Praise Jesus! A Spanish version of One Bread, One Body will be available in print for the February / March 2013 issue.
To order copies or yourself, faith group or church send an email to informacion@presentationministries.com with your name, complete address and number of copies desired.
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Sunday, December 16, 2012, Third Sunday of Advent
Zephaniah 3:14-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Isaiah 12:2-6, Luke 3:10-18
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121612.cfm
MORE JOY IN SUFFERINGTHAN IN ENJOYMENTS
"With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation." -Isaiah 12:3
As we near Christ's coming this Christmas, the Lord commands us to "shout for joy" and to "sing joyfully" (Zep 3:14). In doing this, we are joining our heavenly Father, Who is singing joyfully because of us (Zep 3:17).
The Lord commands us not only to rejoice sometimes, but to rejoice always (Phil 4:4). This does not mean we rejoice over all things, but that we rejoice in the Lord under all circumstances. Because the Lord is our Joy and the circumstances are not, we can rejoice in the midst of "the distress of many trials" (1 Pt 1:6). By God's grace and our faith in the Lord, sufferings do not rob us of our joy. In fact, we rejoice in the measure that we share Christ's sufferings (1 Pt 4:13). This miraculous joy is the joy of Jesus and therefore complete joy (Jn 15:11). It is divine joy, "inexpressible joy" (1 Pt 1:8), Marian joy (see Lk 1:47), and the true joy of Christmas.
Therefore, "rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again. Rejoice!" (Phil 4:4)
Prayer: Father, on this Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday, give me a deeper faith and a spirit of unselfishness (see Phil 4:5) so as to produce in my life the fruit of the Spirit called joy (Gal 5:22).
Promise: "He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire." -Lk 3:16
Praise: "I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul" (Is 61:10).
(When we know about our Lord's deep love for us, we can "rejoice always". Order our tape on "Divine Love" on audio AV 52-3 or video V-52.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from December 1, 2012 through January 31, 2013
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 27, 2012
The rescript 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 ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
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Sunday, December 16, 2012
Saturday, December 15, 2012
FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE - One Bread, One Body, 12/15/2012
We hope the LORD has blessed you through our website and e-mail lists. Fr. Lauer believed in making our needs known and trusting the Lord would meet them. Please read our donations appeal letter and pray about making a donation to PM.
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Saturday, December 15, 2012
Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11, Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19, Matthew 17:9-13
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121512.cfm
FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE
"Why do the scribes claim that Elijah must come first?" -Matthew 17:10
Before the Messiah comes, Elijah must come and restore everything (Mt 17:11). Before Christ's Christmas coming, people like Elijah and John the Baptizer must come into our lives. Before we will be ready for Christmas, we need to hear prophetic words which will lead us to repentance. We need to hear the two-edged sword of God's word so that it will penetrate our hearts and judge our thoughts and reflections (Heb 4:12). We must be immersed in the baptism of repentance (Lk 3:3) before becoming immersed in Christmas festivities. Otherwise, we will not meet Christ in our Christmas activities; rather, we will miss Him amid all our Christmas distractions.
Therefore, don't even think about Christmas. Think Advent. Don't act as if Christmas has already come. Focus on John the Baptizer, not Santa. Seek prophecy (1 Cor 14:1), repentance, restoration, and Confession. Christmas will be an obstacle between you and the Lord unless you prepare the way of the Lord (Mt 3:3). We need a holy Advent to have a blessed Christmas.
Prayer: Father, enable me to understand that I need Advent before Christmas as much as a mother needs pregnancy before giving birth.
Promise: "You are destined, it is written, in time to come to put an end to wrath before the day of the Lord, to turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons, and to reestablish the tribes of Jacob." -Sir 48:10
Praise: Raul, a Baptist deacon, received the gift of praising God in tongues while stuck in a traffic jam listening to a Catholic radio program. Later, his pastor and several members of his congregation also received this gift.
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from December 1, 2012 through January 31, 2013
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 27, 2012
The rescript 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 ecclesial permission 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
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Saturday, December 15, 2012
Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11, Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19, Matthew 17:9-13
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121512.cfm
FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE
"Why do the scribes claim that Elijah must come first?" -Matthew 17:10
Before the Messiah comes, Elijah must come and restore everything (Mt 17:11). Before Christ's Christmas coming, people like Elijah and John the Baptizer must come into our lives. Before we will be ready for Christmas, we need to hear prophetic words which will lead us to repentance. We need to hear the two-edged sword of God's word so that it will penetrate our hearts and judge our thoughts and reflections (Heb 4:12). We must be immersed in the baptism of repentance (Lk 3:3) before becoming immersed in Christmas festivities. Otherwise, we will not meet Christ in our Christmas activities; rather, we will miss Him amid all our Christmas distractions.
