THE BLESSINGS OF GODLY SORROW - One Bread, One Body, 09/15/2023

Friday, September 15, 2023, Our Lady of Sorrows

Hebrews 5:7-9
Psalm 31:2-6, 15-16, 20
John 19:25-27
or Luke 2:33-35
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THE BLESSINGS OF GODLY SORROW
"There is your mother." —John 19:27

Today we celebrate the memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. Mary, the Sorrowful Mother, endured many sorrows in the course of her earthly life (see Lk 2:48), often depicted in devotions such as the Seven Sorrows of Mary. In the present secular culture, there is a widespread lack of sorrow for sin. Instead, there is pride, arrogance, and contempt for the very concept of sin.

There is such a thing as godly sorrow, “a sorrow that came from God” (2 Cor 7:9). “Indeed, sorrow for God’s sake produces a repentance without regrets, leading to salvation, whereas worldly sorrow brings death” (2 Cor 7:10). “Just look at the fruit of this sorrow which stems from God” (2 Cor 7:11): a holy zeal rather than apathy, readiness to defend oneself from spiritual warfare rather than allowing the devil to run rampant in the world, an ardent desire to restore the balance of justice rather than an acceptance of injustice, and innocence in place of guilt (2 Cor 7:11).

A godly sorrow for sin leads to a reduction in sin, an increased love and worship of God, a corresponding desire to make reparation for sin, an increase of justice, peace, humility, holiness, and righteousness. Additionally, it leads to blessings for those who grieve sin. Those who mourned Israel’s sin and iniquities were spared from destruction (see Ez 9:4ff). Jesus Himself said: “Blessed too are the sorrowing, they shall be consoled” (Mt 5:4).

From the cross, Jesus commands us to receive Mary as our mother (Jn 19:27). Receive Mary into your home as your mother (Jn 19:27). Welcome godly sorrow and its blessings.

Prayer: "My Mother, share Thy grief with me, and let me bear Thee company to mourn Thy Jesus' death with Thee."

Promise: "This Child is destined to be the downfall and the rise of many in Israel, a sign that will be opposed." —Lk 2:34

Praise: For years, Brenda has prayed the Servite Rosary daily, meditating on the Seven Sorrows of Mary.

(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 One Bread, One Body covering the period August 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 4, 2023

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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NO LOSS AT THIS CROSS - One Bread, One Body, 09/14/2023

Thursday, September 14, 2023, Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Numbers 21:4-9
Philippians 2:6-11
Psalm 78:1-2, 34-38
John 3:13-17
View Readings

NO LOSS AT THIS CROSS
"He humbled Himself, obediently accepting even death, death on a cross! Because of this, God highly exalted Him."—Philippians 2:8-9

John’s Gospel particularly highlights the exaltation of the cross of Jesus. St. John proclaims that the cross is the catalyst for faith leading to eternal life (Jn 3:14-16), and the place where we finally recognize that Jesus is God (Jn 8:28-29).

“They shall look on Him Whom they have pierced” (Jn 19:37). “The centurion who stood guard over Him, on seeing the manner of His death, declared, ‘Clearly this Man was the Son of God!’ ” (Mk 15:39) When we see Jesus lifted up on the cross, as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, we are drawn to believe and “have eternal life in Him” (Jn 3:14-15; 12:32). St. Paul transformed the most hardened hearts by speaking “of nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Cor 2:2). He proclaimed the Gospel by displaying before the eyes of all Jesus Christ upon the cross (Gal 3:1).

As a subject of King Jesus, you are called to bear a daily cross (Lk 9:23). Do you carry your cross in such a way that it proclaims to everyone that “Jesus Christ is Lord”? (Phil 2:11) You are blessed with the unspeakable privilege of sharing in the victorious cross of King Jesus. Therefore, glory in the cross and carry your cross so as to triumph.

Prayer: King Jesus, grant that I may carry my cross in a way that proclaims You as Victor rather than a heartless taskmaster.

Promise: "Yes, God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him may not die but may have eternal life. God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him." —Jn 3:16-17

Praise: "We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world."

(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 One Bread, One Body covering the period August 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 4, 2023

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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LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS - One Bread, One Body, 09/13/2023

Wednesday, September 13, 2023, St. John Chrysostom

Colossians 3:1-11
Psalm 145:2-3, 10-13
Luke 6:20-26

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LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS
"Woe to you rich, for your consolation is now." —Luke 6:24

Most of you who read this live in dwellings with running water, indoor plumbing, electricity, and heating. Many of you have smartphones, automobiles, refrigerators, and TVs. Some of you have dishwashers, computers, and air conditioning. A few of you have second homes, boats, and millions of dollars.

