FIRST REPENT, THEN HOPE - One Bread, One Body, 06/26/2026

Friday, June 26, 2026,

2 Kings 25:1-12
Psalm 137:1-6
Matthew 8:1-4

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FIRST REPENT, THEN HOPE
“He burned the house of the Lord, the palace of the king, and all the houses of Jerusalem; every large building was destroyed by fire. Then the Chaldean troops who were with the captain of the guard tore down the walls that surrounded Jerusalem.” —2 Kings 25:9-10

The horror and terror of today’s first Eucharistic reading is probably impossible for a modern-day audience to understand. The utter desolation of the fall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile has been surpassed for the Jewish people only by the “Holocaust” of World War II. Imagine enemy soldiers running through your home to loot your possessions, rape your family, and torch your home. Picture bullet-ridden loved ones lying dead in your homes and streets. Hear the shrieks of children running through the streets looking for dead or exiled parents. Even these horrors are only an analogy of the destruction of the Temple, the fall of Jerusalem, and the Babylonian exile.

The Lord depicts these horrors in the Scriptures in order to prevent them from being repeated. We can do so only by removing the cause of Jerusalem’s fall, which was sin and the refusal to repent. “The wages of sin is death” (Rm 6:23). Consequently, let us not deceive ourselves and think that this applies to the past, to Jews, or to other people. Let us get the wooden beams of sin out of our own eyes (Mt 7:5). May the Holy Spirit convict us of our sins (see Jn 16:8) and immerse us in repentance, as St. John the Baptist proclaimed (Acts 13:24; Mk 1:4).

Repent now before it’s too late. Cry out to Jesus for mercy.

Prayer: Father, free me from the spiritual blindness and self-deception inherent to sin (see 1 Jn 1:8-9).

Promise: “Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him and said, ‘I do will it. Be cured.’ Immediately the man’s leprosy disappeared.” —Mt 8:3

Praise: Not having received the Sacrament of Reconciliation for over twenty years, Cindy embraced the Sacrament in a new way and promised God never to be so remiss again.



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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 June 1, 2026, through July 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 12, 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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TAKE A LOOK, LORD - One Bread, One Body, 06/25/2026

Thursday, June 25, 2026,

2 Kings 24:8-17
Psalm 79:1-5, 8-9
Matthew 7:21-29

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TAKE A LOOK, LORD
“None of those who cry out, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of God but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven.” —Matthew 7:21

God never rejects a cry for mercy from the brokenhearted, even at the moment of death (see Ps 34:19; cf Lk 23:42-43). What Jesus is rejecting from those who cry out, “Lord, Lord,” is the attitude of “look at what I did.” When we cry out, “Lord, Lord, look at my accomplishments,” our position before God is that of the Pharisee who placed his hope in what he had done for the Lord (Lk 18:11-12; see also Lk 13:26). When we cry out, “Lord, Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner,” Jesus proclaims that we are justified because we place our hope in what the Lord has done for us (see Lk 18:13-14). That is how we are to call upon the name of the Lord and be saved (Rm 10:13).

As St. Thomas Aquinas said, all our works are straw. It is God’s mercy alone to which we must appeal. God’s “mercy triumphs” over all else (Jas 2:13). What do you want the Lord to look at on Judgment Day, His superabundant mercy for you or your accomplishments for Him? It’s your choice.

Prayer: Lord, “remember not against us the iniquities of the past; may Your compassion come quickly to us” (Ps 79:8).

Promise: “Anyone who hears My words and puts them into practice is like the wise man who built his house on rock.” —Mt 7:24

Praise: Sharon’s sight deteriorated to the point where she could no longer drive. Jesus healed her eyesight during a prayer service. Now she can drive and read easily.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Our Discover Your Spiritual Gifts retreat will equip you with the knowledge and grace to use the gifts you were given for the sake of the Church, July 3-5. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com to register.)

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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 June 1, 2026, through July 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 12, 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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OPEN AND SHUT - One Bread, One Body, 06/24/2026

Wednesday, June 24, 2026, Birth of St. John the Baptizer

Isaiah 49:1-6
Acts 13:22-26
Psalm 139:1-3, 13-15
Luke 1:57-66, 80
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OPEN AND SHUT
“John heralded the coming of Jesus by proclaiming a baptism of repentance.” —Acts 13:24

The name “John” means “God is gracious.” St. John the Baptizer’s father, St. Zechariah, wrote: “His name is John” (Lk 1:63), that is, “God is gracious.” At that moment, Zechariah’s mouth was opened (Lk 1:64).