Therefore, don't even think about Christmas. Think Advent. Don't act as if Christmas has already come. Focus on John the Baptizer, not Santa. Seek prophecy (1 Cor 14:1), repentance, restoration, and Confession. Christmas will be an obstacle between you and the Lord unless you prepare the way of the Lord (Mt 3:3). We need a holy Advent to have a blessed Christmas.
Prayer: Father, enable me to understand that I need Advent before Christmas as much as a mother needs pregnancy before giving birth.
Promise: "You are destined, it is written, in time to come to put an end to wrath before the day of the Lord, to turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons, and to reestablish the tribes of Jacob." -Sir 48:10
Praise: Raul, a Baptist deacon, received the gift of praising God in tongues while stuck in a traffic jam listening to a Catholic radio program. Later, his pastor and several members of his congregation also received this gift.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from December 1, 2012 through January 31, 2013
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 27, 2012
The rescript 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 ecclesial permission 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
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Friday, December 14, 2012
REPENT OF NOT REPENTING - One Bread, One Body, 12/14/2012
We hope the LORD has blessed you through our website and e-mail lists. Fr. Lauer believed in making our needs known and trusting the Lord would meet them. Please read our donations appeal letter and pray about making a donation to PM.
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Friday, December 14, 2012, St. John of the Cross
Isaiah 48:17-19, Psalm 1:1-4, 6, Matthew 11:16-19
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121412.cfm
REPENT OF NOT REPENTING
"They are like children squatting in the town squares." -Matthew 11:16
Jesus compares us to children who don't want anyone to tell them what to do. When the Lord sends us someone like John the Baptizer to tell us to repent, we may try to justify ignoring his command by discrediting him as someone who is mad (Mt 11:18). Even when God Himself commands us to repent, we may also dismiss His words by trying to discredit Him (see Mt 11:19). The Lord has sent person after person into our lives to tell us to repent. We may have ignored this command hundreds of times by saying God's messengers were too old or young, too Protestant or Catholic, black or brown instead of white, or male instead of female or vice versa. We have learned to focus on the messenger so as to ignore the message.
We must repent of not repenting. Otherwise, we deprive ourselves of Christmas and eternal life. We must repent to prepare the way of the Lord this Christmas and this life (Mt 3:3). Without an Advent Confession of sin, there is little hope that we will be open to Christ's Christmas coming. "Repent! The kingdom of God is at hand!" (Mt 3:2; 4:17, our transl.) Repent! Christ's coming is at hand! Repent! Christmas is at hand! Repent of making excuses for not repenting. Repent now!
Prayer: Father, may I bring joy to heaven by going to Confession as soon as possible (Lk 15:7, 10).
Promise: "I, the Lord, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go. If you would hearken to My commandments, your prosperity would be like a river." -Is 48:17-18
Praise: St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila worked together for years to build up the Carmelite order. Both saints are Doctors of the Church.
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from December 1, 2012 through January 31, 2013
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 27, 2012
The rescript 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 ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
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Friday, December 14, 2012, St. John of the Cross
Isaiah 48:17-19, Psalm 1:1-4, 6, Matthew 11:16-19
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121412.cfm
REPENT OF NOT REPENTING
"They are like children squatting in the town squares." -Matthew 11:16
Jesus compares us to children who don't want anyone to tell them what to do. When the Lord sends us someone like John the Baptizer to tell us to repent, we may try to justify ignoring his command by discrediting him as someone who is mad (Mt 11:18). Even when God Himself commands us to repent, we may also dismiss His words by trying to discredit Him (see Mt 11:19). The Lord has sent person after person into our lives to tell us to repent. We may have ignored this command hundreds of times by saying God's messengers were too old or young, too Protestant or Catholic, black or brown instead of white, or male instead of female or vice versa. We have learned to focus on the messenger so as to ignore the message.
