A WAR WORTH SEEING - One Bread, One Body, 06/09/2024

Sunday, June 9, 2024, 10th Sunday Ordinary Time

Genesis 3:9-15
2 Corinthians 4:13—5:1
Psalm 130:1-8
Mark 3:20-35
View Readings

A WAR WORTH SEEING
"He will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel." —Genesis 3:15

A war rages between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. Because it is a spiritual war, it cannot be viewed with physical eyesight (see 1 Cor 2:12-15). It’s critical to know we are in a war and act accordingly. Imagine walking through a war zone unaware that bullets and bombs are buzzing nearby. This would put us at risk of becoming a casualty since we wouldn’t defend ourselves and our loved ones.

This spiritual war has many casualties: widespread hunger, divorce, millions of aborted babies, rampant sexual sin, greed, injustice, selfishness, substance abuse, acts of violence, and much more. The natural man views the casualties without thinking of God — unless it’s to blame God. The spiritual man sees the spiritual war and responds with spiritual weapons as listed in Ephesians 6:10-20. “Our battle is not against human forces but against the principalities and powers, the rulers of this world of darkness, the evil spirits in regions above” (Eph 6:12).

Once the land of Israel was under attack. The servant of the prophet Elisha lamented that the forces of the invading Aramean army surrounded the city, which did not have enough troops to withstand them (2 Kgs 6:14-15). “ ‘Do not be afraid,’ Elisha answered, ‘Our side outnumbers theirs.’ Then he prayed, ‘O Lord, open his eyes, that he may see.’ And the Lord opened the eyes of the servant, so that he saw the mountainside filled with horses and chariots around Elisha” (2 Kgs 6:16-17).

Beg the Lord for the grace to see the war, fight properly, and trust that the battle belongs to Him (1 Sm 17:47).

Prayer: Father, may I "walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor 5:7). Give me eyes to fight "the good fight" of faith (2 Tm 4:7).

Promise: "Everything is ordered to your benefit." —2 Cor 4:15

Praise: You, risen Jesus, Captain and Conqueror!

(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 June 1, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 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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THE LOOK OF LOVE - One Bread, One Body, 06/07/2024

Friday, June 7, 2024, Sacred Heart of Jesus

Hosea 11:1, 3-4, 8-9
Ephesians 3:8-12, 14-19
Isaiah 12:2-6
John 19:31-37
View Readings

THE LOOK OF LOVE
"They shall look on Him Whom they have pierced." —John 19:37

“God is Love” (1 Jn 4:16). This is the most fundamental revelation from God. “We, for our part, love because He first loved us” (1 Jn 4:19). First of all, we must know that God loves us.

However, we have great difficulty believing in God’s love for us. Although He draws us “with human cords, with bands of love,” and although He stoops to feed and heal us (see Hos 11:4), we may not believe He loves us. Even when God became a man and proved His love by dying on the cross for us (Rm 5:8), we denied, ignored, and questioned His love.

The Lord has sent apostles, prophets, preachers, and teachers to proclaim His love (see Eph 4:11). These proclamations have been like a two-edged sword, which penetrated, divided, and judged the thoughts and reflections of our hearts (Heb 4:12). In this way, many people have come to believe in God’s love for them and begin to live a new life of love.

Possibly the most effective proclamation of God’s love for each of us is the prophetic vision of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Look at a picture of the Sacred Heart. “Thus you will be able to grasp fully, with all the holy ones, the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ’s love, and experience this love which surpasses all knowledge, so that you may attain to the fullness of God Himself” (Eph 3:18-19). Look daily at a picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Believe that He loves you.

Prayer: Father, on this world day of prayer for the sanctification of priests, let priests know, give, and preach Your love as never before.

Promise: "My heart is overwhelmed, my pity is stirred." —Hos 11:8

Praise: "Behold the Heart that has loved mankind so much. It is pure Love and Mercy." All praise be to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.



