LIFE UNDER THE ROCK - One Bread, One Body, 07/08/2026

Wednesday, July 8, 2026,

Hosea 10:1-3, 7-8, 12
Psalm 105:2-7
Matthew 10:1-7

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LIFE UNDER THE ROCK
“Then they shall cry out to the mountains, ‘Cover us!’ and to the hills, ‘Fall upon us!’ ” —Hosea 10:8

As Jesus was being led to His crucifixion, He prophesied to the women of Jerusalem, “Do not weep for Me. Weep for yourselves and for your children…They will begin saying to the mountains, ‘Fall on us’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us’ ” (Lk 23:28, 30). Jesus says that the people of Jerusalem will quote Hosea 10:8, instantly recognizing their doomed fate and longing to be “protected” by the cover of the rocks. Sadly, they did not instantly recognize the mercy of God; they perceived it as His “wrath.” How ironic that Jesus had come precisely for these lost sheep.

Scripture prophesies that on the Day of the Lord, many will hide “themselves in caves and mountain crags. They [will cry] out to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us! Hide us from the face of the One Who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! The great day of vengeance has come’ ” (Rv 6:15-17). Those who have disdained God suddenly have a dread realization that God is triumphant. Tragically, they trust the rocks and hills will be more merciful than God. “Men will go into caves in the rocks and into holes in the earth, from the terror of the Lord, and the splendor of His majesty, when He arises to overawe the earth” (Is 2:19).

We must realize the triumph of God today, in case we no longer have time to repent later (see Hos 10:12). Sadly, those who never bothered to know the merciful Lamb of God fear Him the wrong way. Rather than begging the Lamb to have mercy on them, they instead cry out to the rocks and hills to protect them from the Lamb’s “wrath” (see Rv 6:15-17). Today, put yourself under the cover of Jesus the Rock (1 Cor 10:4). Repent now before it’s too late.

Prayer: Jesus, Rock of Ages, may Your mercy “fall upon us” and “cover us,” now and forever.

Promise: “The reign of God is at hand!” —Mt 10:7

Praise: Belinda had a tubal ligation. Years later, she repented and expressed it by adopting a baby girl.

(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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“LORD, OPEN MY LIPS” (Ps 51:17) - One Bread, One Body, 07/07/2026

Tuesday, July 7, 2026,

Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13
Psalm 115:3-10
Matthew 9:32-38

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“LORD, OPEN MY LIPS” (Ps 51:17)
“They have mouths but speak not.” —Psalm 115:5 “The mute [man] began to speak.” —Matthew 9:33

In today’s Gospel, Jesus casts out a demon from a man who could not speak and the mute man spoke (Mt 9:32-33). Then Jesus appeals for us to pray for laborers for the harvest of souls, because those who would speak up to spread the Gospel message are few (Mt 9:37).

Many Christians “have mouths but speak not” of the Good News of Jesus the Redeemer (Ps 115:5). In that regard, when we can’t speak for the Lord, we bear a resemblance to the idols of today’s psalm response: we can’t speak with our mouths when it comes to witnessing for Jesus and spreading the Good News.

In His infinite mercy, Jesus has come down from heaven to purify our lips (see Is 6:7-8) and open our mouths to speak of Him (see Ps 51:17). Jesus made a mute man speak and He still does so today (see Heb 13:8).

Invite Jesus to put His words in your mouth (Jer 1:9). When you fall deeply in love with Jesus, you “cannot help speaking of what [you] have heard and seen” (Acts 4:20). Offer yourself and your voice to Jesus as a worker for the harvest (Mt 9:37-38).

Prayer: Father, fill my heart with the love of Your Son. Grant that I would then speak of Him from the abundance of that love (Lk 6:45).

Promise: “Our God is in heaven; whatever He wills, He does.” —Ps 115:3

Praise: Ralph uses his job of serving food as an opportunity to spread God’s light and love to his customers.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Are you following the Lord in the Single Vocation? We have a retreat for you Sept. 18-20. 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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DROWN YOUR SORROWS - One Bread, One Body, 07/06/2026

Monday, July 6, 2026, St. Maria Goretti

Hosea 2:16-18, 21-22
Psalm 145:2-9
Matthew 9:18-26

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DROWN YOUR SORROWS
“My daughter has just died.” —Matthew 9:18

Recall some of the saddest words you have ever said. Maybe you’ve said such things as “She’s dead,” “There’s no hope,” “He’s gone,” “I’m lost,” or “I don’t want to go on.”

