“IN THE SHADOW OF YOUR WINGS” (Ps 36:8) - One Bread, One Body, 04/15/2022

Friday, April 15, 2022, Good Friday

Isaiah 52:13—53:12
Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
Psalm 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-17, 25
John 18:1—19:42

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"IN THE SHADOW OF YOUR WINGS" (Ps 36:8)
"I am thirsty." —John 19:28

Jesus was thirsting for the people of Jerusalem to “come to” Him (see Mt 11:28). He told them: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem...how often have I yearned to gather your children, as a mother bird gathers her young under her wings, but you refused Me” (Mt 23:37). Jesus thirsted for a people who would accept His saving love, listen to His words, and put them into practice (Mk 4:8-9).

Jesus poured out His life for His beloved people, teaching, healing, and working miracles in their sight. “Despite His many signs performed in their presence, they refused to believe in Him” or gather to Him (Jn 12:37). Therefore, Jesus would instead gather and save all people through His ministry of suffering. He prophesied: “I — once I am lifted up from earth” on the cross “will draw all men to Myself” (Jn 12:32).

Jesus is thirsting to gather all people under His outstretched, crucified arms, now nailed to the wood of the cross (Jn 19:28).  Give Jesus a drink (Jn 4:7). Satisfy His yearning and thirsting. Stand in the shadow of His cross — at the feet of the crucified Jesus. Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life. Let Him gather you under His wings (see Mt 23:37). Listen to and obey His every word.

Prayer: Jesus, Lamb of God, may Your "blood be on us and on our children" (Mt 27:25). Wash us clean of sin through the blood of Your cross.

Promise: "Through His suffering, My Servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear." —Is 53:11

Praise: (none)

(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 April 1, 2022 through May 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 3, 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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THE SACRAMENT OF HUMILITY - One Bread, One Body, 04/14/2022

Thursday, April 14, 2022, Holy Thursday

Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Psalm 116:12-13, 15-18
John 13:1-15

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THE SACRAMENT OF HUMILITY
"This is My body, Which is for you." —1 Corinthians 11:24

Jesus “humbled Himself” (Phil 2:8). He emptied Himself of the glory He shared with the Father in heaven (Jn 17:5). He stooped down to caress and wash the sandal-clad, road-dusty feet of those who would shortly betray, abandon, and deny Him (Jn 13:5). He set aside His glory and took on the appearance of bread and wine to become one body with us. In His Eucharistic Body, given for us (1 Cor 11:24), He humbly became one with us who have participated in crucifying Him through our sins (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 598). He became even more humble by greatly and gladly desiring to do all these things (Lk 22:15) for us, His beloved.

Jesus said: “What I just did was to give you an example: as I have done, so you must do” (Jn 13:15). This is impossible for us in our proud humanity. So, Jesus gives us Himself in the Eucharist in the humble form of bread and wine. He commands us: “Take this and eat it...this is My body” (Mt 26:26). When we “eat this bread and drink this cup” (1 Cor 11:26), we “carry about in our bodies the dying” and the humility and the love of Jesus (2 Cor 4:10). We die to ourselves and let Him live in us (Gal 2:19-20). Jesus lives in us and we in Him (Jn 6:56; 17:23).

When you receive Jesus’ Eucharistic Body and Blood at Mass today, receive His humility. Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord (1 Pt 5:6) and embrace the total humility of the greatest Lover.

Prayer: Jesus, You gave Your body for me. I give my body to You.

Promise: "How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good He has done for me? The cup of salvation I will take up, and I will call upon the name of the Lord." —Ps 116:12-13

Praise: "O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine."

(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 April 1, 2022 through May 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 3, 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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GORY GLORY DETAILS - One Bread, One Body, 04/13/2022

Wednesday, April 13, 2022, Holy Week

Isaiah 50:4-9
Psalm 69:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34
Matthew 26:14-25
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GORY GLORY DETAILS
"For Your sake I bear insult, and shame covers My face." —Psalm 69:8

Since the apostles ran away at the time of Jesus’ crucifixion and those few who stayed would probably not want to talk about the gory details of Jesus’ passion and death, the Gospel writers may not have known or did not want to express many of the details of Jesus’ sufferings. However, some details of His sufferings have been revealed in prophecy and psalms, especially by Isaiah. When we see a crucifix, we always see the front of Jesus. However, Isaiah reveals the condition of His back in addition to His beard and face. The Messiah says: “I gave My back to those who beat Me, My cheeks to those who plucked My beard; My face I did not shield from buffets and spitting” (Is 50:6).

