PURE JOY - One Bread, One Body, 02/14/2022

Monday, February 14, 2022, Sts. Cyril & Methodius

James 1:1-11
Psalm 119:67-68, 71-72, 75-76
Mark 8:11-13
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PURE JOY
"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I hold to Your promise." —Psalm 119:67

The Bible tells us not only to rejoice in trials but even to “count it pure joy” (Jas 1:2). We’re so happy because tested faith “makes for endurance” (Jas 1:3). This endurance will eventually make us “fully mature and lacking in nothing” (Jas 1:4). We rejoice “in every sort of trial” (Jas 1:2) because we desire maturity more than comfort and pleasure. We desire to serve God and His people powerfully and effectively more than we desire to feel good. Ultimately, we want to be mature because we’re in love with the Lord. Love is stronger than self, fear, pain, suffering, and death. Love overshadows even our most severe trials.

Therefore, rejoice “in the measure that you share Christ’s sufferings. When His glory is revealed, you will rejoice exultantly” (1 Pt 4:13). Take up your daily cross thankfully (Lk 9:23). Find your joy in the suffering you endure for Christ’s Body, the Church (Col 1:24). “For it is your special privilege to take Christ’s part — not only to believe in Him but also to suffer for Him” (Phil 1:29). “There is cause for rejoicing here. You may for a time have to suffer the distress of many trials; but this is so that your faith” may be genuine (1 Pt 1:6-7). Rejoice in the Lord’s love always. “I say it again. Rejoice!” (Phil 4:4)

Prayer: Lord, Your love is better than life (Ps 63:4). I love You.

Promise: "If any of you is without wisdom, let him ask it from the God Who gives generously and ungrudgingly to all, and it will be given him." —Jas 1:5

Praise: Sts. Cyril and Methodius were born in Greece. Cyril was highly educated and Methodius briefly held a governmental position. The pious brothers later answered a call to evangelize the Slavic peoples.

(For a related teaching on Divine Love, listen to, download or order our CD 52-3 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 time period from February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 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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“MAY ALMIGHTY GOD BLESS YOU” - One Bread, One Body, 02/13/2022

Sunday, February 13, 2022, 6th Sunday Ordinary Time

Jeremiah 17:5-8
1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20
Psalm 1:1-4, 6
Luke 6:17, 20-26

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"MAY ALMIGHTY GOD BLESS YOU"
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law, he meditates day and night." —Psalm 1:1-2, RSV-CE

The Lord says: “I call heaven and earth today to witness against you: I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life” (Dt 30:19). The Lord wants to give us a life of blessedness. In fact, He intends to “overwhelm” us with blessings in the city and the country, while going in and coming out, in every way (Dt 28:2ff). Yet we must choose the life of blessing.

We do this by trusting in the Lord rather than in ourselves or others (Jer 17:5, 7). We trust in the Lord by:

• choosing to be poor in some way (Lk 6:20), to live below our means instead of above our means. Because we tend to depend on material things, voluntary poverty is a perfect environment to choose to trust in God rather than ourselves.
• choosing to be hungry (Lk 6:20), that is, choosing not to live for maximum pleasure but for maximum holiness. The journey to holiness requires constant trust in God.
• choosing to weep for our sins (Lk 6:21). If we don’t trust someone, we are probably not that sorry about offending them. Sorrow for sins implies trust in God.
• choosing to live for the Lord so boldly, radically, and totally that we deserve to be persecuted (Lk 6:22). This is a great act of trust.

A life of blessing is to choose to trust in God deeply. Choose blessing or you will be cursed (Dt 30:19). “May almighty God bless you.”

Prayer: Father, bless me and make me a blessing to all who know me (see Gn 12:2-3).

Promise: "But as it is, Christ is now raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep." —1 Cor 15:20

Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, "Author of life" (Acts 3:15).



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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 time period from February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 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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LEAD LIKE JESUS - One Bread, One Body, 02/12/2022

Saturday, February 12, 2022,

1 Kings 12:26-32; 13:33-34
Psalm 106:6-7, 19-22
Mark 8:1-10
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LEAD LIKE JESUS
"Whoever desired it was consecrated and became a priest of the high places." —1 Kings 13:33

Two leadership styles are contrasted in today’s Mass readings. Jeroboam’s motivation as a leader was self-centered; he wanted to preserve his power (1 Kgs 12:26ff). He had little interest in the welfare of his people. In contrast, Jesus was motivated by a selfless compassion for His people, concerned for their welfare rather than His own convenience (Mk 8:2ff).

