THE GREATEST LOVE - One Bread, One Body, 06/15/2021

Tuesday, June 15, 2021,

2 Corinthians 8:1-9
Psalm 146:2, 5-9
Matthew 5:43-48
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THE GREATEST LOVE
"My command to you is: love your enemies." —Matthew 5:44 Loving our enemies means to treat them as well as or better than we treat our friends (see Mt 5:45; Lk 15:29).

Loving enemies means praying for them (Mt 5:44) to be blessed by the Lord and then answering our own prayer by bountifully giving to them (see 2 Cor 8:4-5; see also Lk 15:22ff).

Loving enemies means showing affection for them in a way they can receive it (Lk 15:20).

Loving enemies means honoring them in exceptional ways (Lk 15:22-24).

Loving enemies is obviously impossible. It is pure grace. It shows we are children of our heavenly Father (Mt 5:45) and perfected as He is perfect (Mt 5:48).

Loving enemies is shocking, prophetic, and evangelistic. When we truly love our enemies, Jesus’ death on the cross becomes luminous. When we love our enemies, countless knees bend and tongues proclaim: “Jesus Christ is Lord!” (Phil 2:10-11) By God’s grace, love your enemies!

Prayer: Father, I accept Your grace to do the impossible. I love my enemies.

Promise: "You are well acquainted with the favor shown you by our Lord Jesus Christ: how for your sake He made Himself poor though He was rich, so that you might become rich by His poverty." —2 Cor 8:9

Praise: When someone asks Julie about her faith, she always prays, "Come, Holy Spirit," and then she is often surprised at the beautiful words that come to her as she speaks.

(Beginning June 25 and extending for 40 days, we have a series of 13 retreats that will equip you to know, love and serve the Lord. This 40-Day Discipleship Formation Program is the foundation of Presentation Ministries. Come for a few days or for the entire time. For more information, 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 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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“COMPLETE ABSURDITY” - One Bread, One Body, 06/14/2021

Monday, June 14, 2021,

2 Corinthians 6:1-10
Psalm 98:1-4
Matthew 5:38-42
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"COMPLETE ABSURDITY"
"You have heard the commandment, 'An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.' But what I say to you is: offer no resistance to injury." —Matthew 5:38-39

Most of us grew up in a Christian environment. We’re accustomed to Christian terminology and activities. Because of this, it’s difficult for people to see Christianity objectively. From the point of view of many outsiders, Christianity is “complete absurdity” (1 Cor 1:18). For example, Jesus commanded us to love our enemies (Mt 5:44), “offer no resistance to injury,” even turn the other cheek, give a bonus to anyone who has defrauded us in court, and volunteer to go an extra mile after having been forced to go the first one (Mt 5:39-41).

This sounds absurd, but Jesus followed this literally, even to death on the cross (Phil 2:8). The early Church did so as well, “acting with patient endurance amid trials, difficulties, distresses, beatings, imprisonments, and riots” (2 Cor 6:4-5). Paul describes how outsiders look at Christians: “We are called impostors, yet we are truthful; nobodies who in fact are well known; dead, yet here we are, alive; punished, but not put to death; sorrowful, though we are always rejoicing; poor, yet we enrich many. We seem to have nothing, yet everything is ours!” (2 Cor 6:8-10)

Does this describe you as a Christian? Or have you merely subscribed to a cultural Christianity that is a far cry from the real thing? Is your Christianity “complete absurdity”? Or is it the contemporary lukewarm counterfeit?

Prayer: Lord, I want to be a Christian by Your standards.

Promise: "Now is the acceptable time! Now is the day of salvation!" —2 Cor 6:2

Praise: Joan visits Jesus weekly at adoration. She feels His pressence the rest of the week.

(For a related teaching on A Prophetic Life Style, order, listen to or download our CD 75-3 or DVD 75 on our website.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the 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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AWAITING TRIAL - One Bread, One Body, 06/13/2021

Sunday, June 13, 2021, 11th Sunday Ordinary Time

Ezekiel 17:22-24
2 Corinthians 5:6-10
Psalm 92:2-3, 13-16
Mark 4:26-34

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AWAITING TRIAL
"The lives of all of us are to be revealed before the tribunal of Christ so that each one may receive his recompense, good or bad, according to his life in the body." —2 Corinthians 5:10

We are all awaiting trial. Jesus will judge us based on our faith expressed in action (see Mt 25:31ff). We will be judged according to our fruitfulness as His stewards (Mt 25:14ff). For instance, Jesus expects those who have been given five talents to produce five more (Mt 25:15ff). We are responsible to bear spiritual fruit — to lead many people to repentance, salvation, freedom, peace, and life in Christ. We must be fruitful in making disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19), beginning with our children, grandchildren, co-workers, friends, fellow parishioners, and neighbors. When we die and stand trial, the world should be a much better place for our having lived. Life should be more respected and protected; the poor should have been given justice and mercy; Christ’s kingdom of justice, peace, and joy in the Spirit should be more established (Rm 14:17).

