AN OFFER THAT IS OFTEN REFUSED - One Bread, One Body, 03/18/2025

Tuesday, March 18, 2025, St. Cyril of Jerusalem

Isaiah 1:10, 16-20
Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23
Matthew 23:1-12

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AN OFFER THAT IS OFTEN REFUSED
"Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, but whoever humbles himself shall be exalted." —Matthew 23:12

The Lord invites us: “Come now, let us set things right” (Is l:18). It takes genuine humility to accept the Lord’s invitation. Pride is one of the seven capital sins (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1866). Pride is considered by some spiritual masters to be the chief of all sins, that sin from which all others arise. “Pride is the reservoir of sin” (Sir 10:13).

A reluctance to repent and confess our sins may well be rooted in pride. God’s offer to set things right shows a great humility on His part, like the humility of the father of the prodigal son. The father of the prodigal son abandoned his dignity in his desire to free both his sons from their sins. He ran out to meet his wayward younger son (Lk 15:20) and left a celebration to go out into the field to meet his angry older son (Lk 15:23, 28). The older son was too proud and too furious to accept his father’s invitation to “set things right.”

Are we like the older brother of the prodigal son — too proud to repent? After all, in our mind, we are not in the wrong; rather, we are the wronged, the offended. Jesus declared that the scribes and Pharisees, in their pride and in their “rightness” (see Lk 18:11), were at fault by failing to accept His many offers to repent and “set things right” (see Mt 21:32, 34ff).

The Lord humbled Himself to offer to set things right (Phil 2:8). Can we humble ourselves to accept His offer?

Prayer: Father, I accept Your invitation to set things right. I will humble myself, repent of my sins, and go to Confession as soon as possible.

Promise: "To him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God." —Ps 50:23

Praise: St. Cyril zealously dedicated himself to instructing catechumens. His lessons have been passed on for seventeen centuries.

(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 August 1, 2024, through September 30, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 22, 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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#NOT_MY_PEOPLE? - One Bread, One Body, 03/17/2025

Monday, March 17, 2025, St. Patrick

Daniel 9:4-10
Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13
Luke 6:36-38

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#NOT_MY_PEOPLE?
"I prayed to the Lord, my God, and confessed, '...We have sinned…we have rebelled...' " —Daniel 9:4-5

Currently, in the USA, people are quick to disavow themselves from those with whom they disagree. People use social media hashtags such as #NotMyPresident so that others will know that they claim no fault in the problems of the times.

In today’s first reading, Daniel, a just man, performed heartfelt reparation for communal sin in which he had no part. Daniel acted as a “Repairer of the breach” (Is 58:12). Some members of our world, our nation, and our Church have indeed sinned. Even though we might not have personally sinned, we are still called to imitate the holy Daniel and confess that “we” have sinned (as opposed to “they” have sinned). Moses exemplified this communal approach when God twice gave him the chance to separate himself from the rebellious Israelites. While in Egypt, Moses preferred to suffer as a Hebrew instead of enjoying his status as adopted son of Pharaoh’s daughter (Heb 11:24-25). Later, Moses declined God’s offer of release from the rebellious Israelites (Ex 32:10ff). Likewise, Jesus so identified Himself with us sinful people that He became Emmanuel, God-with-us always (Mt 1:23; 28:20).

In imitation of Jesus, Moses, and Daniel, be a “we” instead of an “I”. Even when we are sinful, God calls us “My people.” He does not disown us, even when we turn our backs on Him (2 Tm 2:13). May we recognize the communal effect of our sins, consider ourselves as one with the sinful people with whom God has planted us (Mt 13:30), and make reparation for ourselves and others.

Prayer: Father, give us Your loving, merciful heart, so we may be compassionate and merciful as You are (Lk 6:36).

Promise: "The measure you measure with will be measured back to you." —Lk 6:38

Praise: St. Patrick freely returned to the land of his kidnappers and masters in order to bring Jesus to them.