Jeroboam believed that if he made worship convenient for the people, they would “forget” true worship of God and focus on convenience. Jesus focused on pleasing His Father and leading His people to a deeper knowledge of the kingdom of God by His teaching and preaching. Yet He also cared about satisfying legitimate human needs, such as hunger (Mk 8:6ff).

Each of us is called to leadership in some way, whether big or small. Authentic Christian leaders are called by the Lord to lay down their lives for their sheep (see 1 Jn 3:16). Will we focus on pleasing the Father and leading as Jesus leads? Will we die to ourselves and take up the cross of leadership? (see Lk 9:23) Will we decrease so that Jesus can increase? (Jn 3:30)

Prayer: Father, do in me whatever You must in order that You may do through me whatever You will.

Promise: "The people in the crowd ate until they had their fill." —Mk 8:8

Praise: Marsha and Curt took on the leadership of a large Catholic conference as an act of sacrificial faith. God enabled them to serve in this way for over a decade. This strengthened their faith and marriage as they ministered together to thousands of people.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Our retreat, Who am I in Christ?, will be held in the Cincinnati area Feb. 18-19. To register, call (937) 587-5464 or e-mail retreats@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 time period from February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 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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RICHES TO RAGS - One Bread, One Body, 02/11/2022

Friday, February 11, 2022, Our Lady of Lourdes

1 Kings 11:29-32; 12:19
Psalm 81:10-15
Mark 7:31-37
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RICHES TO RAGS
"I will tear away the kingdom from Solomon's grasp and will give you ten of the tribes." —1 Kings 11:31

Solomon was the wisest man in the world. He built the temple to be the eighth wonder of the world. He was so wealthy as to attract worldwide recognition. His subjects expected Solomon to lead Israel into the international prominence prophesied of the Davidic dynasty. However, that was dramatically changed.

“The Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘I will tear away the kingdom from Solomon’s grasp’ ” (1 Kgs 11:31). Solomon’s kingdom was soon divided and his descendants were left with one tribe of Israel (1 Kgs 11:32). What happened? Solomon sinned. He fell into idolatry and put other things ahead of God. He put his wives and concubines ahead of God, and his heart was turned away from the Lord (1 Kgs 11:2-3).

You are greater than Solomon. The least born into Christ’s kingdom is greater than he (Mt 11:11). God has called you to inherit an eternal dynasty. By sinning, will you ruin your future and eternity? Or will you receive your promised inheritance? Repent. Go to Confession. Resist sin even “to the point of shedding” your own blood (Heb 12:4).

Prayer: Jesus, may I die rather than commit any sin.

Promise: "He said to him, 'Ephphatha!' (that is, 'Be opened!') At once the man's ears were opened; he was freed from the impediment and began to speak plainly." —Mk 7:34-35

Praise: Franz, a Jewish author, passed through Lourdes while escaping the Nazis. He made a vow to write a novel about the miracle of Our Lady of Lourdes. He went to America where he wrote and published his novel.

(To help you resist sin this coming Lent, listen to, download or order Effects of Sin on CD 81-3 or DVD 81 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 time period from February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 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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A WARNING TO MIDDLE-AGED HEARTS - One Bread, One Body, 02/10/2022

Thursday, February 10, 2022, St. Scholastica

1 Kings 11:4-13
Psalm 106:3-4, 35-37, 40
Mark 7:24-30
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A WARNING TO MIDDLE-AGED HEARTS
"When Solomon was old...his heart was not entirely with the Lord." —1 Kings 11:4

King Solomon started his reign as “a mere youth” (1 Kgs 3:7). Young Solomon started well as king. He humbly asked God for wisdom to govern well and built the Temple so the Lord could be fittingly worshipped. But “when he was old,” Solomon’s heart was no longer entirely with the Lord (1 Kgs 11:4). How old was Solomon when his heart turned away from God? Numerous estimates believe he died in his early sixties.

This is a stark warning to those of us in our forties and fifties. We may feel we are just reaching our peak. King David, father of Solomon, may have felt similarly. Yet David’s downfall also began in his middle-age years. David relaxed at home while his soldiers fought his battles (2 Sm 11:1). In his idleness, David succumbed to the temptations of adultery and murder (2 Sm 11:2-17). The mid-life sins of Kings David and Solomon sowed the seeds for the downfall of both their families and the nation of Israel.