Many of us don’t see an abundant, spiritual fruitfulness in our lives. This is normal to some degree, for the growth of God’s kingdom is invisible at first (Mk 4:27). Even when we can see it, it is at first as small as a mustard seed (Mk 4:31). However, if we are attached to Jesus (Jn 15:5) and if we die to ourselves (Jn 12:24), we will bear abundant fruit and be judged accordingly. Love the Lord; bear fruit; go to trial; go to heaven.

Prayer: Father, by Your grace may my life amount to something great for Your kingdom.

Promise: "We make it our aim to please Him whether we are with Him or away from Him." —2 Cor 5:9

Praise: "Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise" (Ps 98:4). Risen Jesus, I will never cease to praise You.

(For a related teaching on Accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior and God, order, view or download our leaflet or order, listen to, or download our CD 43-1 or DVD 43 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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DIS-LOCATED? - One Bread, One Body, 06/12/2021

Saturday, June 12, 2021, Immaculate Heart of Mary

2 Corinthians 5:14-21
Psalm 103:1-4, 9-12
Luke 2:41-51

or Matthew 5:33-37
View Readings

DIS-LOCATED?
"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation." —2 Corinthians 5:17

An old maxim used by realtors says the worth of a piece of property can be evaluated by the three L’s: location, location, and location. It’s where the property is located that counts. The “three L’s” apply even more fully to Christianity: it’s where you are located that makes the eternal difference. To be Christians, we must be in Christ.

The New Testament refers to being in Christ over ninety times. This expression is not merely Christian jargon: it proclaims the Good News that being located in Jesus makes all the difference. “There is no condemnation now for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rm 8:1). In Jesus, we have redemption (Rm 3:24), sanctification (1 Cor 1:2), freedom (Gal 2:4), and triumph (2 Cor 2:14). Nothing can “separate us from the love of God that comes to us in Christ Jesus” (Rm 8:39). God “has bestowed on us in Christ every spiritual blessing in the heavens!” (Eph 1:3)

If we are not located in Christ, then we are still in the “old order” (2 Cor 5:17). We stand outside of reconciliation with God, and look at everyone “in terms of mere human judgment” (2 Cor 5:16). When we are located in Christ, our whole existence is centered on what He is doing. We gain such a radiant identity in Him that we are made wholly new (2 Cor 5:17).

“In Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). Choose “life on high in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:14).

Prayer: Jesus, may I live no longer for myself but for You (see 2 Cor 5:15).

Promise: "He pardons all your iniquities, He heals all your ills." —Ps 103:3

Praise: "And you yourself shall be pierced with a sword — so that the thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare" (Lk 2:35). Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!

(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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UNIMAGINABLE LOVE - One Bread, One Body, 06/11/2021

Friday, June 11, 2021, Sacred Heart of Jesus

Hosea 11:1, 3-4, 8-9
Ephesians 3:8-12, 14-19
Isaiah 12:2-6
John 19:31-37

View Readings

UNIMAGINABLE LOVE
"Thus, you will be able to grasp fully, with all the holy ones, the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ's love, and experience this love which surpasses all knowledge, so that you may attain to the fullness of God Himself." —Ephesians 3:18-19

God’s Word promises that by His grace we can fully grasp and personally experience Christ’s love. This is impossible for us, but nothing is impossible with God (Mk 10:27). It’s difficult to imagine experiencing the fullness of Christ’s perfect, infinite, and crucified love. Nonetheless, He will do in our lives more than we can ever ask or imagine (Eph 3:20). “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 Cor 2:9).

Jesus has given us an experience of His infinite love through the prophetic vision of the Sacred Heart. No one ever thought of a picture in which the heart was outside the body. This seems bizarre, even repulsive. However, the Sacred Heart has communicated the tender, healing, personal love of God for us. The vision of the Sacred Heart is one of the most confirmed, powerful, and life-changing prophecies in the history of the Church. Every day look at a picture of the Sacred Heart and let the Lord show His love for you in a way you’ve never imagined possible.

Prayer: Jesus, may my heart be overwhelmed by Your love for me (see Hos 11:8).