We must repent of not repenting. Otherwise, we deprive ourselves of Christmas and eternal life. We must repent to prepare the way of the Lord this Christmas and this life (Mt 3:3). Without an Advent Confession of sin, there is little hope that we will be open to Christ's Christmas coming. "Repent! The kingdom of God is at hand!" (Mt 3:2; 4:17, our transl.) Repent! Christ's coming is at hand! Repent! Christmas is at hand! Repent of making excuses for not repenting. Repent now!
Prayer: Father, may I bring joy to heaven by going to Confession as soon as possible (Lk 15:7, 10).
Promise: "I, the Lord, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go. If you would hearken to My commandments, your prosperity would be like a river." -Is 48:17-18
Praise: St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila worked together for years to build up the Carmelite order. Both saints are Doctors of the Church.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from December 1, 2012 through January 31, 2013
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 27, 2012
The rescript 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 ecclesial permission 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/obob/obob.asp
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Thursday, December 13, 2012
CHRISTMAS TREES - One Bread, One Body, 12/13/2012
The latest issue of My People Newspaper is now online. Articles include:
Pope Opens Year Of Faith
Migrations: Pilgrimage Of Faith And Hope
In Defense Of Life: Tidbits Of Good News
Character Is Destiny
"God's Mailboxes"
Prison To Praise: Help!
10 Ways Vatican II Shapes The Church Today
http://www.presentationministries.com/mypeople/latestMyPeople.asp
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Thursday, December 13, 2012, St. Lucy
Isaiah 41:13-20, Psalm 145:1, 9-13, Matthew 11:11-15
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121312.cfm
CHRISTMAS TREES
"I will plant in the desert the cedar, acacia, myrtle, and olive; I will set in the wasteland the cypress, together with the plane tree and the pine." -Isaiah 41:19
The prophet Isaiah mentions Christmas trees: the cedar and pine trees. These trees will miraculously grow in the desert and wasteland. These Christmas trees are trees of life arising in the midst of death, under impossible circumstances.
Besides the Isaiah tree, there is the Genesis Christmas tree. Traditionally, Christmas trees remind us of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the garden of Eden (Gn 2:17). Also, the trees were decorated with apples to remind us of the first sin. This tree was a tree of death which cuts us off from the tree of life (Gn 3:22). Finally, Acts of the Apostles refers to the tree of Calvary (Acts 13:29). The Acts tree is Jesus' cross. This tree, as the tree of Christ's death, is the tree of eternal life.
What does your Christmas tree and your life stand for? Life or death? Salvation or sin? Victory or defeat? Calvary or Eden? Two weeks from today is Christmas Eve. "Prepare the way of the Lord" (Is 40:3).
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for the tree of Calvary, the tree of life, the Christmas tree. I give my life to You.
Promise: Jesus said, "I solemnly assure you, history has not known a man born of woman greater than John the Baptizer. Yet the least born into the kingdom of God is greater than he." -Mt 11:11
Praise: St. Lucy's mother opposed her vow of virginity in service of Jesus. Jesus healed her mother's physical condition and opened her heart to her daughter's vocation.
(Are you a fruitful tree? Order our leaflet Accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior and God" or on audio AV 43-3 or video V-43.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from December 1, 2012 through January 31, 2013
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 27, 2012
The rescript 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 ecclesial permission 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
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Pope Opens Year Of Faith
Migrations: Pilgrimage Of Faith And Hope
In Defense Of Life: Tidbits Of Good News
Character Is Destiny
"God's Mailboxes"
Prison To Praise: Help!
10 Ways Vatican II Shapes The Church Today
http://www.presentationministries.com/mypeople/latestMyPeople.asp
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Thursday, December 13, 2012, St. Lucy
Isaiah 41:13-20, Psalm 145:1, 9-13, Matthew 11:11-15
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121312.cfm
CHRISTMAS TREES
"I will plant in the desert the cedar, acacia, myrtle, and olive; I will set in the wasteland the cypress, together with the plane tree and the pine." -Isaiah 41:19
The prophet Isaiah mentions Christmas trees: the cedar and pine trees. These trees will miraculously grow in the desert and wasteland. These Christmas trees are trees of life arising in the midst of death, under impossible circumstances.
Besides the Isaiah tree, there is the Genesis Christmas tree. Traditionally, Christmas trees remind us of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the garden of Eden (Gn 2:17). Also, the trees were decorated with apples to remind us of the first sin. This tree was a tree of death which cuts us off from the tree of life (Gn 3:22). Finally, Acts of the Apostles refers to the tree of Calvary (Acts 13:29). The Acts tree is Jesus' cross. This tree, as the tree of Christ's death, is the tree of eternal life.