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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 June 1, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 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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A WORD IN EDGEWISE - One Bread, One Body, 06/06/2024

Thursday, June 6, 2024, St. Norbert

2 Timothy 2:8-15
Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14
Mark 12:28-34

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A WORD IN EDGEWISE
"Keep reminding people of these things and charge them before God to stop disputing about mere words. This does no good and can be the ruin of those who listen." —2 Timothy 2:14

Many of us fight about words a lot. We fight about translations of the Bible, “inclusive language,” the wording of prayers, propaganda from so-called pro-choice supporters, and other attempts at verbal manipulation in the media. Some of this fighting about words is godly because we are fighting about the truth (see Sir 4:28) and not just about words. But some of this fighting is “worldly, idle talk” (2 Tm 2:16). We must avoid this at all cost, for “those who indulge in it become more and more godless, and the influence of their talk will spread like the plague” (2 Tm 2:16-17).

Words are much more powerful than many people realize. So-called “idle conversation” is not merely idle; it is dangerous and potentially destructive. Jesus stated: “I assure you, on judgment day people will be held accountable for every unguarded word they speak. By your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Mt 12:36-37). Because words can be so powerful, “if a person is without fault in speech he is a man in the fullest sense, because he can control his entire body” (Jas 3:2).

“Where words are many, sin is not wanting; but he who restrains his lips does well” (Prv 10:19). So let us “hope in silence” (Lam 3:26), be “slow to speak” (Jas 1:19), and, when called by God, speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15).

Prayer: Father, be Lord of my words. Teach me "what to say and how to speak" (Jn 12:49).

Promise: "Jesus approved the insight of this answer and told him, 'You are not far from the reign of God.' " —Mk 12:34

Praise: After St. Norbert gave his life to Jesus, he sold all of his estates and possessions, gave the money to the poor, and traveled barefoot to make his Confession to the pope himself.

Our Family Vacation with the Lord is June 17-21. This is a great time for the family to have fun and grow closer to the Lord. For details, call 513-373-2397 or see www.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 June 1, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 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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THE 120 SPRINT - One Bread, One Body, 06/05/2024

Wednesday, June 5, 2024, St. Boniface

2 Timothy 1:1-3, 6-12
Psalm 123:1-2
Mark 12:18-27

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THE 120 SPRINT
"I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God bestowed when my hands were laid on you. The Spirit God has given us is no cowardly Spirit." —2 Timothy 1:6-7

At the first Christian Pentecost, 120 disciples of Jesus received the Holy Spirit at 9:00 AM (Acts 1:15; 2:15). They reached 3,000 people with the Gospel that day (see Acts 2:41). The 120 were not only the recipients of Pentecost but also immediate participants in Pentecost. Jesus said that it is better to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).

At Pentecost, we understand that it is better to receive the Spirit so as to give the Spirit as soon as possible. For example, Mary received the Holy Spirit and conceived Jesus (Lk 1:35). “Thereupon Mary set out, proceeding in haste into the hill country” to share the Spirit, and the Baby she was carrying in her womb (Lk 1:39ff), with her cousin, Elizabeth.

St. Boniface, whose feast we celebrate at Mass today, was martyred as he shared the Holy Spirit in preparing people to be confirmed. Like St. Boniface, we need to share the Holy Spirit right now because today may be our last chance. We need Christians who will stir into flame the gift of the Holy Spirit and join the original 120 who began and continued Pentecost without delay. Join in the mission of the 120 now.

Prayer: Father, may I move in the Spirit.

Promise: "When people rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage but live like angels in heaven." —Mk 12:25

Praise: St. Boniface devoted his life to converting the German people from paganism to Christianity.



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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 June 1, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 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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GROW - One Bread, One Body, 06/04/2024

Tuesday, June 4, 2024,

2 Peter 3:12-15, 17-18
Psalm 90:2-4, 10, 14, 16
Mark 12:13-17

View Readings

GROW
"Grow." —2 Peter 3:18

Many of you have received the Holy Spirit in new and greater ways this Pentecost. Now the question is: “Will you quench the Spirit (see 1 Thes 5:19) or grow in the Spirit?” The Lord commands us: “Grow rather in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pt 3:18). “Grow to the full maturity of Christ the Head” (Eph 4:15). “You, beloved, grow strong in your holy faith through prayer in the Holy Spirit” (Jude 20).

The incarnate Jesus Himself grew “in wisdom and age and grace before God and men” (Lk 2:52; see also Lk 2:40). We must imitate Jesus and grow in the Spirit. If we do not, we will lose the growth we have previously had and we will die, for a living organism cannot stay the same (cf Mt 13:12). We grow or die.