Jesus’ back must have been bruised, almost shredded. Handfuls of hair were pulled out of His bloody beard. His face was beaten almost past recognition, with spit, blood, and dirt pasted on it, “so marred was His look beyond that of man, and His appearance beyond that of mortals” (Is 52:14). His heart was broken. He “looked for sympathy, but there was none; for comforters” (Ps 69:21) but found none. Rather, they put gall in His food and in His thirst they gave Him vinegar to drink (Ps 69:22; cf Lk 23:36). He suffered mercilessly to give us mercy. He suffered because He loves us. These details of His sufferings even more clearly manifest His love for us.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You...

Promise: "My appointed time draws near. I am to celebrate the Passover with My disciples in your house." —Mt 26:18

Praise: At a Healing Service, Jesus healed Sharon of her inability to walk.

(For a related teaching on Redemptive Suffering, listen to, download or order our CD 75-1 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 time period from April 1, 2022 through May 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 3, 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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JESUS AND JUDAS - One Bread, One Body, 04/12/2022

Tuesday, April 12, 2022, Holy Week

Isaiah 49:1-6
Psalm 71:1-6, 15, 17
John 13:21-33, 36-38
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JESUS AND JUDAS
"Immediately after, Satan entered his heart...No sooner had Judas eaten the morsel than he went out. It was night." —John 13:27, 30

Many people are imprisoned in a tomb of unforgiveness. A heavy stone stands between them and the risen Christ. Some refuse to forgive others, especially family members. Many maintain God has forgiven them, but they can’t forgive themselves. This is a self-deception.

The Bible speaks not of those who refused to forgive themselves but of those who refused to believe in God’s forgiveness. Judas is a prime example. He despaired of being forgiven, so he hung himself (Mt 27:5). Like Judas, some feel they have committed the unforgivable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Mt 12:31). However, this unforgivable sin is the blasphemy of denying the Holy Spirit’s revelation that we can always be forgiven.

Many go to Confession but still feel guilty. They may say they believe God has forgiven them, but they actually don’t believe. We are saved in every circumstance by faith. We are saved by faith from unforgiveness and from the despair of Judas. By faith, roll away the stone of unforgiveness.

Prayer: Father, Abba, we have no right not to believe that You have forgiven us. Give us faith as we hear Your Word (see Rm 10:17).

Promise: Though I thought I had toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength, yet my reward is with the Lord, my recompense is with my God." —Is 49:4

Praise: Bernadette spends a holy hour in front of the Blessed Sacrament each day before Mass.

(For a related teaching on The Book on Forgiveness, view, download or order our booklet 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 April 1, 2022 through May 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 3, 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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HIM OR SELF? - One Bread, One Body, 04/11/2022

Monday, April 11, 2022, Holy Week

Isaiah 42:1-7
Psalm 27:1-3, 13-14
John 12:1-11
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HIM OR SELF?
"Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples (the one about to hand Him over), protested..." —John 12:4

The four Suffering Servant readings from Isaiah during Holy Week reveal that there is no self-centeredness in the Suffering Servant (Is 42:1-7; Is 49:1-6; Is 50:4-9; Is 52:13—53:12). Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, a holy family devoted to Jesus, reveal a focus on Jesus and a lack of self-interest as they minister hospitality to Jesus (Jn 12:1ff). Sadly, Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus, showed a total focus on himself and a lack of focus on Jesus during the week he most needed to fix his eyes on Jesus (see Heb 3:1; 12:2).

Judas figures prominently in the Holy Week readings for Mass because his spiritual stance could become our own. He is a reflection of our fallen human nature. Judas accuses Mary and tries to make her selfless actions of love for Jesus seem selfish. This accusation imitates Satan, who accuses God’s holy people night and day (Rv 12:10). Additionally, Judas sought his own gain, considered Jesus’ gain to be a “waste” (Mk 14:4), and resisted Jesus’ outreach to him (Mt 26:14). May the same not be said of us who seek to follow Jesus.

