BLIND BIND - One Bread, One Body, 12/06/2024

Friday, December 6, 2024, St. Nicholas

Isaiah 29:17-24
Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14
Matthew 9:27-31

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BLIND BIND
"As Jesus moved on from there, two blind men came after Him crying out, 'Son of David, have pity on us!' " —Matthew 9:27

What if you went blind right now? How would Christmas be? The Church speaks to us today about blindness. It implies we have been spiritually blinded by sin. If not healed, our spiritual blindness will ruin Christmas since we cannot see Christ, the meaning of Christmas.

The Lord promises through the prophet Isaiah: “Out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see” (Is 29:18). Jesus stretches forth His hand to touch our eyes, so we may recover our sight (Mt 9:30). We can be healed when we admit we need healing. May Jesus not have to say to us what He said to the Pharisees: “ ‘But we see,’ you say, and your sin remains” (Jn 9:41).

When we admit our spiritual blindness, then we must admit its cause, that is, sin. The Lord calls us to confess our sins to one another to find forgiveness and healing (Jas 5:16). Without Advent repentance and Confession, we will have Christmas blindness. Instead of celebrating Christ, the Light of the world, we will be groping in the kingdom of darkness.

Don’t miss out on Christ, Christmas, Light, and Life. Go to Confession during Advent. Be reconciled with God. Cry out (Mt 9:27) for Jesus’ mercy: Lord, “I want to see” (Mk 10:51). “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind but now I see.”

Prayer: Holy Spirit, convict all who do not admit their spiritual blindness.

Promise: "The lowly will ever find joy in the Lord, and the poor rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. For the tyrant will be no more and the arrogant will have gone." —Is 29:19-20

Praise: Each year on the feast of St. Nicholas, Angela gives presents to each of her four children, and tells them the stories of his generosity and faith.



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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, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 2024"

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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CRASH! - One Bread, One Body, 12/05/2024

Thursday, December 5, 2024,

Isaiah 26:1-6
Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27
Matthew 7:21, 24-27

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CRASH!
"The rains fell, the torrents came, the winds blew and lashed against his house. It collapsed under all this and was completely ruined." —Matthew 7:27

The stock market will tumble. Our country will destroy itself from the inside. Family life in the USA will further deteriorate. Christmas will mean little more than an empty time of self-indulgence for millions.

Are these statements the predictions for the year 2025? No, they are not predictions but logical conclusions, unless Americans repent. The fact is that a house built on sand will collapse (Mt 7:26-27). A building without a strong foundation will tumble. A life without the Church and a personal relationship with Jesus is not built on Jesus the Rock (1 Cor 3:11; Is 26:4).

A nation not under God will be undermined and go the way of countless crumbled kingdoms throughout history (Is 26:5). A financial system not based on Biblical principles is a time bomb. A family that does not pray together will not stay together. A Christmas without Christ is meaningless at best and potentially destructive.

Only those who do the will of the heavenly Father have a stable future (Mt 7:21ff).

Prayer: Lord, during this Advent, may I let You build a firm foundation for Christmas, winter, and life.

Promise: "A nation of firm purpose You keep in peace; in peace, for its trust in You." —Is 26:3

Praise: After falling on the ice and injuring her back, Sharon prayed, "Only say the word and I shall be healed" (see Lk 7:7). She experienced an instant healing upon receiving the Eucharist.

(For a related teaching on God Bless America, listen to, download or order our AV 62-1 or V-62 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 December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 2024"

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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ADVENT MOUNTAIN - One Bread, One Body, 12/04/2024

Wednesday, December 4, 2024, St. John of Damascus

Isaiah 25:6-10
Psalm 23:1-6
Matthew 15:29-37

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ADVENT MOUNTAIN
"For the hand of the Lord will rest on this mountain." —Isaiah 25:10

The Church begins the Advent season by taking us up a mountain. During Advent, we are told to “climb the Lord’s mountain” (Is 2:3). There we will receive God’s Word and God’s peace. Yesterday the Lord promised: “There shall be no harm or ruin on all My holy mountain” (Is 11:9). This will be done by the Holy Spirit resting on and working through the Messiah and His followers. Today the Lord promises: “On this mountain the Lord of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines...On this mountain He will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, the web that is woven over all nations; He will destroy death forever” (Is 25:6, 7-8).