Blessings come upon us when we speak for the glory of God and when we decrease and allow God to increase (Jn 3:30). John’s was “a baptism of repentance” (Acts 13:24). How much would you have to decrease to tell others about repentance? How many times in the last month have you spoken the word “repent”? How much would God have to increase in you to enable you to tell a wounded world of the healing God graciously works in a heart that repents of sin?

The prophet Jeremiah said he would no longer speak of God; it hurt him to keep telling his nation to repent (Jer 20:7-8). So he closed his mouth and would not speak, like John’s father Zechariah. But then God’s Word was too strong for him. Jeremiah grew “weary holding it in”; he had to speak (Jer 20:9) of the need for repentance.

Let us speak of the truth, repentance, reconciliation, healing and the joy of being forgiven. Let us decrease so our gracious God can increase.

Prayer: Father, give me an untiring devotion to Your gracious, never-failing mercy. May I never grow weary of spreading the Good News of Your salvation.

Promise: “My God is now my strength.” —Is 49:5

Praise: “All who heard stored these things up in their hearts, saying, ‘What will this child be?’ and ‘Was not the hand of the Lord upon Him?’ ” (Lk 1:66)

(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 June 1, 2026, through July 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 12, 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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A SOLDIER FOR CHRIST - One Bread, One Body, 06/23/2026

Tuesday, June 23, 2026,

2 Kings 19:9-11, 14-21, 31-36
Psalm 48:2-4, 10-11
Matthew 7:6, 12-14

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A SOLDIER FOR CHRIST
That night the angel of the Lord went forth and struck down one hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. Early the next morning, there they were, all the corpses of the dead.” —2 Kings 19:35

Traditionally, nations have waged war by acts of physical violence coupled with prayers to their gods for victory. This is how most of the battles of the Old Testament were waged (see 2 Kgs 19:15-19; 2 Kgs 3:26-27), and how almost all battles are still waged today.

Occasionally, a war was waged without any physical violence on the part of the winning army. Moses (Ex 14:14), Jehoshaphat (2 Chr 20:17), and Hezekiah (2 Kgs 19:35) fought such wars. In these battles, although the winning army did not kill the enemy,  the enemy was destroyed either by their own infighting, an angel, or God Himself.

In the New Testament, we have a radically different kind of warfare. This is perfectly expressed by Jesus’ death on the cross. Jesus did not do any violence to His enemies. He was “like a lamb led to the slaughter” (Is 53:7). Jesus did not even use His prerogative to command legions of angels to defeat His enemies (Mt 26:53). Rather, Jesus won the ultimate victory over Satan, sin, and violence by loving His enemies and letting them kill Him (see Mt 5:44).

Prayer: Jesus, may I let You fight my battles Your way — the way of the cross.

Promise: “Treat others the way you would have them treat you.” —Mt 7:12

Praise: When his wife died, Gary turned to the Lord and understood God’s promise of eternal life.

(There is still time to register for the retreat: Intimacy with God, which delves into the sacramental life Christ has established for us. June 29-July 1. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com to register.)

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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 June 1, 2026, through July 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 12, 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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“AVOID JUDGMENT” (Mt 7:1) - One Bread, One Body, 06/22/2026

Monday, June 22, 2026, St. Paulinus of Nola
Sts. John Fisher & Thomas More

2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15, 18
Psalm 60:3-5, 12-13
Matthew 7:1-5

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“AVOID JUDGMENT” (Mt 7:1)
“If you want to avoid judgment...” —Matthew 7:1

“If you want to avoid judgment, stop passing judgment” on others’ character and motives (Mt 7:1). If we judge others’ character and motives, we will have the same verdict passed on us (Mt 7:2). “If you want to avoid judgment,” repent of your own sins, and then help others repent (see Mt 7:5).

If we want to avoid judgment, we must forgive those who have sinned against us. Otherwise, we will not be forgiven (Mt 6:15), and we will be in no position to help others to be reconciled with the Lord.

In summary, to avoid coming under judgment, we must:

• not judge others’ character or motives,
• repent of our sins,
• help others to reconcile with God, and
• forgive others.

By God’s grace, we must do all of these things, or we risk being judged. “Avoid judgment” (Mt 7:1).