What does your Christmas tree and your life stand for? Life or death? Salvation or sin? Victory or defeat? Calvary or Eden? Two weeks from today is Christmas Eve. "Prepare the way of the Lord" (Is 40:3).
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for the tree of Calvary, the tree of life, the Christmas tree. I give my life to You.
Promise: Jesus said, "I solemnly assure you, history has not known a man born of woman greater than John the Baptizer. Yet the least born into the kingdom of God is greater than he." -Mt 11:11
Praise: St. Lucy's mother opposed her vow of virginity in service of Jesus. Jesus healed her mother's physical condition and opened her heart to her daughter's vocation.
(Are you a fruitful tree? Order our leaflet Accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior and God" or on audio AV 43-3 or video V-43.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from December 1, 2012 through January 31, 2013
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 27, 2012
The rescript 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 ecclesial permission 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/obob/obob.asp
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Copyright © 2012 Presentation Ministries
To add your e-mail address to this list go to
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Wednesday, December 12, 2012
THE STAR OF EVANGELIZATION - One Bread, One Body, 12/12/2012
The latest issue of My People Newspaper is now online. Articles include:
Pope Opens Year Of Faith
Migrations: Pilgrimage Of Faith And Hope
In Defense Of Life: Tidbits Of Good News
Character Is Destiny
"God's Mailboxes"
Prison To Praise: Help!
10 Ways Vatican II Shapes The Church Today
http://www.presentationministries.com/mypeople/latestMyPeople.asp
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Wednesday, December 12, 2012, Our Lady of Guadalupe
Zechariah 2:14-17, Judith 13:18-19, Luke 1:39-47
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121212.cfm
THE STAR OF EVANGELIZATION
"Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord on that day." -Zechariah 2:15
Pope Paul VI called Mary the "star of evangelization." Immediately after conceiving Jesus, she took Jesus to Elizabeth and the baby in her womb (Lk 1:39-41). Both Elizabeth and John accepted Jesus as their Lord and received the Holy Spirit (Lk 1:41-42).
Throughout history, Mary has done whatever her Son has told her (see Jn 2:5) and made disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19). Probably her most fruitful evangelization took place from 1531 to 1538 at the hill of Tepeyac, near what is now called Mexico City. During those seven years, Mary, under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe, led eight million people to give their lives to Christ. Over three thousand people each day for seven years were baptized into Christ. In effect, Mary, who prayed in the upper room before the first Christian Pentecost (Acts 1:14; 2:1ff), was used by the Lord to bring about new Pentecosts each day for seven years.
Mary, the star of evangelization, will make us stars of evangelization. If we also are "docile to the action of the Holy Spirit" (Toward the Third Millennium, Pope John Paul II, 18), we will see a new springtime of Christian life. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.
Prayer: Father, make these next two years the most fruitful years of my life.
Promise: "Blest is she who trusted that the Lord's words to her would be fulfilled." -Lk 1:45
Praise: The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe contains many symbols, colors, and meanings that showed the Mexican Indians just how sovereign God was compared to their pagan gods. Many of them converted to the Catholic Church after merely looking at the image.
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from December 1, 2012 through January 31, 2013
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 27, 2012
The rescript 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 ecclesial permission 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/obob/obob.asp
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Copyright © 2012 Presentation Ministries
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Pope Opens Year Of Faith
Migrations: Pilgrimage Of Faith And Hope
In Defense Of Life: Tidbits Of Good News
Character Is Destiny
"God's Mailboxes"
Prison To Praise: Help!
10 Ways Vatican II Shapes The Church Today
http://www.presentationministries.com/mypeople/latestMyPeople.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, December 12, 2012, Our Lady of Guadalupe
Zechariah 2:14-17, Judith 13:18-19, Luke 1:39-47
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121212.cfm
THE STAR OF EVANGELIZATION
"Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord on that day." -Zechariah 2:15
Pope Paul VI called Mary the "star of evangelization." Immediately after conceiving Jesus, she took Jesus to Elizabeth and the baby in her womb (Lk 1:39-41). Both Elizabeth and John accepted Jesus as their Lord and received the Holy Spirit (Lk 1:41-42).