Where is this mountain upon which the needs of all peoples will be met and death will be destroyed? Jesus intimated that He knew the answer to this question when “He went up onto the mountainside” (Mt 15:29), healed the sick, and multiplied the loaves and fish to feed the masses (Mt 15:38). Yet, even at Multiplication Mountain, Jesus did not provide the needs for all people and destroy death. Jesus did that on the mountain of Calvary. Here He provided the offer of salvation for every human being, rent the veil between God and humanity (Mt 27:51), and destroyed death (see 1 Cor 15:26). The mountain of Advent prefigures Mount Calvary.

Prayer: Jesus, I choose to walk up the mountain with You even if I must go by way of the cross.

Promise: "Behold our God, to Whom we looked to save us!" —Is 25:9

Praise: St. John of Damascus is known as one of the two great poets of the Eastern Church. He defended the right to venerate icons and sacred pictures.

(Do you need to hear some Good News? Call 513-823-3111 to hear a short reflection lasting a few minutes on the Scripture readings of the daily Mass.)

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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, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 2024"

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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ADVENT MOUNTAIN - One Bread, One Body, 12/04/2024

Wednesday, December 4, 2024, St. John of Damascus

Isaiah 25:6-10
Psalm 23:1-6
Matthew 15:29-37

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ADVENT MOUNTAIN
"For the hand of the Lord will rest on this mountain." —Isaiah 25:10

The Church begins the Advent season by taking us up a mountain. During Advent, we are told to “climb the Lord’s mountain” (Is 2:3). There we will receive God’s Word and God’s peace. Yesterday the Lord promised: “There shall be no harm or ruin on all My holy mountain” (Is 11:9). This will be done by the Holy Spirit resting on and working through the Messiah and His followers. Today the Lord promises: “On this mountain the Lord of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines...On this mountain He will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, the web that is woven over all nations; He will destroy death forever” (Is 25:6, 7-8).

Where is this mountain upon which the needs of all peoples will be met and death will be destroyed? Jesus intimated that He knew the answer to this question when “He went up onto the mountainside” (Mt 15:29), healed the sick, and multiplied the loaves and fish to feed the masses (Mt 15:38). Yet, even at Multiplication Mountain, Jesus did not provide the needs for all people and destroy death. Jesus did that on the mountain of Calvary. Here He provided the offer of salvation for every human being, rent the veil between God and humanity (Mt 27:51), and destroyed death (see 1 Cor 15:26). The mountain of Advent prefigures Mount Calvary.

Prayer: Jesus, I choose to walk up the mountain with You even if I must go by way of the cross.

Promise: "Behold our God, to Whom we looked to save us!" —Is 25:9

Praise: St. John of Damascus is known as one of the two great poets of the Eastern Church. He defended the right to venerate icons and sacred pictures.

(Do you need to hear some Good News? Call 513-823-3111 to hear a short reflection lasting a few minutes on the Scripture readings of the daily Mass.)

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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, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 2024"

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 LAMB’S SUPPER - One Bread, One Body, 12/03/2024

Tuesday, December 3, 2024, St. Francis Xavier

Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17
Luke 10:21-24

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THE LAMB'S SUPPER
"There shall be no harm or ruin on all My holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the Lord, as water covers the sea." —Isaiah 11:9

The Advent readings speak of the restoration of the harmony that originally existed in the Garden of Eden. Before the fall of man, there were no obstacles to intimacy with God. In Eden, there was no predation. The wolf could have the lamb over for a meal of vegetables rather than lamb chops (see Is 11:6ff). Isaiah prophesies that the Messiah will not only restore the original peace and order of Eden, but far surpass it (Is 11:9). This is because the Messiah is now present with us, until the end of time (see Mt 28:20).

This Advent, as we look forward to the Second Coming of Christ, we recall that in Jesus the hopes of Isaiah have been fulfilled (see Mt 5:17). Jesus, the Lamb of God, now becomes Isaiah’s promised Meal in the Holy Eucharist (Is 25:6). There is no further need of predation, for we feed upon the Lamb of God.