As Holy Week begins, is there any “self” in our lives? This Holy Week, let us obey these words of Jesus, words which Judas heard but rejected: “Whoever wishes to be My follower must deny his very self, take up his cross each day, and follow in My steps” (Lk 9:23).

Prayer: Father, show me clearly any areas of my life where I have turned my back on Jesus. Help me to offer myself completely to You.

Promise: "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear?" —Ps 27:1

Praise: Mel, a company vice-president, receives the Eucharist each morning before starting his workday.

(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 April 1, 2022 through May 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 3, 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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ROLE MODEL - One Bread, One Body, 04/10/2022

Sunday, April 10, 2022, Passion (Palm) Sunday

Luke 19:28-40 (Entrance Processional)
Isaiah 50:4-7

Philippians 2:6-11
Psalm 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24
Luke 22:14––23:56

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ROLE MODEL
"When they came to Skull Place, as it was called, they crucified Him there and the criminals as well, one on His right and the other on His left." ––Luke 23:33

“One of the criminals hanging in crucifixion blasphemed [Jesus]: ‘Aren’t You the Messiah? Then save Yourself and us.’ But the other one rebuked him: ‘Have you no fear of God, seeing you are under the same sentence?’ ” (Lk 23:39-40) Today’s Gospel passage from St. Luke confirms that every action has a consequence. Are we living for the world like the bad thief? Or do we have the eternal perspective of the good thief?

This passage changed my life. Many years ago, at Mass, our merciful Savior cut through my apathy. As I listened to the good thief chastise the bad thief, I became completely focused. I was no longer daydreaming. The passage concluded with those most precious words of our Lord, “I assure you: this day you will be with Me in paradise” (Lk 23:43). It was the first time a Bible verse gripped me to the core. I immediately thought, “If that remorseful criminal can be saved, why not me?”

But why was the good thief saved? In addition to repenting, he performed several “good works.” He:

• admonished the sinner (see Lk 23:40),
• admitted his wrongdoing and submitted to justice (see Lk 23:41), and
• humbled himself and made an act of faith (see Lk 23:42).

Jesus canonized a saint into heaven from the cross! How will this change your perspective?

Prayer: Father, my sins are as a drop of water in Your eyes. I will not reject Your ocean of mercy.

Promise: "The Lord God is My help, therefore I am not disgraced." ––Is 50:7

Praise: "Blessed is the reign of our father David to come!" (Mk 11:10)

(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 April 1, 2022 through May 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 3, 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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RATTLING BONES - One Bread, One Body, 04/09/2022

Saturday, April 9, 2022,

Ezekiel 37:21-28
Jeremiah 31:10-13
John 11:45-56
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RATTLING BONES
"He prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation — and not for this nation only, but to gather into one all the dispersed children of God." —John 11:51-52

Ezekiel prophesied that the chosen people were a field of dry bones (Ez 37:1-2). They had been dead for centuries. Then he prophesied restoration, unity, and peace (Ez 37:21ff). How can dry bones be restored? By nothing other than resurrection of the dead. How can we be restored to unity and peace? By nothing less than resurrection.

We’ve tried to improve the human condition with education, law and order, communism, capitalism, secularism, and militarism. However, they were all in vain. The only way to deal with the dry bones of our human condition is resurrection. Therefore, Jesus is the only Answer for humanity because He alone can die and rise. Our only hope is to be united with Jesus’ death and Resurrection by faith in Him.

We are saved by faith from a “dry bones” existence. We express our faith in Jesus through Baptism. We are baptized into Jesus and into His death and Resurrection (Rm 6:3-5). The dry bones rattle and come together (Ez 37:7). We are born again and restored.

A week from today is the Easter Vigil. Many throughout the world will be baptized, and all the baptized will be called to renew their baptismal commitment to Jesus. Give yourself to Jesus, Who has turned dry bones into the abundant life (Jn 10:10).

Prayer: Jesus, in this upcoming Holy Week, may I become aware of what You have done for me. You alone have made my life worth living.

Promise: "If we let Him go on like this, the whole world will believe in Him." —Jn 11:48

Praise: "God is our refuge and our strength. The Lord of Hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob" (Ps 46:2, 8).



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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 April 1, 2022 through May 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 3, 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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