A FREE CHRISTMAS PRESENT - One Bread, One Body, 12/15/2025

Monday, December 15, 2025,

Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17
Psalm 25:4-9
Matthew 21:23-27

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A FREE CHRISTMAS PRESENT
"When [Balaam] raised his eyes and saw Israel encamped, tribe by tribe, the spirit of God came upon him, and he gave voice to his oracle." —Numbers 24:2-3

Balaam was a man of great spiritual powers. That’s why Balak sent two deputations of princes to persuade Balaam to curse the Israelites (Nm 22:5-16). Balaam described himself as “the man whose eye is true...who hears what God says, and knows what the Most High knows, of one who sees what the Almighty sees” (Nm 24:3-4, 15-16).

Although Balaam was exceptionally gifted by God and gave one of the greatest prophecies of all time (see Nm 24:17), he is considered a villain in the New Testament (see Jude 11; Rv 2:14). His great spiritual gifts were sabotaged, for “he was a man attracted to dishonest gain” (2 Pt 2:15).

“The love of money is the root of all evil. Some men in their passion for it have strayed from the faith, and have come to grief amid great pain” (1 Tm 6:10). Christmas is often the time when our love of money and what money can buy surfaces (see 1 Jn 2:15). Christmas is an opportunity to see we are trapped (1 Tm 6:9). Christmas is the time for us to repent, make Jesus our Wealth (Phil 3:8), and get freed from the trap. Go free this Christmas.

Prayer: Father, may I love You with all my heart and love money with none of my heart (see Mt 6:24).

Promise: "Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me Your paths, guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior." —Ps 25:4-5

Praise: Counting the friendship as worth more than money, Thomas forgave the loan his friend had promised to pay.

(For a related teaching on The Bible on Money, 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 December 1, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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WHATEVER WE PLEASE? - One Bread, One Body, 12/14/2025

Sunday, December 14, 2025, Third Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 35:1-6, 10
James 5:7-10
Psalm 146:6-10
Matthew 11:2-11
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WHATEVER WE PLEASE?
"Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John [the Baptizer.]" —Matthew 11:7

Jesus explained that St. John the Baptizer was “Elijah, the one who was certain to come” (Mt 11:14). He told the crowds that John was a messenger sent by God to prepare His way (Mt 11:10). After John was killed by King Herod, Jesus explained to three of His disciples that the religious leaders “did entirely as they pleased with” John, putting him to death (Mk 9:13). Jesus said this in the context of His own suffering to come (Mk 9:12), foretelling that people would likewise do whatever they pleased with Him.

God sends many people into our lives: parents, spouses, children, coworkers, pastors, etc. Are we doing entirely as we please with these people, or are we doing entirely as God wishes with them? This is an important question to ponder, for we aren’t even free to do whatever we please with our own life. Jesus is the Owner of our life, not us. Jesus has purchased us at the price of His own blood (1 Cor 6:19-20). He is our Master, and we belong to Him (Rm 14:7-8).

Since Jesus is our Master, we must live in this world entirely as He pleases rather than entirely as we please. As Christmas approaches, resolve to let the Lord do entirely as He pleases with your life (see Ps 104:34).

Prayer: Father, do in me whatever You must in order to do through me whatever You will.

Promise: "The coming of the Lord is at hand." —Jas 5:8

Praise: "Be exalted above the heavens, O God; above all the earth be Your glory!" (Ps 57:6)

(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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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ELIJAH IS COMING - One Bread, One Body, 12/13/2025

Saturday, December 13, 2025, St. Lucy

Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11
Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
Matthew 17:9-13

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ELIJAH IS COMING
"The scribes claim that Elijah must come first." —Matthew 17:10

Before Jesus came the first time, the new Elijah, St. John the Baptizer, came (Mt 17:12). Before Jesus comes the final time, Elijah will come (Mal 3:23). Before Jesus comes into our hearts and world this Christmas season, Elijah will also come.

Elijah comes as a prophet. His words are “as a flaming furnace” (Sir 48:1). He calls us to repentance and purification. He turns “back the hearts of fathers toward their sons” and daughters, and thereby restores family life and re-establishes the people of God (Sir 48:10).

