WATCHING THE HIGH LIGHTS - One Bread, One Body, 06/08/2021

Tuesday, June 8, 2021,

2 Corinthians 1:18-22
Psalm 119:129-133, 135
Matthew 5:13-16
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WATCHING THE HIGH LIGHTS
"A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." —Matthew 5:14

Once we commit our lives to Jesus and let our light shine publicly, there’s no turning back. Our lives can no longer be hidden (Mt 5:14) once we step out in faith as witnesses for Jesus on the job, in the neighborhood, in the public arena, etc. When we come into the light to let the world know that we live in Jesus, the Truth (Jn 3:21; 14:6), people are now watching us to see whether we will falter or stay faithful to Jesus. If we let our light shine before men, and then turn away from following Jesus and turn back to a worldly lifestyle, we are “unfit” to give glory to the kingdom of God (Lk 9:62).

The public credibility of the kingdom of God is at stake, and we are on display. We are vulnerable. We have put ourselves in a position where we desperately need the Holy Spirit day by day, moment by moment, to keep us “set aflame and burning bright” (Jn 5:35). Satan will tempt us to take a “breather” by stepping out of the hot lights into the darkness (see Jn 3:19); however, stepping away from Jesus is the devil’s trap. We must continually come to Jesus (Mt 11:28) and never move away from Him.

“Fix your eyes on Jesus” (Heb 3:1), “the Light of the World” (Jn 8:12). “Walk in light, as He is in the light” (1 Jn 1:7).

Prayer: Father, let the light of Your face shine on me (Ps 119:135) that I may shine before men so they may see my good works, and give praise to You (Mt 5:16).

Promise: "It is He Who anointed us and has sealed us, thereby depositing the first payment, the Spirit, in our hearts." —2 Cor 1:21-22

Praise: Clarence has brought the light of Christ to prisoners for over thirty years.

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the period from June 1, 2021 through July 31, 2021. Reverend Steve J Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 20, 2021"

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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SHOCK WAVES - One Bread, One Body, 06/07/2021

Monday, June 7, 2021,

2 Corinthians 1:1-7
Psalm 34:2-9
Matthew 5:1-12
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SHOCK WAVES
"How blest are..." —Matthew 5:3

When Jesus gathered His disciples around Him and began to teach them the Beatitudes, what were His disciples expecting? Jesus had called these men to join His kingdom (see Mt 4:22ff). He took them on tour with Him where they saw His amazing power to heal the masses and bring deliverance from the evil one (see Mt 4:23-24). The disciples saw Jesus’ popularity and ability to draw great crowds (see Mt 4:25). When Jesus took them up the mountainside, they possibly anticipated becoming VIPs in His kingdom. They may have expected power, prestige, and money. Even after Jesus repeatedly corrected the disciples’ false idea of His kingdom, they still thought His kingdom was of this world, and discussed who would be the greatest (see Mt 18:1).

Therefore, when Jesus was talking about eight ways to be happy, that is, the Beatitudes, the disciples may have expected a kind of motivational talk worthy of Dale Carnegie. However, Jesus absolutely shocked the disciples. Happiness was not riches, but poverty; not feeling good, but sorrowing for sin; not prestige, but lowliness; not desiring pleasures, but holiness; not winning, but showing mercy; not doing your own thing, but being single-hearted in doing God’s thing; not manipulating others, but making peace; and not popularity, but persecution (Mt 5:3-10).

The disciples could not have been more shocked by the Beatitudes, which continue to send shock waves throughout human history to this very day.

Prayer: Father, may I shock the world by living the Beatitudes.

Promise: "As we have shared much in the suffering of Christ, so through Christ do we share abundantly in His consolation." —2 Cor 1:5

Praise: James gave up a successful business career to follow the Lord's call to priesthood.

(We offer a Family Vacation With the Lord, June 21-25. This is a great time for the family to have fun and grow closer to the Lord with other families. See www.presentationministries.com or call 513-373-2397 for information or to register.)

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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 period from June 1, 2021 through July 31, 2021. Reverend Steve J Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 20, 2021"

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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BLOOD-COVENANT AND COMMUNION - One Bread, One Body, 06/06/2021

Sunday, June 6, 2021, Body and Blood of Christ

Exodus 24:3-8
Hebrews 9:11-15
Psalm 116:12-13, 15-18
Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

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BLOOD-COVENANT AND COMMUNION
"This is My blood, the blood of the covenant." —Mark 14:24

At the Last Supper, Jesus made a covenant with us through His blood. Within the next twenty-four hours, Jesus “poured out” His blood on Calvary (Mk 14:24). This reminds us of the pouring out, even splashing, of the blood of the animal sacrifices on the altar in the Temple (see Lv 17:6). Poured-out blood is a dramatic, sensory expression of total commitment to the Lord.

