OUR FATHER - One Bread, One Body, 07/08/2021

Thursday, July 8, 2021,

Genesis 44:18-21, 23-29; 45:1-5
Psalm 105:16-21
Matthew 10:7-15
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OUR FATHER
"Have you a father?" —Genesis 44:19

Joseph had everything. He was talented, handsome, and rich. He was one of the most important people in the world. However, all this meant almost nothing to him. Joseph was heartbroken, not so much because of being rejected by his brothers, but from being separated from his father for several decades. Joseph expressed his longing for his father with loud sobs (Gn 45:2). As soon as Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, he first of all asked them: “Is my father still in good health?” (Gn 45:3)

We all were conceived with Joseph’s problem. We were separated from our heavenly Father. No matter what we had, bought, possessed, or did, we could never be happy. Everything was ruined and life was empty without our Father. Then Jesus saved us. He is the only way to the Father (Jn 14:6) and “the exact Representation of the Father’s being” (Heb 1:3). If we see Jesus, we see the Father (Jn 14:9). Jesus and the Father are One (Jn 10:30). Jesus taught us to pray to “our Father” (Mt 6:9) and reconciled us to our Father. As the Father loves Jesus, Jesus loves us (Jn 15:9).

Prayer: Abba...

Promise: "The gift you have received, give as a gift." —Mt 10:8

Praise: Walter works in Hollywood but has let the Light shine through him by taking a stand for unborn babies.

(For a related teaching on Lord, Teach Us to Pray, order, listen to, or download our CD 57-3 or DVD 57 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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GUILT-RIDDEN - One Bread, One Body, 07/07/2021

Wednesday, July 7, 2021,

Genesis 41:55-57; 42:5-7, 17-24
Psalm 33:2-3, 10-11, 18-19
Matthew 10:1-7
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GUILT-RIDDEN
"Alas, we are being punished because of our brother." —Genesis 42:21

When something bad happens to you, do you feel you’re being punished? The Lord may not be punishing you, but you may be punishing yourself because of guilt. For example, Joseph’s brothers were still arguing and feeling guilty decades after attempting to kill Joseph and finally selling him into slavery (Gn 42:22).

Jesus wants to free you from the torture-chamber of guilt (see Mi 7:18-19). Maybe you feel guilty of sexual sin. If you have not confessed your sin, do so in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Pray with David: “Have mercy on me, O God, in Your goodness; in the greatness of Your compassion wipe out my offense. Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me” (Ps 51:3-4). Ask for healing. Dump all your garbage not on yourself but on Calvary (Zec 5:6).

When Satan tries to talk you out of your forgiveness and freedom, refuse to meet with him. Refer him to Jesus and curtly inform him that you are not at liberty to discuss your sin and guilt since they are now in Jesus’ hands. That will shut him up.

Your heavenly Father says you’re forgiven. The blood of Jesus says you’re forgiven. The Spirit of Truth says you’re forgiven. God’s Church agrees. You’re forgiven, washed clean, and free from guilt.

Prayer: Clean at last! Lord God almighty, clean at last!

Promise: Jesus "summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority to expel unclean spirits and to cure sickness and disease of every kind." —Mt 10:1

Praise: After avoiding the Sacrament of Reconciliation for years, Roberta felt reborn when she finally returned to Confession.



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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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TONGUE-TIED - One Bread, One Body, 07/06/2021

Tuesday, July 6, 2021, St. Maria Goretti

Genesis 32:23-33
Psalm 17:1-3, 6-8, 15
Matthew 9:32-38
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TONGUE-TIED
"Some people brought Him a mute who was possessed by a demon." —Matthew 9:32

In Matthew’s Gospel, we go with Jesus on a miracle and healing tour (Mt 8 and 9). Matthew saves the best till last when Jesus loosens the tongue of a mute by expelling a demon (Mt 9:33). Three chapters later, Matthew recounts the healing and deliverance of another mute (Mt 12:22).

The deliverance of the mute is very important to Matthew because he knows that all of us are tongue-tied by the devil in some way. We may not be able to spontaneously pray, enthusiastically praise, or boldly evangelize. We are like Zechariah during the nine months John was in the womb (Lk 1:20). The devil’s got our tongues. If he controls our tongue, he controls our entire body (Jas 3:2).

