BEHAVING IN CHURCH - One Bread, One Body, 09/17/2025

Wednesday, September 17, 2025, St. Robert Bellarmine
St. Hildegard of Bingen

1 Timothy 3:14-16
Psalm 111:1-6
Luke 7:31-35

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BEHAVING IN CHURCH
"Know what kind of conduct befits a member of God's household." —1 Timothy 3:15

Jesus speaks of children refusing to respond to happy or sorrowful songs (Lk 7:31-32). The Church in her liturgy is trying to bring about a change of heart, but many won’t let their hearts be touched:

• The Church attempts to lead us to repentance by a brief penitential rite. However, for some, there is no firm purpose of amendment to prevent future sins, particularly those involving contraception and sexual sin. They think: “I’m not repenting for my actions, however sinful the Church says they are.”
• The priest exhorts: “Lift up your hearts.” But we may think, “No, I will not allow my heart to be changed by this Mass.”
• At the elevation of the host, the Church invites us to quietly respond, “My Lord and my God!” (see Jn 20:28) However, surveys indicate that over half the registered Catholics do not believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
• It is a grave sin for a Catholic to deliberately skip Sunday Mass (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2181). Yet many say by their absence, “No, Mass isn’t important to me.”
• Church musicians attempt to invoke a response of worship. Some respond like the spoiled children in today’s Gospel, “No, I will not worship God. I’ll keep quiet” (see Lk 7:32).

In today’s Gospel, Jesus asked: “What comparison can I use for the men of today? What are they like?” (Lk 7:31) Are our hearts far from Him, offering only lip service? (Mk 7:6) How shall we behave in the household of the living God? (1 Tm 3:15) Will we have a humble and contrite heart (Ps 51:19), attentive to the workings of the Spirit in the Church? Jesus is trying to reach our hearts through His Church. How will we respond to Him?

Prayer: Father, open my heart to You, no matter what it takes.

Promise: "He has given food to those who fear Him." —Ps 111:5

Praise: St. Hildegard was named a Doctor of the Church in 2012.

(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, 2025, through September 30, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 8, 2025"

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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“WHAT WONDROUS LOVE IS THIS?” - One Bread, One Body, 09/16/2025

Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Pope St. Cornelius
St. Cyprian

1 Timothy 3:1-13
Psalm 101:1-3, 5-6
Luke 7:11-17

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"WHAT WONDROUS LOVE IS THIS?"
"Jesus gave him back to his mother." —Luke 7:15

Jesus “went to a town called Naim” (Lk 7:11). “As He approached the gate of the town a dead man was being carried out, the only son of a widowed mother” (Lk 7:12). Her future appeared bleak; she was alone in the world, with no husband or son to provide for her future. Jesus “was moved with pity upon seeing” this widow grieving her only son (Lk 7:13). Without being asked, “He stepped forward and touched the litter,” raised the dead young man, and gave him back to his widowed mother (Lk 7:14-15).

The Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, was in a situation similar to the widow of Naim. At this point in Jesus’ public ministry, St. Joseph had apparently died, and so Mary was a widow. Mary likewise had only one Son, and He was soon to be put to death. Mary would be left without Joseph and Jesus. Jesus restored the present and future for the widow of Naim by raising her son. As for His mother Mary, Jesus did rise from the dead, but He ascended into heaven, still leaving Mary without a Son on earth to provide for her needs and love her. Jesus gave Mary a new son, the Apostle John (Jn 19:26-27).

Yesterday the Church celebrated the feast of the Sorrowful Mother. Jesus is “moved with pity” for sorrowing mothers (Lk 7:13). Blessed “are the sorrowing; they shall be consoled” (Mt 5:4). Let us love the sorrowing and suffering people in our midst with the compassion and mercy of Jesus.

Prayer: Father, may I "weep with those who weep" (Rm 12:15). "Console and gladden them after their sorrows" (Jer 31:13).

Promise: "God has visited His people." —Lk 7:16

Praise: St. Cyprian was told in a vision that he would be beheaded in a year, so he listened to the Holy Spirit and wrote an exhortation to those who would be called to suffer martyrdom.

