WHAT ARE WE TO DO WITH JESUS? - One Bread, One Body, 03/16/2024

Saturday, March 16, 2024,

Jeremiah 11:18-20
Psalm 7:2-3, 9-12
John 7:40-53

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WHAT ARE WE TO DO WITH JESUS?
"The crowd was sharply divided over Him." —John 7:43

What are we to do with Jesus? (see Jn 11:47) Some people say He is the Prophet and the Messiah (Jn 7:40, 41). Over a billion people say He is our Savior, the Lord, the Son of God, God Himself. For two thousand years, people have said: “No man ever spoke like that before” (Jn 7:46), and “He told me everything I have ever done” (see Jn 4:29, 39). What are we to do with Jesus? If we accept Him as Lord and God, we must deny our very selves (Lk 9:23) and no longer live for ourselves but for Him (2 Cor 5:15).

Jesus taught: “Blest is the man who finds no stumbling block in Me” (Mt 11:6). Jesus is “a Stone which the builders rejected that became a Cornerstone” (1 Pt 2:7). He is a Sign of contradiction for the rise and fall of many (Lk 2:34). We will either crucify Jesus and hold Him up to contempt (Heb 6:6) or we will be crucified with Him (Gal 2:19). If we choose Jesus and the cross, the lives we live will no longer be our own but Christ living in us (Gal 2:20). What are we to do with Jesus? What will He do with us?

Prayer: Jesus, my Lord, my God, my All! (see Jn 20:28)

Promise: "You, O Lord, showed me their doings." —Jer 11:18

Praise: Sister Monica gave a Bible Study booklet to a prisoner. He was so touched that he spent the next week studying the Scriptures and wouldn't even watch the TV.

(For a related teaching on Developing A Deep Personal Relationship with Jesus, listen to, download or order CD 52-1 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 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 7, 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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THE CERTAINTY OF PERSECUTION - One Bread, One Body, 03/15/2024

Friday, March 15, 2024,

Wisdom 2:1, 12-22
Psalm 34:17-21, 23
John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

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THE CERTAINTY OF PERSECUTION
"Let us condemn him to a shameful death; for according to his own words, God will take care of him." —Wisdom 2:20

If we want to live a godly life, we can expect to be persecuted (2 Tm 3:12). We don’t know the severity of this persecution, but we do know the certainty of it.

Although many non-Christians pride themselves on being tolerant, they will probably not tolerate Christians, for we are obnoxious to them (Wis 2:12). They think we are setting ourselves against their doings, reproaching them “for transgressions of the law,” charging them with violations of their training, and censuring their thoughts (Wis 2:12, 14). Merely to see us is a hardship for many non-Christians because our lives are different (Wis 2:14-15). There is an automatic tension between Christians and non-Christians. Eventually something has to give; something has to snap. Non-Christians either take up Jesus’ cross (Lk 9:23) or they crucify Jesus and hold Him up to contempt by attacking His disciples (see Heb 6:6).

May your life in Christ be so authentic that you are worthy of being persecuted.

Prayer: Father, in life may I lead many people to You. In death, may I lead many more people to You.

Promise: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit He saves." —Ps 34:19

Praise: Jesus healed Michael of tumors in his throat.

(For a related teaching on The Remnant, listen to, download or order CD 79-3 or DVD 79 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."

For many years, several youths gathered together monthly to pray the rosary in front of a local abortion chamber for an end to legalized abortion.

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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I DESIRE MERCY - One Bread, One Body, 03/14/2024

Thursday March 14, 2024,

Exodus 32:7-14
Psalm 106:19-23
John 5:31-47

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I DESIRE MERCY
"Then He spoke of exterminating them, but Moses, His chosen one, withstood Him in the breach to turn back His destructive wrath." —Psalm 106:23

The scene described in Psalm 106:23 above might leave the impression that God is angry, vengeful, and eager to punish. A more complete interpretation is that God is perfectly just. Sins, both personal and national, have harmful effects on innocent people and nations. Justice demands that these wrongs to humanity and civilization be righted. The justice of God also demands that reparation be made for the wrong He Himself has suffered from the sins of humanity. However, God delights in mercy (Mi 7:18) and is more eager to give mercy than we are to receive it. Not only that, but Jesus Himself intercedes for us and for nations (1 Jn 2:1-2). Sadly, many have prevented themselves and others from receiving God’s mercy (see Mt 23:13).