(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 August 1, 2024, through September 30, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 22, 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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VENERATOR OR ENEMY OF THE CROSS? - One Bread, One Body, 03/16/2025

Sunday, March 16, 2025, Second Sunday of Lent

Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18
Philippians 3:17—4:1
Psalm 27:1, 7-9, 13-14
Luke 9:28-36
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VENERATOR OR ENEMY OF THE CROSS?
"Unfortunately, many go about in a way which shows them to be enemies of the cross of Christ." —Philippians 3:18

“Jesus said to all: ‘Whoever wishes to be My follower must deny his very self, take up his cross each day, and follow in My steps’ ” (Lk 9:23). However, the apostles didn’t get the message. So Jesus took three of them up a mountain (Lk 9:28). “While He was praying, His face changed in appearance and His clothes became dazzlingly white. Suddenly two men were talking with Him — Moses and Elijah. They appeared in glory” (Lk 9:29-31). “A cloud came and overshadowed them, and the disciples grew fearful as the others entered it. Then from the cloud came a voice which said, ‘This is My Son, My Chosen One. Listen to Him’ ” (Lk 9:34-35). Surely after witnessing such an overwhelming experience the apostles would listen to Jesus the next time He spoke to them about the cross! Yet they didn’t listen the next time nor the time after that. Eventually, they even ran from the cross and abandoned Jesus as He hung in agony.

St. Paul also tried to get the Philippians to accept the cross. But it must have been a stumbling block and an absurdity to some of them (1 Cor 1:23). They were “set upon the things of this world” (Phil 3:19) and shown “to be enemies of the cross of Christ” (Phil 3:18).

During this Lent, the Church also is trying to get us to accept the cross, to take it up daily, and to follow Christ crucified. The Church is calling us to fast for forty days, forgive, repent, go to Confession, pray, and give alms. After listening to the Lord in all these ways, we hopefully will listen to Him about the cross. Then, on Good Friday, we will be venerators of the cross and not enemies.

Prayer: Father, "may I never boast of anything but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ!" (Gal 6:14)

Promise: " 'Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can. Just so,' He added, 'shall your descendants be.' " —Gn 15:5

Praise: Glory to You, Son of God, "Chosen One" (Lk 9:35).



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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."

El Padre Diego suele ofrecerse como voluntario para ir en cruceros. Le encanta ofrecer los sacramentos a los miembros de la tripulación, que pasan meses en el barco.

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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OWN - One Bread, One Body, 03/15/2025

Saturday, March 15, 2025,

Deuteronomy 26:16-19
Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8
Matthew 5:43-48

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OWN
"You are to be a people peculiarly His own." —Deuteronomy 26:18

The Lord owns everything because He created it all. The earth and its fullness, the world and those who dwell in it belong to the Lord (Ps 24:1; cf Ps 50:10-12). However, the Lord owns His chosen people in a special way. We are “a people peculiarly His own.” The Lord’s special ownership of us is most recognizable when we love our enemies (Mt 5:44). Jesus tells us: “This will prove that you are sons of your heavenly Father, for His sun rises on the bad and the good, He rains on the just and the unjust” (Mt 5:45). Pagans love those who love them (Mt 5:46-47), but only those who are peculiarly God’s own love their enemies.

In summary, God owns us, wants to own us in a special way, and wants His special ownership of us made obvious by our actions, especially by loving our enemies. Are you more proud of Who owns you than of what you own? Many of us make a point of letting people know what we own. We show off our new cars, smartphones, home entertainment systems, furniture, appliances, etc. We talk about buying a new house, property, stocks, etc. However, Christians should look at life not from an owner’s perspective, but from an “owned” perspective. What is ultimately important is not what we possess, but Who possesses us.

Prayer: Father, send the Spirit to be the Seal of Your ownership of me (2 Cor 1:22).

Promise: "Happy are they whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord." —Ps 119:1

Praise: Fr. Diego often volunteers to go on cruises. He loves to offer the sacraments to the members of the crew, who are on the ship for months at a time.

(Our annual Women's Retreat is March 21-22. See our website for information and to register or call 513-373-2397.)

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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, 2025, through March 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 22, 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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UNFAIR? - One Bread, One Body, 03/14/2025

Friday, March 14, 2025,

Ezekiel 18:21-28
Psalm 130:1-8
Matthew 5:20-26

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UNFAIR?
"You say, 'The Lord's way is not fair!' Hear now, house of Israel: Is it My way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair?" —Ezekiel 18:25

God, the perfectly just One, is often accused of not being fair by us who have committed so many injustices. Evil people seem to get away with murder and even prosper (Mal 3:15), while good people suffer tragedy. It doesn’t seem fair.

The Lord gives those who have worked for a few minutes a full day’s pay — the same as those who worked the whole day (Mt 20:11ff). Is that fair?

The son who squandered his inheritance on dissolute living was honored with special gifts and a party when he returned home (Lk 15:22-23). The older son complained that it wasn’t fair (Lk 15:28ff).

One of the criminals crucified with Jesus stopped blaspheming (Mk 15:32, Lk 23:39ff) long enough to repent. Then Jesus promised to take the man with Him to paradise that day (Lk 23:43). The thief lived a “hell of a life” and immediately went to heaven while many religious leaders did not enter God’s kingdom (see Mt 5:20). Is that fair?