Although devastating consequences threaten those who don’t grow, these are not the main reasons we wish to grow. We grow to please our Father, Who created us to grow. He even sent Jesus to die that we may grow. He sent the Holy Spirit to live in us that we may grow in holiness (see 1 Cor 6:19). Our Father, Abba, is pleased when His children grow. Let us grow in and for Him.

Prayer: Father, smile at my growth.

Promise: "Their amazement at Him knew no bounds." —Mk 12:17

Praise: After an absence of thirty-six years, Penny confessed her sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. She now rejoices to be alive in her Catholic faith.

(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 June 1, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 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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“THE FRUITED PLAIN” - One Bread, One Body, 06/03/2024

Monday, June 3, 2024, St. Charles Lwanga
& Companions

2 Peter 1:2-7
Psalm 91:1-2, 14-16
Mark 12:1-12

View Readings

"THE FRUITED PLAIN"
"In due time he dispatched a man in his service to the tenants to obtain from them his share of produce from the vineyard." —Mark 12:2

The Lord’s first recorded words to the human race concerned the bearing of fruit: “Be fruitful and multiply” (Gn 1:28, RSV-CE). Jesus even called Himself  “the Vine” (Jn 15:5). This was His way of insisting that we bear abundant, lasting fruit (Jn 15:5, 16).

Jesus warned His disciples that they would suffer a tragic end unless they repented and bore fruit (Lk 13:1-9). He cursed a fig tree because it was not bearing fruit — even out of season (Mk 11:13ff). Jesus did this before He cleansed the Temple because of the unfruitfulness of its religious leaders. Before His death, Jesus told a parable about an owner of a vineyard who sent servant after servant to the vineyard’s tenant farmers to collect his share of the fruits (Mk 12:2ff). These servants were repeatedly beaten and murdered. Nevertheless, the owner of the vineyard was determined to get his fruit. He finally sent his beloved son to obtain the fruit. Predictably, the son was also murdered. Allegorically, this means that God the Father sent His Son not only to collect fruit but to bear it super-abundantly by dying on the cross (Jn 12:24).

Jesus has made Himself clear. We must bear the fruit of evangelization and holiness, or perish. Be fruitful!

Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit to produce fruit in me (see Gal 5:22).

Promise: "He has bestowed on us the great and precious things He promised, so that through these you who have fled a world corrupted by lust might become sharers of the divine nature." —2 Pt 1:4

Praise: The king of Uganda, enraged at the refusal of some of his page boys to submit to his immoral demands, ordered his Christian servants to separate from the others. St. Charles Lwanga and fourteen other men declared their loyalty to Jesus and endured martyrdom.



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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 June 1, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 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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JUST DO IT - One Bread, One Body, 06/02/2024

Sunday, June 2, 2024, The Body and Blood of Christ

Exodus 24:3-8
Hebrews 9:11-15
Psalm 116:12-13, 15-18
Mark 14:12-16, 22-26
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JUST DO IT
"This is My blood, the blood of the covenant, to be poured out on behalf of many." —Mark 14:24

When Moses read to the chosen people the words of the covenant with the Lord, the people responded “with one voice, ‘We will do everything that the Lord has told us’ ” (Ex 24:3). The next day, they reiterated: “All that the Lord has said, we will heed and do” (Ex 24:7). They understood that doing was an essential part of the covenant.

Jesus Himself at the Last Supper said, “Do this as a remembrance of Me” (Lk 22:19), when He said: “This cup is the new covenant in My blood” (Lk 22:20). Therefore, let us do the covenant by:

• doing the Eucharist in memory of Him (1 Cor 11:24),
• doing for the least of the brethren (Mt 25:40),
• doing whatever He tells us (Jn 2:5), and
• doing “everything that the Lord has told us” (Ex 24:3).

When we began the Easter season, the Lord through His Church called us to renew our baptismal covenant. The Church asked us: “Do you reject Satan, all his works, and all his empty promises?” and “Do you believe in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit?” We repeatedly answer these questions: “I do.” Do the covenant. Do it in memory of Jesus.

Prayer: Father, make me a missionary of the Eucharist so as to lead as many as possible to Eucharistic love and worship.

Promise: "...how much more will the blood of Christ, Who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself up unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works to worship the living God!" —Heb 9:14

Praise: "All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine." Praise be Your precious Blood, Lord Jesus.



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