Promise: "It was I Who taught Ephraim to walk, Who took them in My arms; I drew them with human cords, with bands of love; I fostered them like one who raises an infant to his cheeks." —Hos 11:3-4

Praise: Rosalyn and Al have had a devotion to the Sacred Heart throughout their marriage of over fifty years, and Jesus has always blessed them abundantly.

(For a related teaching on the Sacred Heart, order, listen to, or download our CD 19-1 or DVD 19 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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HIS BURDEN IS LIGHT (Mt 11:30) - One Bread, One Body, 06/10/2021

Thursday, June 10, 2021,

2 Corinthians 3:15—4:1, 3-6
Psalm 85:9-14
Matthew 5:20-26
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HIS BURDEN IS LIGHT (Mt 11:30)

“All of us, gazing on the Lord’s glory with unveiled faces, are being transformed from glory to glory into His very image by the Lord Who is the Spirit.” —2 Corinthians 3:18

The biblical word “glory” can be translated as “weight,” a covering heavy enough to be felt. The Israelites sang of the Lord: “He has covered Himself in glory” (Ex 15:1, JB).

As we bask in the Lord’s glory and worship Him “with unveiled faces,” for example, in Eucharistic adoration, we are clothed in God’s light (2 Cor 3:18; 4:6). We are covered with the weight of God’s glory, as was Moses (Ex 34:29ff). In this sense, we can say that His burden is light; that is, the weight of His glory which covers us is the light reflecting from the face of God.

Jesus says, “You are the light of the world” (Mt 5:14). He shines in your heart so you will “make known the glory of God shining on the face of Christ” (2 Cor 4:6). Recall when you were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4), and it was easy to radiate God’s love to all. People were attracted to the light of Christ shining from your face (see Is 60:3; Jn 5:35). Eventually the weight, or burden, of glory simply became the weight of always having to be “on” for Jesus. You grew weary under this burden, and looked for relief outside of Jesus. You fell from your early love (Rv 2:4). You avoided those who had flocked to you for a glimpse of the light of Christ shining through you.

Does this describe you? Have you put your light under a bushel basket? (Mt 5:15) Come to Jesus (Mt 11:28). He loves you! He will refresh you, for His burden is light, that is, the light of glory shining from His face, a light burden to bear (Mt 11:29-30).

Prayer: Jesus, be the Lord of my face. Set my life on fire.

Promise: "The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." —2 Cor 3:17

Praise: Sean had a scholarship to law school when God called him to the priesthood. He now preaches a powerful message of obedience to God and His Church.

(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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TEACH THE OLD TESTAMENT - One Bread, One Body, 06/09/2021

Wednesday, June 9, 2021, St. Ephrem of Syria

2 Corinthians 3:4-11
Psalm 99:5-9
Matthew 5:17-19
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TEACH THE OLD TESTAMENT
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law and the Prophets." —Matthew 5:17

When the Bible speaks of “the Law and the Prophets,” it refers to the Old Testament. Peter preached from the Old Testament on the day of Pentecost, and three thousand people received the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:17, 25, 34). “The ministry of the Spirit” (2 Cor 3:8) began by the preaching of the ministry of the Law and the Prophets.

Jesus’ Transfiguration featured the Law, represented by Moses, and the Prophets, represented by Elijah (Lk 9:30). When Jesus was transfigured into a greater glory (Lk 9:29ff), He didn’t just bypass the old covenant, He fulfilled it (Mt 5:17). Thus the presence of Moses and Elijah at His Transfiguration shows the Old Testament has a place in the New Testament’s ministry of the Spirit.

On Easter evening, Jesus changed the hearts of His two disciples on the road to Emmaus by opening the Scriptures to them, which at that point consisted of only the Old Testament. Jesus began with “Moses and all the prophets” and “interpreted for them every passage of Scripture which referred to Him” (Lk 24:27).

Jesus declared that the Old Testament is more capable of effecting change on a hard heart than would be the sight of a man risen from the dead! (Lk 16:31) Read the Old Testament. Then teach the Old Testament to a hard-hearted world (Mt 5:19).

Prayer: Holy Spirit, show me how the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New, and how the New Testament is revealed by the Old (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 129).

Promise: "This great confidence in God is ours, through Christ." —2 Cor 3:4

Praise: St. Ephrem creatively fought heresies he encountered in the Fourth Century. He wrote hymns using the heretics' own melodies, but incorporated lyrics teaching authentic Catholic doctrine.

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

(Be a Bible teacher. For encouragement, order, listen to, or download our six CD series, Bible Teachers, beginning with CD 117-1 or our three-part series starting with DVD V-117 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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