The Lord declares: “The people of the land practice extortion and commit robbery; they afflict the poor and the needy, and oppress the resident alien without justice. Thus I have searched among them for someone who could build a wall or stand in the breach before Me to keep Me from destroying the land; but I found no one” (Ez 22:29-30). This passage reveals a God Who wants His justice to be overruled by an appeal to His mercy. Yet who is willing to sacrifice their time to appeal for God’s mercy by standing in the breach to intercede on behalf of a sinful world?

The Lord desires mercy (Mt 9:13). Do we desire mercy enough to stand in the breach and intercede for it?

Prayer: Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Promise: "The Lord relented in the punishment He had threatened to inflict on His people." —Ex 32:14

Praise: For many years, several youths gathered together monthly to pray the rosary in front of a local abortion chamber for an end to legalized abortion.

(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 December 1, 2023, through January 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio March 17, 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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THE GREATEST ACT OF FAITH - One Bread, One Body, 03/13/2024

Wednesday, March 13, 2024,

Isaiah 49:8-15
Psalm 145:8-9, 13-14, 17-18
John 5:17-30

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THE GREATEST ACT OF FAITH
Jesus "was speaking of God as His own Father, thereby making Himself God's equal." —John 5:18

When we renew our baptismal promises at Easter, we will state that Jesus is God, the Lord, the uniquely begotten, eternally begotten Son of God (see Mk 14:61-62).

If Jesus is God and if God the Father is God, does that mean that there is more than one God? If not, are Jesus and the Father part of God but not God individually? But if each one is God, doesn’t that make two gods? How can three Persons be one God? Isn’t the Trinity a denial of monotheism? It is not easy to answer these questions. They can seem illogical, but they are trans-logical. They are not contradictory; they are mystery.

Jesus began to reveal His divinity and the Trinity when He said:

• “The Son cannot do anything by Himself — He can do only what He sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise” (Jn 5:19).
• “Everything the Father does He shows Him” (Jn 5:20).
• “Just as the Father raises the dead and grants life, the Son grants life to those to whom He wishes” (Jn 5:21).
• “The Father Himself judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son, so that all men may honor the Son just as they honor the Father” (Jn 5:22-23).
• “Just as the Father possesses life in Himself, so has He granted it to the Son to have life in Himself” (Jn 5:26).

Only by grace can we renew our baptismal promises by believing in Jesus’ divinity and the Trinity. Accept this great grace.

Prayer: Father, give me "great faith" (see Mt 15:28).

Promise: "I will never forget you." —Is 49:15

Praise: Jesus set Diego free from a compulsion to use pornography.



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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 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 7, 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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“LET THE RIVER FLOW” - One Bread, One Body, 03/12/2024

Tuesday, March 12, 2024,

Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12
Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9
John 5:1-16

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"LET THE RIVER FLOW"
"I saw water flowing out from beneath the threshold of the temple." —Ezekiel 47:1

The source of a river is often a small trickle of water. Typically, rivers get deeper through ground water and tributaries which increase the river’s depth. That is not the case in Ezekiel’s river. Miraculously, its only source is the trickle from the Temple (Ez 47:1).  Another miracle is that this river’s flow makes the salt water fresh (see Ez 47:8-9). Ezekiel is referring to the Dead Sea, the saltiest lake on earth, saltier than even the ocean. There is no life in the Dead Sea. Yet the trickle from this holy water even brings life to the Dead Sea! (see Ez 47:10)

Ezekiel’s holy river is a prophecy of the Holy Catholic Church. Jesus is Head of the Church (Col 1:18). The Church is watered by the flow of water from the side of the pierced Christ (Jn 19:34). Jesus brings life where there is no life. We look at the limitations and weaknesses of the members of the Church when we instead need to be looking at Jesus. We see a limited Church, with only a trickle of visible grace. But the life of God starts small, with only a mustard seed, only a crumb of yeast (Mt 13:31-33).