Right now, Jesus is revealing God the Father (Lk 10:22). Will you slow down and let Jesus reveal the Father to you? During the hubbub of preparing for the world’s Christmas, resolve to be still and know that He is God (see Ps 46:10, JB). Be filled with the knowledge of the Lord (Is 11:9).

Prayer: Father, may I want to know Jesus far more than I want to revel in the "holiday" celebrations of this world.

Promise: "No one knows the Son except the Father and no one knows the Father except the Son — and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal Him." —Lk 10:22

Praise: Although St. Francis Xavier was shot by robbers, had his bed set afire, and was threatened by wild boars and tigers, his greatest sufferings came from loneliness and isolation. Yet he persevered in his mission and brought the Good News of Jesus to hundreds of thousands of people in the Far East.

(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, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 2024"

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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AN ADVENT TO REMEMBER - One Bread, One Body, 12/02/2024

Monday, December 2, 2024,

Isaiah 2:1-5
Psalm 122:1-9
Matthew 8:5-11

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AN ADVENT TO REMEMBER
"Many will come from the east and the west and will find a place at the banquet in the kingdom of God." —Matthew 8:11

Happy Advent and new Church year! We can grow accustomed to thinking of the Christian life in terms of small gains and large difficulties (see Mt 13:31-33; 2 Cor 4:8ff; 11:23ff). While there is truth to this thinking, the Advent readings challenge us to think big because God is doing big things. We should instead be thinking of big gains and small difficulties, since we serve an almighty God.

In the readings from the first Monday of Advent, we hear that “many will come” from all directions to the Lord (Mt 8:11). They will stream toward His house in large throngs (see Is 2:2-3). They will come to the Lord’s house rejoicing and giving thanks (Ps 122:1, 4). God will cover His dwelling with clouds of glory (Is 4:5-6). This will not be small but large and widely visible.

The Church sanctuary is bare this morning — the decorations have been stripped down from the recent grandeur of the feast of Christ the King, signifying the end of the previous Church year. It could seem like Advent is about small beginnings.  However, the Advent Mass Scriptures challenge us to think big. As you listen to them allow the Lord to raise your mind to the greatness of His designs for the human race. God thinks big, acts big, and loves big. He will heal your wounded heart and raise you from defeat to glory. Make this an Advent to remember. Believe the Advent Scriptures.

Prayer: Father, pour out on me an abundance of the spiritual gift of Fear of the Lord. May I never regard You as a weak God.

Promise: "I will come and cure." —Mt 8:7

Praise: Slowly, and with much prayer, John earned the respect of his co-workers and their vulgarity diminished.

(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, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 2024"

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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HAPPY NEW YEAR? - One Bread, One Body, 12/01/2024

Sunday, December 1, 2024, First Sunday of Advent

Jeremiah 33:14-16
1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2
Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14
Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
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HAPPY NEW YEAR?
"Men will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with great power and glory." —Luke 21:27

Happy New Year! Today is the first day of Advent and of the Church year. The Church’s new year not only begins earlier than that of the world, but is also ushered in differently. The world’s new year is inaugurated with New Year’s Eve parties, much drinking, and self-indulgence. The Church begins its new year with the warning: “Be on guard lest your spirits become bloated with indulgence and drunkenness and worldly cares” (Lk 21:34).

Another difference between our new year and the world’s is that our new year actually is new. The only new thing about the world’s so-called new year is new numbers on a calendar. The world’s new year is nothing but a rerun of a rerun — just more selfishness, escapism, compulsive behavior, confusion, and sin (see Eccl 1:9-10). Conversely, the Church’s new year is truly new. It is centered as always on Jesus and begins with His Christmas coming (Rv 21:5-6). Moreover, Jesus is infinite; with Him we always have more, always something new (2 Cor 5:17). When Jesus comes into our hearts during Christmas, we will experience His love in a new way.

One other difference between the Church’s new year and the world’s is that ours really is happy because it is Christ-centered. Happy new year!

Prayer: Lord, increase us and make us "overflow with love for one another and for all" (1 Thes 3:12). Strengthen our "hearts, making them blameless and holy before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His holy ones" (1 Thes 3:13).

Promise: "The days are coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made." —Jer 33:14

Praise: "O come, O come, Emmanuel! And ransom captive Israel!" Come, Jesus, Prince of Peace!



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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, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 2024"

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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