Jesus says: “Woe to you rich” (Lk 6:24). It’s so easy to shrug off His words and think, “He can’t be talking about me. I don’t have a dishwasher, and I don’t have a summer home.” Forget those comparisons. If we must compare, let’s compare ourselves to those Jesus addressed. Every one of those people walked a long distance to the “level stretch” by the mountain (Lk 6:17). No one had coolers full of ice and drinks. They had no bathrooms or vending machines. Nearly all of them slept on mats on the floor of what we would consider huts. Even the rich in the crowd and in that society couldn’t imagine in their wildest dreams the lifestyle most of us live today. Yet Jesus felt it was important for His first-century hearers to be warned of the woes of riches.

“I am about to give you some advice on this matter of rich and poor” (2 Cor 8:10). Jesus is the same today as on that day (Heb 13:8). By His standards, we are rich — and in danger of woe (Lk 6:24). Don’t disregard Jesus’ words. He is Lord and Judge. We must tremble at His word (Is 66:2). We must judge our lives by His words and standards, not by those of our culture.

Repent of not using your resources for the kingdom of God. Simplify your lives. Tithe and give alms, and “all will be wiped clean for you” (Lk 11:41).

Prayer: Jesus, though rich, You made Yourself poor for my sake (2 Cor 8:9). I give my finances, my lifestyle, my all to You.

Promise: "When Christ our Life appears, then you shall appear with Him in glory." —Col 3:4

Praise: St. John Chrysostom used his gift of spiritual fatherhood to teach mystics, pastors, and everyone seeking holiness.

(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 One Bread, One Body covering the period August 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 4, 2023

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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TOP 9 REASONS TO LOVE AND LIVE YOUR BAPTISM - One Bread, One Body, 09/12/2023

Tuesday, September 12, 2023, Most Holy Name of Mary

Colossians 2:6-15
Psalm 145:1-2, 8-11
Luke 6:12-19

View Readings

TOP 9 REASONS TO LOVE AND LIVE YOUR BAPTISM
"Continue, therefore, to live in Christ Jesus the Lord, in the spirit in which you received Him." ––Colossians 2:6

Many Catholics are baptized as infants. We have no memory of the event. Thus, we often don’t realize its significance:

1)      “In baptism you were not only buried with Him but also raised to life with Him” (Col 2:12).

2)      This risen life is brought about through your “baptism of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Ti 3:5).

3)      “You are now saved by a baptismal bath which corresponds” to Noah and his family escaping in the ark through the water (see 1 Pt 3:20-21).

4)      “All of you who have been baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Him” (Gal 3:27).

5)      “You have been washed, consecrated, justified in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor 6:11).

6)      After seeing the risen Christ, St. Paul himself was instructed by Ananias, “Be baptized at once and wash away your sins as you call upon His name” (Acts 22:16).

7)      Jesus said, “No one can enter into God’s kingdom without being begotten of water and Spirit” (Jn 3:5).

8)      Jesus also said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk 16:16, RSV-CE).

9)      Finally, Jesus linked Baptism to making “disciples of all the nations” (Mt 28:19).

Be a disciple. Love your Baptism. Live your Baptism.

Prayer: Father, grace me to live my Baptism generously.

Promise: "The Lord is good to all and compassionate toward all His works." ––Ps 145:9

Praise: "All ages to come shall call me blessed" (Lk 1:48). Thank You, Holy Spirit, for teaching us how to properly honor the Most Holy Name of Mary.

(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 One Bread, One Body covering the period August 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 4, 2023

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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ALL FOR YOU - One Bread, One Body, 09/11/2023

Monday, September 11, 2023,

Colossians 1:24—2:3
Psalm 62:6-7, 9
Luke 6:6-11

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ALL FOR YOU
"I want you to know how hard I am struggling for you...and the many others who have never seen me in the flesh." —Colossians 2:1

I had the blessed privilege of serving as Fr. Al Lauer’s chief editor for this booklet, One Bread, One Body (OBOB), for the last ten years of his life. He would never have mentioned what he endured to feed you with God’s Word, but today’s first reading from Colossians would have been dear to his heart.

He found his “joy in the suffering” he endured “for you” (Col 1:24), his beloved readers of OBOB. In his own flesh, he took part in the sufferings of Christ for your sake (Col 1:24). He wrote page after page daily for twenty years, whether on his deathbed, in the hospital preparing for or recovering from surgery, in airports or on airplanes, or crowded public places if necessary. In his last few years, he continued to write teachings despite painful intestinal blockages and, eventually, terminal cancer.