A great cost is paid when our middle-aged hearts are no longer entirely with the Lord. St. Paul warns: “Your thoughts may be corrupted and you may fall away from your sincere and complete devotion to Christ” (2 Cor 11:3). We may think in our middle age that, after decades of hard work, we have earned a break. Scripture warns: “Already you have devoted enough time to what the pagans enjoy” (1 Pt 4:3). Repent of any desires to find rest apart from the Lord. “Come to Me,” says the Lord, “and you will find rest for your souls” (see Mt 11:28-29).

Prayer: Jesus, change anything in me so I may be all Yours.

Promise: "Happy are they who observe what is right, who always do what is just." —Ps 106:3

Praise: There is only one "Holy Family," but the Catholic Church has produced countless holy families: St. Scholastica is the twin sister of St. Benedict. Praise the Lord!

(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 time period from February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 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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RECOGNIZE TRUE RICHES OR LOSE EVERYTHING - One Bread, One Body, 02/09/2022

Wednesday, February 9, 2022,

1 Kings 10:1-10
Psalm 37:5-6, 30-31, 39-40
Mark 7:14-23
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RECOGNIZE TRUE RICHES OR LOSE EVERYTHING
"When the queen of Sheba witnessed Solomon's great wisdom, the palace he had built, the food at his table, the seating of his ministers, the attendance and garb of his waiters, his banquet service, and the holocausts he offered in the temple of the Lord, she was breathless." —1 Kings 10:4-5

Christians are the wealthiest people in the world (see Eph 1:18). Yet what does that mean? Some Christians have been given a heavy responsibility of stewardship. The Lord has given them extensive material wealth to be distributed according to His specific directions. Such was the breathtaking wealth of Solomon.

All Christians have been given an awesome inheritance in the “unfathomable riches of Christ” (Eph 3:8). These are interior riches. Some of these riches are to be “rich in mercy” (Eph 2:4), love, compassion, justice, and many other virtues, charisms, and graces of the Holy Spirit.

Frequently, spiritual riches are not recognized as valuable. Because of this sinful failure, some people gain worldly success and lose their immortal souls (see Lk 9:25). However, other people lose their lives for love of Jesus and paradoxically gain their lives (Lk 9:24) and the ultimate riches of eternal life in heaven.

All Christians are rich (Rv 2:9). But what are true riches? Which riches can you take with you after death? How can we store up riches in heaven? (Mt 6:20) Everything is at stake on how we live the answer to these questions. Be rich in God’s eyes (cf Lk 12:21).

Prayer: Father, make me wise in the area of wealth so that I may accept Your salvation on Your terms.

Promise: Jesus "summoned the crowd again and said to them, 'Hear Me, all of you, and try to understand.' " —Mk 7:14

Praise: John, a lawyer, has devoted his legal career to the defense of pro-life causes.



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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 time period from February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 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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THE TRUTH ABOUT YOUR LOVE FOR GOD - One Bread, One Body, 02/08/2022

Tuesday, February 8, 2022,

1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30
Psalm 84:3-5, 10-11
Mark 7:1-13
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THE TRUTH ABOUT YOUR LOVE FOR GOD
"Empty is the reverence they do Me." —Mark 7:7

The Lord made Solomon the wisest man in the world (1 Kgs 3:12). Solomon used his wisdom to build the temple of the Lord. Solomon was awed by God’s work in his life (see 1 Kgs 8:27). Sadly, Solomon’s heart did not remain with the Lord (1 Kgs 11:9). He died trapped in idolatrous abominations, alienated from the Lord.

David, Solomon’s father, also received exceptional graces from the Lord. His heart was with the Lord (see Acts 13:22). To express his love for the Lord, David composed and sang many of the psalms. However, David committed adultery and murder (2 Sm 11:1ff). Obviously, despite David’s devotion to the Lord, he had something very wrong in his relationship with the Lord. Yet David did repent and died in the Lord’s love.

The lives of Solomon and David show that we can deceive ourselves about the quality and depth of our relationship with the Lord. While we honor the Lord externally, our hearts may be far from Him (Mk 7:6). We need the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, to guide us to all truth about the authenticity and purity of our relationship with the Lord (see Jn 16:13). We need the Holy Spirit to prove us wrong about any compromises we have made with the ways of the world (Jn 16:8). Come, Holy Spirit of truth and love!

Prayer: Father, may I never be unfaithful to You.

Promise: "You keep Your covenant of kindness with Your servants who are faithful to You with their whole heart." —1 Kgs 8:23

Praise: When her first marriage failed, Gloria dedicated herself to Jesus, the Bridegroom, as a lay single woman.

(For a related teaching on Don't Stifle the Spirit, listen to, download or order our CD 56-3 or DVD 56 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 time period from February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 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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