Throughout history, Mary has done whatever her Son has told her (see Jn 2:5) and made disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19). Probably her most fruitful evangelization took place from 1531 to 1538 at the hill of Tepeyac, near what is now called Mexico City. During those seven years, Mary, under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe, led eight million people to give their lives to Christ. Over three thousand people each day for seven years were baptized into Christ. In effect, Mary, who prayed in the upper room before the first Christian Pentecost (Acts 1:14; 2:1ff), was used by the Lord to bring about new Pentecosts each day for seven years.
Mary, the star of evangelization, will make us stars of evangelization. If we also are "docile to the action of the Holy Spirit" (Toward the Third Millennium, Pope John Paul II, 18), we will see a new springtime of Christian life. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.
Prayer: Father, make these next two years the most fruitful years of my life.
Promise: "Blest is she who trusted that the Lord's words to her would be fulfilled." -Lk 1:45
Praise: The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe contains many symbols, colors, and meanings that showed the Mexican Indians just how sovereign God was compared to their pagan gods. Many of them converted to the Catholic Church after merely looking at the image.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from December 1, 2012 through January 31, 2013
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 27, 2012
The rescript 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 ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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/obob/obob.asp
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Copyright © 2012 Presentation Ministries
To add your e-mail address to this list go to
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To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
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Tuesday, December 11, 2012
ACCEPTABLE LOSSES? - One Bread, One Body, 12/11/2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012, Pope St. Damasus I
Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 96:1-3, 10-13, Matthew 18:12-14
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121112.cfm
ACCEPTABLE LOSSES?
"What is your thought on this...will he not leave the ninety-nine...and go in search of the stray?" -Matthew 18:12
In the Western business world, certain losses are expected. Damaged goods, breakage, stains, defects, bruising or spoilage, theft, or misplacement in transit are simply written off.
In God's business, no loss is acceptable! "It is the will of Him Who sent Me that I should lose nothing of what He has given Me" (Jn 6:39; see also 17:12; 18:9).
Jesus, the Good Shepherd:
* removes stains. He gave Himself up to present a holy and glorious Church "without stain or wrinkle or anything of that sort" (Eph 5:25, 27),
* heals the broken (Ps 147:3; Is 61:1),
* protects the bruised (Is 42:3),
* restores the damaged (Is 61:3),
* seeks out the lost (Ez 34:12, 16), and
* recovers what was stolen (see Jl 2:24-26; Is 49:25).
What is your assessment of the one missing sheep? How would you determine its worth? Like Jesus, would you hunt for a broken, dirty, and defective one to offer comfort and tenderness? (see Is 40:1-2) Is there anyone that you have "written off" as a loss? Perhaps this might be someone whose stain of sin is too repulsive, who has gone too far, who seems too broken to fix.
Jesus said, " 'Simon, son of John, do you love Me?' 'Yes Lord,' Peter said, 'You know that I love You.' Jesus replied, 'Tend My sheep' " (see Jn 21:16). Do you love Jesus?
Prayer: "Change my heart, O God, may I be like You."
Promise: "Like a shepherd He feeds His flock; in His arms He gathers the lambs, carrying them in His bosom, and leading the ewes with care." -Is 40:11
Praise: Pope St. Damasus left the world a great treasure by initiating intense Biblical studies and commissioning the translation of the Scriptures into Latin, the common language of his time.
(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 my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from December 1, 2012 through January 31, 2013
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 27, 2012
The rescript 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 ecclesial permission 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
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Copyright © 2012 Presentation Ministries
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Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 96:1-3, 10-13, Matthew 18:12-14
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121112.cfm
ACCEPTABLE LOSSES?
"What is your thought on this...will he not leave the ninety-nine...and go in search of the stray?" -Matthew 18:12
In the Western business world, certain losses are expected. Damaged goods, breakage, stains, defects, bruising or spoilage, theft, or misplacement in transit are simply written off.
In God's business, no loss is acceptable! "It is the will of Him Who sent Me that I should lose nothing of what He has given Me" (Jn 6:39; see also 17:12; 18:9).
Jesus, the Good Shepherd:
* removes stains. He gave Himself up to present a holy and glorious Church "without stain or wrinkle or anything of that sort" (Eph 5:25, 27),
* heals the broken (Ps 147:3; Is 61:1),
* protects the bruised (Is 42:3),
* restores the damaged (Is 61:3),
* seeks out the lost (Ez 34:12, 16), and
* recovers what was stolen (see Jl 2:24-26; Is 49:25).