We can never limit God’s grace. We see sin abound and only a trickle of grace, rather than seeing grace abounding more than sin (see Rm 5:20). Jesus commands us: “Open your eyes and see! The fields are shining for harvest!” (Jn 4:35)

Believe that the Lord is working powerfully through His Church. Drink from the trickle of water. It will become a river of life, leaping up within you (Jn 4:14; 7:37-38).

Prayer: Father, may I love the Church as Jesus does.

Promise: "The man was immediately cured." —Jn 5:9

Praise: Rick teaches his students reverence for God's Word merely by the way he physically handles the Bible.

(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 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 7, 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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PRAYER AND TRAFFIC SIGNS - One Bread, One Body, 03/11/2024

Monday, March 11, 2024,

Isaiah 65:17-21
Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13
John 4:43-54

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PRAYER AND TRAFFIC SIGNS
"It was at that very hour, the father realized, that Jesus had told him, 'Your son is going to live.' " —John 4:53

Prayer, of course, is not informing or persuading God. He is all-knowing and all-loving. Prayer is God informing and persuading us. Prayer is not an attempt to get our will done. Rather, we pray so we can know and do God’s will. In our prayer, God persuades us in His love to change our ways rather than do our own thing.

Therefore, we don’t need to keep asking God for something unless this helps us know and surrender to His will. Repetition in petitioning God is for our benefit, not for God’s. When we let God get through to us, our prayer is answered. Then we should stop asking and start thanking. We’re not waiting for God to answer our prayer, but He is waiting for us to let Him answer our prayer. The moment our prayer is answered is not when we see it answered but when we yield to God’s will. For example, the prayer of the royal official in today’s Gospel reading was answered at 1 PM (Jn 4:52). He found out about it the next day.

Those who have surrendered their lives to God don’t repeat their petitions much. They mostly thank God for constantly and quickly answering their prayers. Ask God simply; yield totally; thank greatly.

Prayer: Father, in prayer may I understand that, after I obey the "Yield" sign, the next sign is "Thank."

Promise: "Lo, I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the things of the past shall not be remembered or come to mind." —Is 65:17

Praise: Louise's marriage was a shambles. She made a full Confession for the first time in a decade, and the Lord reconciled her and her husband.

(For a related teaching on I Believe in Miracles, listen to, download or order our CD 63-3 or DVD 63 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 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 7, 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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GOD IS RICH - One Bread, One Body, 03/10/2024

Sunday, March 10, 2024, Fourth Sunday of Lent

2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23
Ephesians 2:4-10
Psalm 137:1-6
John 3:14-21
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GOD IS RICH
"God is rich in mercy; because of His great love for us He brought us to life with Christ when we were dead in sin. By this favor you were saved." —Ephesians 2:4-5

Today is traditionally called “Laetare Sunday.” “Laetare” means “rejoice,” for Lent is half over and Easter is only three weeks away. We rejoice not because we don’t have to fast for much longer but because God has already done marvelous works this Lent, and this is only the beginning.

What are you expecting for Holy Week and the Easter season? Do you expect a fifty-day Sunday for the Easter season? No matter how high your hopes, the Lord will do more than you could ever ask or imagine (Eph 3:20). “Is it possible that He Who did not spare His own Son but handed Him over for the sake of us all will not grant us all things besides?” (Rm 8:32)

After God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son (Jn 3:16), we can only underestimate the love, grace, and glory God has in store for us (1 Cor 2:9). He “gave us a place in the heavens, that in the ages to come He might display the great wealth of His favor” (Eph 2:6-7). We are so small and closed in on ourselves. God is so great and lavish in His love. How can the ocean of God’s love be poured into the thimble of our selfishness? “Open wide your hearts!” (2 Cor 6:13)

Prayer: Father, I'm sorry I've been too self-centered to receive Your love. I repent. Do anything You want to open wide my heart.

Promise: "Whoever, therefore, among you belongs to any part of His people, let him go up, and may his God be with him!" —2 Chr 36:23

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



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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 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 7, 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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