To meet Christ this Christmas, we must let the prophetic word penetrate and judge “the reflections and thoughts” of our hearts (Heb 4:12). Then we will repent and be forgiven as we forgive those who have sinned against us (Mt 6:12) — especially our spouses, children, and parents. Through the prophetic word, the mountains will be leveled, the valleys filled, the crooked ways made straight, and the rough ways made smooth (Lk 3:5). If we obey the prophetic word of new Elijahs, the way will be prepared for Christ’s coming (Lk 3:4), and we will meet Jesus this Christmas in a life-changing, world-changing way.

Prayer: Father, grace me with repentance even if I must be "reduced...to straits" (Sir 48:2).

Promise: "Give us new life, and we will call upon Your name." —Ps 80:19

Praise: St. Lucy's prayers were instrumental in the healing of her mother from hemorrhages.

(For a related teaching on Seek Prophecy, view, download or order our leaflet 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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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“MARY” CHRISTMAS - One Bread, One Body, 12/12/2025

Friday, December 12, 2025, Our Lady of Guadalupe

Zechariah 2:14-17 or
Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6, 10
Judith 13:18-19
Luke 1:26-38
or Luke 1:39-47
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"MARY" CHRISTMAS
"Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord on that day." —Zechariah 2:15

During Advent, the Lord repeatedly commands us to prepare the way for Him. We know the Lord is telling us to repent in a mountain-leveling, valley-filling, straightening, and smoothing way (Is 40:3-4). How exactly do we do this?

Today we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patroness of the Americas. Mary is the expert on preparing the way of the Lord, because she conceived and birthed Jesus. Outside of Mexico City, hundreds of years ago, Mary prepared the way for the Lord so well that eight million people gave their lives to Jesus in seven years. Mary prepared the way of the Lord by:

• obeying. She said: “I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you say” (Lk 1:38; see also Jn 2:5).
• evangelizing. “Thereupon Mary set out, proceeding in haste into the hill country to a town of Judah, where she entered Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth” (Lk 1:39-40).
• prophesying. She announced that the Lord “has deposed the mighty from their thrones and raised the lowly to high places. The hungry He has given every good thing, while the rich He has sent empty away” (Lk 1:52-53).
• suffering. “Near the cross of Jesus there stood His mother” (Jn 19:25).
• praying. At the first Christian Pentecost, “together they devoted themselves to constant prayer” (Acts 1:14).

Prepare the way of the Lord. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!

Prayer: Father, may I be prepared for Christ's coming this Christmas. May I prepare others as Mary does.

Promise: "Your deed of hope will never be forgotten by those who tell of the might of God." —Jdt 13:19

Praise: "God Who is mighty has done great things for me, holy is His name" (Lk 1:49).



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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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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STRONGER THAN THE STRONG MAN (Lk 11:22) - One Bread, One Body, 12/10/2025

Wednesday, December 10, 2025, Our Lady of Loreto

Isaiah 40:25-31
Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10
Matthew 11:28-30

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STRONGER THAN THE STRONG MAN (Lk 11:22)
"He gives strength to the fainting; for the weak He makes vigor abound. Though young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall, they that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles' wings." —Isaiah 40:29-31

Samson was so strong that he pushed over two structural columns of a Philistine temple, thereby killing several thousand of His enemies (Jgs 16:27ff). St. Paul was so strong that he survived five scourgings of thirty-nine lashes each time (2 Cor 11:24). Many men have died before the thirty-ninth lash of just one scourging. Paul and Samson had supernatural strength.

We also need this kind of strength. It takes supernatural strength to care for the needs of all the children God wills to give a married couple. Without expecting supernatural strength, a couple may give in to the temptation to plan their own family, rebel against God’s will, and refuse to cooperate with God in creating a human person. In the same way, unless we plan to receive supernatural strength, we will unnecessarily turn down many opportunities to love, evangelize, and serve. However, when we know God promises us humanly impossible strength, we will be open to answering humanly impossible calls.