What is your assessment of the one missing sheep? How would you determine its worth? Like Jesus, would you hunt for a broken, dirty, and defective one to offer comfort and tenderness? (see Is 40:1-2) Is there anyone that you have "written off" as a loss? Perhaps this might be someone whose stain of sin is too repulsive, who has gone too far, who seems too broken to fix.
Jesus said, " 'Simon, son of John, do you love Me?' 'Yes Lord,' Peter said, 'You know that I love You.' Jesus replied, 'Tend My sheep' " (see Jn 21:16). Do you love Jesus?
Prayer: "Change my heart, O God, may I be like You."
Promise: "Like a shepherd He feeds His flock; in His arms He gathers the lambs, carrying them in His bosom, and leading the ewes with care." -Is 40:11
Praise: Pope St. Damasus left the world a great treasure by initiating intense Biblical studies and commissioning the translation of the Scriptures into Latin, the common language of his time.
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from December 1, 2012 through January 31, 2013
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 27, 2012
The rescript 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 ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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/obob/obob.asp
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Copyright © 2012 Presentation Ministries
To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp
To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
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Monday, December 10, 2012
Presentation Ministries - Special Appeal
| (NOTE: Many of you already received this letter by mail. Thank you for your generous response.) December, 2012 Dear Brother or Sister in Christ: Praise Jesus, the King of Kings! Thank you for your faithfulness and dedication in serving Christ through reading and sharing God’s word in One Bread One Body (OBOB) and for your fidelity in responding to our Special Appeal last fall and throughout the year. Because of your generosity, Presentation Ministries is able to obey the Holy Spirit as He guides us toward the fulfillment of the vision for this ministry. Your sacrificial donations, both large and small, have allowed us to make our materials available in the USA, foreign countries, and globally via the Internet. Our many ministries continue to flourish as we take the good news of the gospel in all directions. We are continually amazed at the Lord’s faithfulness in the many ways that He uses our materials to bring new life and transform hearts. We continue to focus on God’s word through radio broadcasts and the Bible telephone lines and are excited to announce that we will soon have the OBOB in Spanish. We also are transferring Father Al Lauer’s past teachings into modern formats (such as MP3’s and DVD’s) to preserve the teachings. The Guadalupe Bible College continues serving its many students enabling them to get deeply rooted in their faith and in Scripture. Our Outreach ministry continues to travel to many locations including Kentucky, Indiana, and New Orleans to present seminars which included Life in the Spirit, Living in Reality, and other life-changing programs. The twenty-sixth Bible Institute was a highlight of the year as we witnessed the action of the Holy Spirit. The teaching, healing, and ministering were deeply powerful and touched those who attended. The Paul Jansen Discipleship Retreat Center after eighteen months of intense prayer and discernment is again offering many retreats. The new schedule includes the thirteen basic discipleship retreats plus many others. Plans to resume work on the new Chapel and guest rooms are underway. We are working with the OHIO EPA on the design of the septic system. Please continue to pray that God’s will and His timing will be perfect for this undertaking. All of our teachers, editors, office personnel, mailing crews, and those who maintain the buildings – whether they give a few hours or work full time – are VOLUNTEERS. No one is paid. We retain the policy of providing our materials and resources, even the retreats and Bible Institute, for a free-will offering. Every effort is made to control expenses. However, the cost of postage and shipping continue to increase. As you are aware in your own life, many expenses including the maintenance of our buildings have risen. Please continue your prayers for this ministry as we have seen the way in which the Lord is answering your requests. Pray especially for unity in understanding and executing the vision and in uninterrupted leadership for each of the ministries. We especially look for new committed workers in areas where there are openings. Any offering you can give now or in the future is deeply appreciated and enables us to continue our mission in serving the Lord and His Church. May the Lord bless you and all your loved ones in the holy seasons of Advent and Christmas! You can make a donation online by using our secure online donation form, or send your donation to: In Jesus and Mary, Deacon George Schmidl, Mark Schuermann, Chris Jasek & Judy Erwin
NOTE: You are receiving this e-mail as you are a member of the One Bread, One Body or PM eNewsletter email lists; or you have placed an order for PM materials via PM's website. This is a special e-mailing which we only do a few times a year. Click here to remove your e-mail address from any of these lists. |
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