He wished your “hearts to be strengthened and...closely united in love, enriched with full assurance by [your] knowledge of the mystery of God — namely Christ” (Col 2:2). He wanted to teach you “the full measure of wisdom,” that is, the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church, “hoping to make” each of you “complete in Christ” (Col 1:28). “For this” he worked and struggled, “impelled by that energy of [the Lord’s] which [was] so powerful a force within” him (Col 1:29).

Fr. Al Lauer loved each of you. If a man can so love and suffer for you, know for certain how much more you are loved by Jesus, the God-Man, Who gave His life for you. Live in His love (Jn 15:9). “Then go and do the same” (Lk 10:37).

Prayer: Jesus, I lay my life at Your feet. Use me as You see fit.

Promise: Jesus "said to the man, 'Stretch out your hand.' The man did so and his hand was perfectly restored." —Lk 6:10

Praise: Jesus set Margie free from smoking cigarettes.

(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 One Bread, One Body covering the period August 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 4, 2023

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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HATING THE SIN, LOVING THE SINNER - One Bread, One Body, 09/10/2023

Sunday, September 10, 2023, 23rd Sunday Ordinary Time

Ezekiel 33:7-9
Romans 13:8-10
Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9
Matthew 18:15-20
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HATING THE SIN, LOVING THE SINNER
"If I tell the wicked man that he shall surely die, and you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked man from his way, he [the wicked man] shall die for his guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death." —Ezekiel 33:8

“You can depend on this as worthy of full acceptance: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tm 1:15). Therefore, as followers of Jesus, we must be very concerned about sin. First, we must remove the plank of sin from our eyes so that we will see clearly to remove the specks of sin from the eyes of our brothers and sisters (Mt 7:5). Then we should correct and warn the person who is sinning (Ez 33:8), “but keep it between the two of” us (Mt 18:15). If privately correcting a person who sins against us is not well received (Mt 18:16), we should bring other Christians into this “ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor 5:18). Moreover, “anyone who sees his brother sinning, if the sin is not deadly, should petition God, and thus life will be given to the sinner” (1 Jn 5:16). “Remember this: the person who brings a sinner back from his way will save his soul from death and cancel a multitude of sins” (Jas 5:20). Finally, we must rejoice with the Lord, the saints, and the angels “over one repentant sinner” (Lk 15:7, 10).

Prayer: Father, use me to lead many to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Promise: "Owe no debt to anyone except the debt that binds us to love one another. He who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law." —Rm 13:8

Praise: Praise Jesus, risen, glorified, and seated at the right hand of the Father!

(For a related teaching on The Secret of Confession, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order our CD 44-3 or DVD 44 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 One Bread, One Body covering the period August 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 4, 2023

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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EAT YOU ALIVE - One Bread, One Body, 09/09/2023

Saturday, September 9, 2023, St. Peter Claver

Colossians 1:21-23
Psalm 54:3-4, 6, 8
Luke 6:1-5

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EAT YOU ALIVE
"You nourished hostility in your hearts because of your evil deeds." —Colossians 1:21

Hostility, unforgiveness, bitterness, and resentment have ravenous appetites. They demand to be nourished constantly with bitter and unkind thoughts. Still that’s not enough. Those thoughts must spill out into words. We speak out of the abundance of our hearts (Lk 6:45). Like a devouring lion (1 Pt 5:8), the jaws of unforgiveness chew on gossip and slander born of resentment. Yet unforgiveness still must eat more. It relentlessly devours people, marriages, families, and friendships. It eventually may commit suicide by consuming the very person it feeds upon.

Unforgiveness gnaws on our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. It eats us alive. Like cancer, unforgiveness and bitterness take over our body until we are dead. Like poison, hostility and resentment destroy indiscriminately, ruining both the object of the hate and the one expelling the venom.

Brothers and sisters, forgive or be handed over to the torturers to die a miserable death even into eternal damnation (Mt 18:34-35). The one who refuses to forgive is always among the casualties. Decide to forgive. Jesus will give you the grace, for He “has achieved reconciliation for you in His mortal body by dying, so as to present you to God holy, free of reproach and blame” (Col 1:22).

Prayer: Jesus, as You hung on the cross, You forgave me (Lk 23:34). Give me the grace to be willing to forgive.

Promise: "The Son of Man is Lord even of the sabbath." —Lk 6:5

Praise: St. Peter Claver was led by the Spirit to leave his homeland to minister to the poor, "a slave to the slaves." He baptized several hundred thousand slaves in his years of ministry to them.

(For a related teaching on Jesus and Peace, listen to, download or order our CD 42-1 or DVD 42 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 One Bread, One Body covering the period August 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 4, 2023

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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