The writer of Hebrews pictures the blood of the covenant not being splashed but being applied as a cleansing agent. Christ’s blood cleanses “our consciences from dead works to worship the living God” (Heb 9:14). Covenant blood is used for the repentance and forgiveness of sins.

Moses made a blood-covenant between the Lord and the Israelites by sprinkling the blood of the animal sacrifices on the people. (Imagine drops of blood falling on your arms, in your face, and in your hair.) This sprinkled blood represented a covenant of obedience, for, before the sprinkling of the blood, the people promised: “All that the Lord has said, we will heed and do” (Ex 24:7, 3).

When we receive Holy Communion, we are covenanting to pour out our lives in total love for the Lord, to repent of our sins, be washed in His blood (see Rv 7:14), and to obey the Lord in every detail of our lives. Make a blood-covenant in Holy Communion today on this feast of Corpus Christi.

Prayer: Jesus, may I desire to receive You in Holy Communion every day for the rest of my life.

Promise: "This is My body." —Mk 14:22

Praise: "Is not the cup of blessing we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ?" (1 Cor 10:16) Praise You, risen Jesus!

(For a related teaching on Covenanting, order, listen to, or download our CD 40C-1 or DVD 40C 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 period from June 1, 2021 through July 31, 2021. Reverend Steve J Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 20, 2021"

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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SMALL ALL - One Bread, One Body, 06/05/2021

Saturday, June 5, 2021, St. Boniface

Tobit 12:1, 5-15, 20
Tobit 13:2, 6-8
Mark 12:38-44
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SMALL ALL
"I want you to observe that this poor widow contributed more than all the others who donated to the treasury. They gave from their surplus wealth, but she gave from her want, all that she had to live on." —Mark 12:43-44

Who makes the greatest contributions to the building of God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven? It’s not the official religious leaders who give from their surplus, but the little people — the widows and the poor — who give their all to the Lord. When little poor people give their small all, Jesus multiplies that all to feed the masses and renew the face of the earth. “God chose those whom the world considers absurd to shame the wise; He singled out the weak of this world to shame the strong. He chose the world’s lowborn and despised, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who were something” (1 Cor 1:27-28).

The Lord continues to choose the small to the present day. He still chooses teenage girls from villages like Nazareth to change the world. He still takes broken, blind men like Tobit and turns all things to the good for those who love Him (Rm 8:28). Like Job, you may be crushed by tragedies. If you give your all to the Lord, you will bear much fruit for the Kingdom (Jn 12:24). Jesus made Himself small by emptying Himself in the Incarnation, and He gave His all by dying on the cross (Phil 2:6ff). Let us follow in His footsteps.

Prayer: Father, I love You with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind, and all my strength (Mk 12:30).

Promise: "Honor and proclaim God's deeds, and do not be slack in praising Him." —Tb 12:6

Praise: By focusing on correcting the non-Christian practices he found on his journeys, St. Boniface was able to restore the true faith to most of Germany.

(For a related teaching on Developing A Deep, Personal Relationship with Jesus, order, listen to, or download our CD 52-1 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 period from June 1, 2021 through July 31, 2021. Reverend Steve J Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 20, 2021"

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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DOCTOR’S ORDERS - One Bread, One Body, 06/04/2021

Friday, June 4, 2021,

Tobit 11:5-17
Psalm 146:1-2, 6-10
Mark 12:35-37
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DOCTOR'S ORDERS
"I am certain that his eyes will be opened. Smear the fish gall on them. This medicine will make the cataracts shrink and peel off from his eyes." —Tobit 11:7-8

Tobiah healed his father of blindness by applying fish gall to his eyes and peeling off the cataracts (Tb 11:12-13). Hezekiah was healed of a terminal illness when Isaiah applied a poultice of figs (Is 38:21). Paul gave Timothy medical advice to take some wine for a stomach ailment (1 Tm 5:23). The Bible approves of medicine (Wis 1:14) and commands us to hold the physician in honor (Sir 38:1).

At the same time, the Bible disapproves of putting doctors and medicine ahead of God. King Asa was condemned in Scripture for seeking physicians rather than the Lord to treat his diseased feet (2 Chr 16:12). St. Mark points out: “There was a woman in the area who had been afflicted with a hemorrhage for a dozen years. She had received treatment at the hands of doctors of every sort and exhausted her savings in the process, yet she got no relief; on the contrary, she only grew worse” (Mk 5:25-26).

Doctors have their place, but it is fourth place, after we have first prayed, repented, and worshiped (Sir 38:9-12). Medical treatment should be our last resort, not our first resort. Long-term doctor’s care, hospitalization, or medication may be depending too much on things meant to be only temporary means of God’s healing and not major parts of our lives.