(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, 2025, through September 30, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 8, 2025"

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 MOTHER OF FORGIVENESS - One Bread, One Body, 09/15/2025

Monday, September 15, 2025, Our Lady of Sorrows

1 Timothy 2:1-8
Psalm 28:2, 7-9
John 19:25-27
or Luke 2:33-35
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THE MOTHER OF FORGIVENESS
"Seeing His mother there with the disciple whom He loved, Jesus said to His mother, 'Woman, there is your son.' " —John 19:26

A few moments before Jesus died, He charged His mother Mary to adopt all His disciples for all time, who were represented at the cross by a nameless, beloved disciple (Jn 19:26). In effect, Jesus told Mary to adopt those who were accomplices in His brutal death through their sins. Would you have the love, mercy, and forgiveness to adopt someone who helped torture and murder your son?

Moreover, Jesus told Mary to adopt us at the very time when the results of our sins were literally killing Him. Would you adopt your son’s murderers at the very hour they were murdering him?

Our Lady of Sorrows is the Mother of Sorrows. The Mother of Sorrows is the mother of those who caused her sorrows. She chose to be the Mother of her Son’s murderers, of us who helped kill Him through our sins (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 598). The Mother of Sorrows and the Mother of her Son’s murderers adopted us when we were least adoptable because she is the Mother of Forgiveness.

Mary, our mother and the Mother of Forgiveness, pray for us to be saved, forgiving, and forgiven.

Prayer: Jesus, give me true devotion to Mary, my forgiving mother.

Promise: "The Lord is the strength of His people, the saving refuge of His anointed." —Ps 28:8

Praise: Our Lady of Sorrows, like her Son, was perfected in God's love and mercy in and through her sufferings (Heb 5:8; cf Lk 2:48).

(For a related novena, view, download or order our leaflet Novena of Mary, the Mother of Forgiveness 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 August 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 8, 2025"

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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CROSS-FIRE - One Bread, One Body, 09/14/2025

Sunday, September 14, 2025, Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Numbers 21:4-9
Philippians 2:6-11
Psalm 78:1-2, 34-38
John 3:13-17
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CROSS-FIRE
"Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that all who believe may have eternal life in Him." —John 3:14-15

“When I behold the wondrous cross on which the King of glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride.” These words from a traditional hymn are my prayer for you today.

May you see in a new way the cross and the One Who hung and died on it for love of you. May the cross be a prophecy which penetrates, divides, and judges the thoughts and reflections of your heart (Heb 4:12). Through the cross, may you be crucified to the world and the world to you (Gal 6:14). May this celebration of the Exaltation of the Cross be the occasion for breakthroughs in the hearts of millions throughout the world and breakdowns of the strongholds of the evil one (see 2 Cor 10:4). Today, may Jesus, Who has been lifted up on the cross, draw all people to Himself (Jn 12:32).

“Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim, till all the world adore His sacred name.”

Prayer: Father, may my life be accurately described as the triumph of the cross.

Promise: "At Jesus' name every knee must bend in the heavens, on the earth, and under the earth, and every tongue proclaim to the glory of God the Father: JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!" —Phil 2:10-11

Praise: "We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world."

(For a related teaching on Crucified to the World listen to, download or order AV40-3 or DVD 40A 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 August 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 8, 2025"

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 FUTURE FLOODS - One Bread, One Body, 09/13/2025

Saturday, September 13, 2025, St. John Chrysostom

1 Timothy 1:15-17
Psalm 113:1-7
Luke 6:43-49

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THE FUTURE FLOODS
"He may be likened to the man who, in building a house, dug deeply and laid the foundation on a rock." —Luke 6:48

Our lives are like houses which are about to face the tremendous force of floods. Only the houses with solid foundations will stand (Lk 6:48). We are well founded if we hear and do God’s Word (Lk 6:47). We must lay no “foundation other than the one that has been laid, namely Jesus Christ” (1 Cor 3:11). We must also be founded on the Body of Christ, the Church, which is founded on the apostles and the prophets (Eph 2:20; Rv 21:14).

We build the solid foundation for our lives by giving our lives to Jesus and living our Baptisms fully. We must also be like Jesus and love the Church so much that we give up our lives for her (Eph 5:25). To have a solid foundation, we must know what the bishops, the successors of the apostles, have taught throughout the world over the centuries. Then we are able to be in submission to their authority. We must listen especially to the Pope (see Mt 16:18), who has a prophetic ministry and who, with the bishops, discerns the authenticity of prophecies.

Foundations are usually built years before floods hit. Build the foundation of your life now. Build it to withstand anything (see Mt 7:24-25).

