg Jesus to take over our heart and our life, we'll thank Him forever for the privilege of spending eternity with Him in the ecstasy of heaven.

This life is the only opportunity you have to make this great choice. Don't trust in yourself but trust only in the Lord (Jer 17:7). Put your heart and your life in His hands now.

Prayer: Jesus, save me. I put all my hope in You (Jer 17:7). Never let me be parted from You.

Promise: "Happy the man who...delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on His law day and night." -Ps 1:1, 2

Praise: St. John so identified with the lowly that he described himself as "unworthy to eat the bread of the poor."

(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 February 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 29, 2011

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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Copyright © 2012 Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
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SCRUTINIZING SELF-AHOLICS - One Bread, One Body, 3/7/2012

Wednesday, March 7, 2012, Sts. Perpetua & Felicity

Jeremiah 18:18-20, Psalm 31:5-6, 14-16, Matthew 20:17-28
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/030712.cfm

SCRUTINIZING SELF-AHOLICS

"The mother of Zebedee's sons came up to Him accompanied by her sons, to do Him homage and ask of Him a favor." -Matthew 20:20

As we enter more deeply into this Lent, Jesus asks us: "What is it you want?" (Mt 20:21) The desires of our hearts may be like those of the mother of Zebedee's sons (Mt 20:21). We may be thinking more about ourselves than God. During this Lent, Jesus tries to break the spell of self. He asks another question: "Can you drink of the cup I am to drink of?" (Mt 20:22) Jesus tries to change us from being self-seeking to cross-carrying.

Next Sunday, in many Catholic churches throughout the world, "the scrutinies" will take place. We will ask the Lord to scrutinize the hearts, motives, desires, and lives of those preparing to be baptized and/or enter the Catholic Church. Let's join with the catechumens and candidates by asking the Lord to scrutinize our own hearts. May God's Word penetrate our inmost being, separate the good from the bad, judge the thoughts and reflections of our hearts, and purify us (Heb 4:12).

When Jesus asks us at Easter, "What is it you want?", may we not be fixated on ourselves but focused on Him. May we want to give more than receive (Acts 20:35) and to serve more than be served (Mt 20:28). May we want the cross more than pleasure and Jesus more than self. May we want what He wants.

Prayer: Father, give me the desires of Your heart.

Promise: "Anyone among you who aspires to greatness must serve the rest, and whoever wants to rank first among you must serve the needs of all." -Mt 20:26-27

Praise: St. Perpetua wrote to her father concerning her impending martyrdom, "We depend not on our own power but on the power of God."

(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 February 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 29, 2011

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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