Prayer: Father, may loving and faithful obedience to You be my joy and delight.

Promise: “Then you will see clearly to take the speck from your brother’s eye.” —Mt 7:5

Praise: Shortly before his martyrdom, St. Thomas More wrote, “Nothing can come but what God wills. And I am very sure that whatever that be, however bad it may seem, it shall indeed be the best.”

(For a related teaching on Seek First the Kingdom, 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 June 1, 2026, through July 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 12, 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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A SOLDIER FOR CHRIST - One Bread, One Body, 06/23/2026

Tuesday, June 23, 2026,

2 Kings 19:9-11, 14-21, 31-36
Psalm 48:2-4, 10-11
Matthew 7:6, 12-14

View Readings

Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

A SOLDIER FOR CHRIST
That night the angel of the Lord went forth and struck down one hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. Early the next morning, there they were, all the corpses of the dead.” —2 Kings 19:35

Traditionally, nations have waged war by acts of physical violence coupled with prayers to their gods for victory. This is how most of the battles of the Old Testament were waged (see 2 Kgs 19:15-19; 2 Kgs 3:26-27), and how almost all battles are still waged today.

Occasionally, a war was waged without any physical violence on the part of the winning army. Moses (Ex 14:14), Jehoshaphat (2 Chr 20:17), and Hezekiah (2 Kgs 19:35) fought such wars. In these battles, although the winning army did not kill the enemy,  the enemy was destroyed either by their own infighting, an angel, or God Himself.

In the New Testament, we have a radically different kind of warfare. This is perfectly expressed by Jesus’ death on the cross. Jesus did not do any violence to His enemies. He was “like a lamb led to the slaughter” (Is 53:7). Jesus did not even use His prerogative to command legions of angels to defeat His enemies (Mt 26:53). Rather, Jesus won the ultimate victory over Satan, sin, and violence by loving His enemies and letting them kill Him (see Mt 5:44).

Prayer: Jesus, may I let You fight my battles Your way — the way of the cross.

Promise: “Treat others the way you would have them treat you.” —Mt 7:12

Praise: When his wife died, Gary turned to the Lord and understood God’s promise of eternal life.

(There is still time to register for the retreat: Intimacy with God, which delves into the sacramental life Christ has established for us. June 29-July 1. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com to register.)

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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 June 1, 2026, through July 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 12, 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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NO FEAR - One Bread, One Body, 06/21/2026

Sunday, June 21, 2026, 12th Sunday Ordinary Time

Jeremiah 20:10-13
Romans 5:12-15
Psalm 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35
Matthew 10:26-33
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Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

NO FEAR
“Do not fear.” —Matthew 10:28

Fear has always been a major factor in life. Many people even make fear a way of life. They live in fear (see Lk 12:32) and are lifelong slaves through their fear of death (Heb 2:15). In the Bible, the Lord commands us hundreds of times: “Do not be afraid” (see Mt 10:26, 28, 31). He commands: “Do not fear; only believe” (Mk 5:36, RSV-CE). He promises that the fear of the Lord can remove the fear of man from our lives. “He who fears the Lord is never alarmed, never afraid; for the Lord is his Hope” (Sir 34:14). Moreover, “perfect love casts out all fear” (1 Jn 4:18). The fear of the Lord is not only the beginning of wisdom but also of fearlessness (see Prv 9:10). Then our faith, hope, and love in the Lord displace fear from our lives.

The Holy Spirit gives us this fear of the Lord. Faith and love are fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5:22), and our hope will not leave us disappointed because the Spirit has poured out Christ’s love in our hearts (Rm 5:5). Therefore, “do not fear.” The Lord says it again and again: “Do not fear.” The Spirit we have received is no fearful Spirit (2 Tm 1:7), “so do not be afraid of anything” (Mt 10:31).

Prayer: Father, may people ask me the reason for my fearlessness (see 1 Pt 3:15).

Promise: “Sing to the Lord, praise the Lord, for He has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the wicked!” —Jer 20:13

Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, the Victor over death! Alleluia forever! (see 1 Cor 15:55-57)

(To help you read the Bible so that you “Do not fear,” consider listening to, downloading, or ordering our audio series An Introduction to each Book of the Bible 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 June 1, 2026, through July 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 12, 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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Copyright © Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to https://www.presentationministries.com/subscribe/email

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