Prayer: Father, the rivers are rising, but by Your grace I am not afraid.

Promise: "You can depend on this as worthy of full acceptance: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." —1 Tm 1:15

Praise: St. John Chrysostom began reforming his archdiocese by reforming the archbishop's household.

(For a related teaching on Living in Reality view, download or order our booklet 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 August 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 8, 2025"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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GOD’S DOUBLE STANDARD - One Bread, One Body, 09/12/2025

Friday, September 12, 2025, Most Holy Name of Mary

1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14
Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 11
Luke 6:39-42

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GOD'S DOUBLE STANDARD
"Because I did not know what I was doing in my unbelief, I have been treated mercifully." —1 Timothy 1:13

Jesus has a double standard in working with people. He is lenient with the unbeliever. He continues to pray: “Forgive them; they do not know what they are doing” (Lk 23:34). “These were enemies of Your servants, doomed to death; yet, while You punished them with such solicitude and pleading, granting time and opportunity to abandon wickedness, with what exactitude You judged Your sons” (Wis 12:20-21).

However, there’s discipline for the believer (Heb 12:6-7). “The slave who knew his master’s wishes but did not prepare to fulfill them will get a severe beating, whereas the one who did not know them and nonetheless deserved to be flogged will get off with fewer stripes. When much has been given a man, much will be required of him” (Lk 12:47-48).

The Lord must be strict with us, His disciples, so we will spread His salvation to the ends of the earth. He must get the plank out of our eyes so we can “see clearly enough to remove the speck” from our brother’s eye (Lk 6:42). “The season of judgment has begun, and begun with God’s own household” (1 Pt 4:17).

Even though the Lord is stricter with believers, now is still the time of mercy. Later, there will not be the combination of mercy and judgment we experience on this earth, but only judgment. The season of mercy will be over. Before it’s too late, repent. You’re first.

Prayer: Father, send the Spirit to motivate me to confess my sins as soon as possible in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Promise: "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, Who has strengthened me, that He has made me His servant and judged me faithful. I was once a blasphemer." —1 Tm 1:12-13

Praise: "My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit finds joy in God my Savior" (Lk 1:46-47).



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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, 2025, through September 30, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 8, 2025"

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 DISTINCTIVE MARK OF A CHRISTIAN - One Bread, One Body, 09/11/2025

Thursday, September 11, 2025,

Colossians 3:12-17
Psalm 150:1-6
Luke 6:27-38

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THE DISTINCTIVE MARK OF A CHRISTIAN
"To you who hear Me, I say: love your enemies." —Luke 6:27

What if your family was a victim of a terrorist attack? What if someone robbed and beat you? Jesus tells us to treat terrorists, murderers, rapists, and robbers in a certain way. Jesus commands us to:

• love our enemies (Lk 6:27),
• “do good to those who hate” us (Lk 6:27),
• “bless those who curse” us (Lk 6:28),
• “pray for those who maltreat” us (Lk 6:28),
• even remain vulnerable to our enemies (Lk 6:29),
• give to them (Lk 6:30),
• do to them as we would have them do to us (Lk 6:31),
• lend to them “without expecting repayment” (Lk 6:35), and
• be clothed in mercy and forgiveness toward all people, especially our enemies (see Col 3:12-13; Lk 6:36-37).

If we do so, we will heap burning coals of love on our enemies (Rm 12:20; see Lk 15:20ff).

To those not baptized into Jesus, His commands seem unjust, preposterous, and impossible; but Jesus died on the cross for His enemies. He literally practiced what He preached. He taught us to pray that we are forgiven as we forgive our enemies (Mt 6:12), and He promises us grace sufficient to forgive and love our enemies immediately and totally. By Jesus’ grace, receive and perform the miracle of forgiveness and of love for all your enemies.

Prayer: Father, give me a forgiveness and love inexplicable except in the light of Jesus.

Promise: "Over all these virtues put on love, which binds the rest together and makes them perfect. Christ's peace must reign in your hearts." —Col 3:14-15

Praise: Al, a non-Catholic, happened to stop in to a Catholic Church the same evening a Eucharistic procession was occurring. As the monstrance neared the pew where he had sat, an awe came upon him and he dropped to his knees in worship. He converted to Catholicism soon afterward.



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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, 2025, through September 30, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 8, 2025"

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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