The Holy Spirit is poured out to free our tongues so we can pray and praise both in our native language and in the gift of tongues (Acts 2:4). Either the Spirit loosens our tongues and the devil is tied, or our tongues are tied and the devil set free. Our sword against the evil one is the Spirit using our tongues to wield the prophetic Word of God (Eph 6:17). Let’s unsheathe our tongues and attack the gates of hell (Mt 16:18).

Prayer: Holy Spirit, use my tongue for warfare against Satan.

Promise: "Jacob said, 'I will not let you go until you bless me.' " —Gn 32:27

Praise: When she was twelve years old, St. Maria Goretti was stabbed to death resisting rape by an eighteen-year-old neighbor boy. While in prison, the boy had a dream of Maria gathering flowers and giving them to him. He repented of his sin and knelt in St. Peter's Square at her canonization.

(For a related teaching on Speaking in Tongues, order, view, or download 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 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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“FUNERAL-HOME FAITH” - One Bread, One Body, 07/05/2021

Monday, July 5, 2021, St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria St. Elizabeth of Portugal

Genesis 28:10-22
Psalm 91:1-4, 14-15
Matthew 9:18-26
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"FUNERAL-HOME FAITH"
"Jesus turned around and saw her and said, 'Courage, daughter! Your faith has restored you to health.' That very moment the woman got well." —Matthew 9:22

The Lord wants to inspire us to greater faith through the example of the synagogue leader and the hemorrhaging woman. The synagogue leader showed great faith in Jesus. His daughter was dead, so he did not ask Jesus to heal her but to raise her from the dead (Mt 9:18). Before Jesus raised the girl from the dead, a woman hemorrhaging for twelve years expressed her faith in Jesus by touching the tassel of His cloak. By her faith, she was healed (Mt 9:22).

Do you believe Jesus can and does raise the dead — not just at the end of the world but right now? Do you believe Jesus will heal you of a malady you’ve had for years, even twelve years or more? Do you believe the Lord will heal immediately? Do you believe signs and wonders you did not believe last year? Are you growing in faith, breaking new ground, and moving mountains? (Mt 17:20)

Our faith in Jesus is not fully developed. We have light-years of growth in faith remaining even after having already grown light-years. “Faith, then, comes through hearing, and what is heard is the word of Christ” (Rm 10:17). Welcome His Word (Jas 1:21). Hear the Lord (see Mt 17:5). Grow in faith.

Prayer: Father, increase my faith daily (Lk 17:5).

Promise: "In you and your descendants all the nations of the earth shall find blessing. Know that I am with you; I will protect you wherever you go, and bring you back to this land. I will never leave you until I have done what I promised you." —Gn 28:14-15

Praise: St. Anthony Mary was an early advocate of the Catholic Counter-Reformation. He also encouraged pious innovations, recommending frequent reception of Holy Communion.



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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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“ENOUGH” (Lk 22:38) - One Bread, One Body, 07/04/2021

Sunday, July 4, 2021, 14th Sunday Ordinary Time

Ezekiel 2:2-5
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Psalm 123:1-4
Mark 6:1-6

View Readings

"ENOUGH" (Lk 22:38)
"My grace is enough for you." —2 Corinthians 12:9

Alleluia! Today is Resurrection day, the weekly celebration of that first Easter morning when Jesus rose from the tomb, triumphed over sin and death, and made all things new for us. Today is a day of unity, when believers from all over this earth gather to worship almighty God, listen to His living, all-powerful Word, and receive the Bread of Life, Jesus Himself (Jn 6:35). Today we learn again that God loves us so much that He can never give us enough of His blessings. Alleluia!

How wonderful is God’s plan for this day! How can it be that people will walk away from God’s house today saying disgustedly, “I’ve had enough of this church,” rather than, “Your grace is enough for me”? The difference is revealed in today’s psalm response. When our eyes are fixed on Jesus as Lord (Ps 123:2; Heb 12:2) in a spirit of humility, then we are opened to His mercy and grace. When we focus on anything else, then God is not enough to satisfy us; instead, He is “too much” for us (Mk 6:3) and we turn elsewhere for satisfaction.