For a true Christmas, we need supernatural strength. Look at Mary traveling to Bethlehem while about to have a baby. Look at the wise men following the star and undergoing, for many months, the rigors of travel in ancient times. “Look to the Lord in His strength” (Ps 105:4). Ask the Lord for supernatural strength. “Do whatever He tells you” (Jn 2:5). Have a true Christmas.

Prayer: Jesus, in You I have strength for everything (Phil 4:13).

Promise: "Take My yoke upon your shoulders and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart." —Mt 11:29

Praise: Pope St. John Paul II said, "Loreto is the first church on which shone the light of the maternity of the Mother of God."



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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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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HIS PASSION FOR ALL TO BE SAVED - One Bread, One Body, 12/09/2025

Tuesday, December 9, 2025, St. Juan Diego

Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 96:1-3, 10-13
Matthew 18:12-14

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HIS PASSION FOR ALL TO BE SAVED
"It is no part of your heavenly Father's plan that a single one of these little ones shall ever come to grief." —Matthew 18:14

The Lord wants all to be saved (1 Tm 2:4). He wants every person ever created to be with Him in heaven forever. If the Lord had His way, there would be no people in hell.

The Lord’s desire for all people to be saved is not merely a wish or abstraction. To save all people, the Lord went to the extreme of emptying Himself (Phil 2:7) to become a man so that He could go to an even further extreme and die on the cross to save us all (Rm 5:8). The Lord continues His passion to save us all by baptizing us into Him (Rm 6:3), by living within us (Jn 17:23), and giving us His Body and Blood.

If a person is not saved, it will not be the Lord’s fault. What more could He do? (see e.g. Is 5:4) He cannot love us more, for He loves us infinitely and perfectly — even to death on the cross.

Accept His extreme, crucified love. Accept Jesus as Savior, Lord, and God.

Prayer: Father, in this Advent, may I "grasp fully, with all the holy ones, the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ's love" (Eph 3:18).

Promise: "Comfort, give comfort to My people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem." —Is 40:1-2

Praise: It is said that St. Juan Diego walked fifteen miles, one way, to attend Mass.

(For a related teaching on Accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior, and God, listen to, download or order our AV 43-1 or DVD 43 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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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 RICHEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD - One Bread, One Body, 12/08/2025

Monday, December 8, 2025, Immaculate Conception

Genesis 3:9-15, 20
Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12
Psalm 98:1-4
Luke 1:26-38
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THE RICHEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD
"Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has bestowed on us in Christ every spiritual blessing in the heavens!" —Ephesians 1:3

Some of our Protestant brothers and sisters accuse Catholics of complicating the faith. Catholics insist on the hierarchical Church, the deposit of the faith, the Magisterium, the liturgical year, and several other complex systems. Then we bring up Mary, and, if that’s not enough, we speak of her Immaculate Conception, the virgin-birth of her Son Jesus (Mt 1:23), her Assumption into heaven, and her roles as Mediatrix and Queen of Heaven. We seem to complicate our complications. Actually, we are letting the all-holy, triune God lavish His riches on us.

The Blessed Virgin Mary is the quintessential example of spiritual richness. She has always been astoundingly rich in holiness, purity, and power. She truly is the queen of heaven and earth with all the riches accompanying queenship (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, 966). Mary is the example of what the Lord has in store for us. He wants to make us immaculate through repentance and then take us up to heaven where we will reign forever with Him. Then we will be rich beyond all measure and imagining.

Today’s celebration of Mary’s Immaculate Conception brings up “immeasurably more than we ask or imagine” (Eph 3:20). Mary was conceived by her parents Sts. Joachim and Ann in the usual way; yet, from the first moment of her conception she was free of all stain of original sin. Let God be God, and enrich us in a most mysterious way.

Prayer: Father, I rejoice that You are a God way beyond my understanding (Is 55:8-9).

Promise: "Mary said: 'I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you say.' " —Lk 1:38

Praise: "How deep are the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God!" (Rm 11:33) Praise You, Lord, for Mary's obedient response to Your plan for salvation.



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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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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