Jesus is not fair. If He were, we’d all be condemned to hell. Because He took on Himself the punishment for all our sins (see 1 Pt 2:24), Jesus doesn’t have to be fair. He can be better than fair — that is, merciful — because He paid the price to redeem us.

Prayer: Jesus, innocent Victim and Victor, it wasn't fair that You died in my place for my sins to justify me. I thank and love You.

Promise: "If you bring your gift to the altar and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift at the altar, go first to be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift." —Mt 5:23-24

Praise: When he retired, Frank prayed seven Rosaries each day — one for each of his grandchildren.



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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, 2025, through March 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 22, 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 DAYS FOREVER - One Bread, One Body, 03/13/2025

Thursday, March 13, 2025,

Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25
Psalm 138:1-3, 7-8
Matthew 7:7-12

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HAPPY DAYS FOREVER
"Queen Esther, seized with mortal anguish, likewise had recourse to the Lord." —Esther C:12

Esther was alone, helpless, and in danger of being killed (Est C:14-15).  At certain times, many of us feel as Esther did. However, in Christ we can never be alone, for the Father is with us (see Jn 16:32), Jesus has not left us orphaned (Jn 14:18), and the Holy Spirit has made our bodies His temple (1 Cor 6:19). Moreover, in our helplessness and weakness, God’s power reaches perfection (2 Cor 12:9). Furthermore, being in danger of death is not an insurmountable problem for us. Jesus commanded us: “Do not fear those who deprive the body of life but cannot destroy the soul” (Mt 10:28). Because Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life (Jn 11:25), we are not afraid to die (see Heb 2:15). Death has lost its sting and “is swallowed up in victory” (1 Cor 15:54).

“What shall we say after that? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rm 8:31) “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Trial, or distress, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or the sword?” (Rm 8:35) “In all this we are more than conquerors because of Him Who has loved us” (Rm 8:37). In Christ, rejoice always. “I say it again. Rejoice!” (Phil 4:4)

Prayer: Father, since I've given my life to Christ, the only way I can have a bad day is by sinning. May I be faithful to You.

Promise: "Ask, and you will receive. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened to you." —Mt 7:7

Praise: On a Marriage Encounter weekend, Marge heard and received the message that God truly loved her. To the joy of her Catholic husband, she was filled with a desire to become a Catholic herself. They now receive the Eucharist side-by-side as a witness to their unity in Jesus.

(For a related teaching, view, download or order our booklet

Conversion-Conversations

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, 2025, through March 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 22, 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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I HOPE SO... - One Bread, One Body, 03/12/2025

Wednesday, March 12, 2025,

Jonah 3:1-10
Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19
Luke 11:29-32

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I HOPE SO...
"The people of Nineveh believed God." —Jonah 3:5

Although the Ninevites were an extremely wicked and perverted people, 120,000 of them converted in one day (Jon 3:4; 4:11). Their conversion is a sign that there’s hope for everyone — even in the most impossible situations.

Even if you don’t understand what the Lord is doing and He is not answering your prayers the way you want, in hope you “were saved. But hope is not hope if its object is seen” (Rm 8:24). Although you may have been walking through “the valley of the shadow of death” (Ps 23:4, RSV-CE) for months or even years, “hope will not leave us disappointed, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us” (Rm 5:5). If you have a life as tragic as Job’s, Christ in you is your “Hope of glory” (Col 1:27). No matter if the devil has been accusing you day and night (see Rv 12:10) by telling you there is no hope for your marriage or family, never give up hope. Rather, “we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ” (from the prayer following the “Our Father” at Mass).

Henry David Thoreau wrote: “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” However, Jesus has died and risen to give a new “birth unto hope” (1 Pt 1:3) and “a future full of hope” (Jer 29:11). We who are baptized in Christ have reason to be hopeful.

Therefore, “should anyone ask you the reason for this hope of yours, be ever ready to reply” (1 Pt 3:15). Hope in God.

Prayer: Father, I will "seize the hope which is placed before" me (Heb 6:18).

Promise: "At the judgment, the citizens of Nineveh will rise along with the present generation, and they will condemn it. For at the preaching of Jonah they reformed, but you have a greater than Jonah here." —Lk 11:32

Praise: Ron had lost hope of overcoming sexual temptations, but through daily Mass and Bible study Jesus delivered Ron from the sin of habitual masturbation.



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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, 2025, through March 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 22, 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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