Today, as you observe the Lord’s day in all its splendor, “examine yourselves” (2 Cor 13:5). “What are you looking for?” (Jn 1:38) “Are the consolations of God not enough for you?” (Jb 15:11)

Prayer: Father, You bless us with more than enough good things (Lv 25:21). Thank You, my Lord, my God, my All.

Promise: "Therefore I am content with weakness, with mistreatment, with distress, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ; for when I am powerless, it is then that I am strong." —2 Cor 12:10

Praise: "But the One Whom God has raised up did not undergo corruption" (Acts 13:37). Father, we praise You through the risen Christ and in the unity of the Holy Spirit!

(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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BELIEVE IN JESUS’ BODY - One Bread, One Body, 07/03/2021

Saturday, July 3, 2021, St. Thomas

Ephesians 2:19-22
Psalm 117:1-2
John 20:24-29
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BELIEVE IN JESUS' BODY
"My Lord and my God!" —John 20:28

At the elevation of the host at Mass, we proclaim with St. Thomas, “My Lord and my God!” (Jn 20:28) Jesus invited Thomas to touch His body, so that he might believe that Jesus was truly risen. In Holy Communion, Jesus likewise invites us to touch and receive His Body, that we might also grow in faith. There is a connection, then, between St. Thomas’ doubt and the physical body of Jesus.

In the first letter of John, we are told that every true spirit recognizes Jesus Christ come in the flesh (1 Jn 4:2-3). In the Holy Eucharist, Jesus literally comes in the flesh (Jn 6:53-56). Polls tell us that large numbers of Catholics today doubt that Jesus is really present in the Eucharist.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, less than half the registered Catholics in the USA regularly attended Sunday Mass. Perhaps that is why we were taught to pray quietly the words of St. Thomas, “My Lord and my God,” as the priest elevates the consecrated host in the Eucharistic prayer. If we believed that Jesus, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, true God and true Man, the Resurrection and the Life (Jn 11:25), was truly present in the Eucharist, we couldn’t stay away from Mass. Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist at Mass (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1376-1377). Believe that Jesus is truly present  in the Holy Eucharist (Jn 6:40, 47). Receive Him at Mass, even daily if possible.

Prayer: Father, may I desire to receive Jesus in Holy Communion as often as You desire it for me.

Promise: "You are fellow citizens of the saints and members of the household of God." —Eph 2:19

Praise: "Lord," said Thomas, "we do not know where You are going. How can we know the way?" (Jn 14:5) St. Thomas did find the Way and now intercedes for us in heaven.

(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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LORD - One Bread, One Body, 07/02/2021

Friday, July 2, 2021,

Genesis 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67
Psalm 106:1-5
Matthew 9:9-13
View Readings

LORD
"As He moved on, Jesus saw a man named Matthew at his post where taxes were collected. He said to him, 'Follow Me.' " —Matthew 9:9

When your spouse dies, Jesus is there as Lord of the burial. As with Sarah’s burial, He wants to use this occasion to prepare others to enter the promised land (see Gn 23:20). When you’re attracted to someone of the opposite sex and even contemplating marriage, Jesus is there as Lord of the courtship. When you’re thinking about getting a job or changing jobs, Jesus is there to be Lord of your employment and unemployment.

Jesus wants to become Lord of your eating, sleeping, entertainment, conversation, money, time, education, shopping, parenting, thinking, feeling, sexuality, etc. If He’s not Lord of all, He’s not Lord at all.

We Christians keep talking about Jesus being Lord of our lives (see Mt 7:21), but live as if “it just ain’t so.” If it were, Christian funerals would be noticeably different from non-Christian ones. If Jesus were accepted as Lord, most young Christians getting married would be virgins, and some Christian workers would stay on or change to low-paying jobs despite more profitable opportunities.

If Jesus were accepted as Lord, Christians would repeatedly do things impossible for those in the world to understand unless they come to believe in Jesus’ cross and Resurrection.

Prayer: Jesus, be Lord of areas of my life of which I've never even thought to turn over to You.

Promise: "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His kindness endures forever." —Ps 106:1

Praise: Jane uses her scraps of fabric to make quilts for the poor and homeless. She prays continually while doing her quilting.



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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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