Prayer: Father, may I not be brainwashed by society but value medical technology according to Your will.

Promise: "The majority of the crowd heard this with delight." —Mk 12:37

Praise: Dr. Bowen prays with his patients before he operates on them.

(The annual 40 Hours Eucharistic Devotion and Family Campout is June 18-20. This is a wonderful way to experience the love of God and His people. Call 937-587-5464 or 513-373-2397 to register.)

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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 period from June 1, 2021 through July 31, 2021. Reverend Steve J Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 20, 2021"

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

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

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GOD IN THE BEDROOM - One Bread, One Body, 06/03/2021

Thursday, June 3, 2021, St. Charles Lwanga & Companions

Tobit 6:10-11; 7:1, 9-17; 8:4-9
Psalm 128:1-5
Mark 12:28-34
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GOD IN THE BEDROOM
"Tobiah arose from bed and said to his wife: 'My love, get up. Let us pray.' " —Tobit 8:4

Look what happens when a married couple welcomes God into the bedroom. They marry “for a noble purpose” (Tb 8:7), such as convincing the world that Jesus loves the Church by reflecting God’s love in their marriage (Eph 5:25, 32). They pray together, lead holy lives, and pass godly faith to the next generation.

You may think that what happens in your bedroom impacts only you and your spouse. On the contrary, your “private” actions impact your children, extended family, and the world. In fact, Jesus proclaims that your private words and actions “in locked rooms will be proclaimed from the rooftops” (Lk 12:3). Moreover, if God is evicted from your bedroom, Satan moves in (see Lk 11:24-26). The work of the evil one is to destroy marriages and families. Your private actions and attitudes of mistrust in God are displayed publicly through unforgiveness, bitterness, and mistrust of your spouse, all of which sow the seeds of divorce.

Married couples, do you neglect to pray together? Have you practiced artificial contraception, sterilization, or abortion? Is your marriage honored in every way and your marriage bed still undefiled? (see Heb 13:4) Repent of any lack of trust in God for your marriage. God’s reputation is at stake (see Catechism, 1613). The world is watching your marriage. Will the world decide by observing your marriage that God is worthy of trust?

Prayer: Jesus, may all married couples accept you as Lord. Renew the face of the earth through holy marriages (Ps 104:30).

Promise: "Your marriage to her has been decided in heaven!" —Tb 7:11

Praise: St. Charles Lwanga and his fellow Ugandan martyrs were treated cruelly by the local ruler. Charles helped his 21 young companions resist sexual exploitation and maintain purity. He is a model of virtue, and is the patron of youth and Catholic action.

(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 period from June 1, 2021 through July 31, 2021. Reverend Steve J Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 20, 2021"

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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BURYING SIN - One Bread, One Body, 06/02/2021

Wednesday, June 2, 2021, Sts. Marcellinus & Peter

Tobit 3:1-11, 16-17
Psalm 25:2-9
Mark 12:18-27
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BURYING SIN
"It is better for me to die." —Tobit 3:6

Tobit was blind, upset with his wife, out of a job, financially strapped, and misunderstood. He seemed to be a burden on his wife, son, and everybody else. Tobit thought the best thing for everybody’s sake was for him to die.

Sarah had seen her seven husbands killed by a demon on seven wedding nights (Tb 3:8). Sarah was obviously an embarrassment and grief to her parents (see Tb 8:9-10). She was making life miserable for her maids (Tb 3:9). Sarah felt that if she died, it would be a relief for everybody (Tb 3:10).

Both Tobit and Sarah felt that they could take a lot of peoples’ problems down with them to the grave; however, their deaths would have only made matters worse.

There is one Man Who did absorb all the sins and guilt of all people of all times. We no longer need to carry a burden of guilt; Jesus has died so that we can live. “For our sakes God made Him Who did not know sin, to be sin” (2 Cor 5:21). “In His own body He brought your sins to the cross” (1 Pt 2:24). He took all our sins to the grave with Him “thereby condemning sin” (Rm 8:3) “so that all of us, dead to sin, could live in accord with God’s will. By His wounds you were healed” (1 Pt 2:24). Thank You, Jesus!

Prayer: Jesus, I cast all my cares on You (1 Pt 5:7).

Promise: "When people rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage but live like angels in heaven." —Mk 12:25

Praise: Pious tradition tells us St. Marcellinus was a priest and St. Peter an exorcist. They were both martyred during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian at the beginning of the Fourth Century. Their faith displayed as they were martyred and led to the conversion of their jailer and his family.

(For a related teaching on Guilt, Guilt Trips,and Scrupulosity, order, listen to, or download our CD 105-1 or DVD 105 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 period from June 1, 2021 through July 31, 2021. Reverend Steve J Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 20, 2021"

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

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