Like the synagogue leader, bring your sadness to Jesus. “Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you” (1 Pt 5:7). “We do not have a High Priest Who is unable to sympathize with our weakness” (Heb 4:15). “So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and favor and to find help in time of need” (Heb 4:16).

Jesus may immediately take away your sadness and pain. He may do what you ask or surprise you with something even better. Perhaps you might not realize for years how greatly He is loving you. Nevertheless, know for sure that the Lord is loving you personally with a perfect, infinite, crucified, and eternal love. Drown your sorrows in “the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ’s love” (Eph 3:18).

Prayer: Father, use my sufferings for the consolation of others (2 Cor 1:4-7).

Promise: “I will espouse you to Me forever: I will espouse you in right and in justice, in love and in mercy; I will espouse you in fidelity, and you shall know the Lord.” —Hos 2:21-22

Praise: Even after her death, St. Maria’s faith and innocence won over her murderer to God’s kingdom.

(For a related teaching on Divine Love, listen to, download or order AV 52-3 or V 52 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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MEEK MEANS CONTROLLED STRENGTH - One Bread, One Body, 07/05/2026

Sunday, July 5, 2026, 14th Sunday Ordinary Time

Zechariah 9:9-10
Romans 8:9, 11-13
Psalm 145:1-2, 8-11, 13-14
Matthew 11:25-30
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MEEK MEANS CONTROLLED STRENGTH
“See, your King shall come to you; a just Savior is He, meek, and riding on an ass.” —Zechariah 9:9

One of the fruits of the Spirit is meekness, also translated gentleness or “mildness” (Gal 5:23). Being docile to the Spirit implies we are meek, a word which means easily imposed upon, quiet, gentle, and submissive. No wonder God is going to ensure that the meek will inherit the land (Mt 5:5). Father Al Lauer, founder and long-time author of this booklet, taught that meekness is not weakness, but rather controlled strength.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls Himself  “meek,” also translated “gentle” (Mt 11:29). Jesus was a meek ruler, “meek, and riding on an ass” (Zec 9:9; Mt 21:5). Similarly, Moses “was by far the meekest man on the face of the earth” (Nm 12:3). Because of “his trustworthiness and meekness God selected [Moses] from all mankind” (Sir 45:4).

A meek ruler banishes war and implements of war, such as chariots and war horses, and proclaims peace to the entire world, with no compromise (Zec 9:10). The meek, “little ones,” have special revelations from the Father (see Mt 11:25-26). If we make certain that it is God who can easily impose upon us, this is the right meekness. As today’s second reading proclaims, it is by living in the Holy Spirit and receiving His gifts that we can have this meekness (see Rm 8:11-13). Be meek before God, easily imposed upon by the Spirit.

Prayer: Father, impose Your Kingdom upon me. “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done” (Mt 6:10).

Promise: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you.” —Mt 11:28

Praise: “To the One seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, be praise and honor, glory and might, forever and ever!” (Rv 5:13)

(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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BLESS US, O LORD? - One Bread, One Body, 07/04/2026

Saturday, July 4, 2026,

Amos 9:11-15
Psalm 85:9-14
Matthew 9:14-17

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BLESS US, O LORD?
“Yes, days are coming, says the Lord, when the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the vintager, him who sows the seed.” —Amos 9:13

The Lord foretells through the prophet Amos that He will bless His people with abundant harvests so large that it will take many months to bring it all in (Am 9:13). This prosperity is a blessing from God. Jesus tells us that His harvest is abundant (Mt 9:37) and that “the fields are shining for harvest” (Jn 4:35). Amos prophesied that the abundant harvest was intended by God to bring about the restoration of His people (Am 9:14).

Jesus told this parable: “There was a rich man who had a good harvest” (Lk 12:16), so good that it resembled the superabundant harvest prophesied by Amos. The man did not have sufficient room to store the harvested crops (Lk 12:17). Sadly, this rich man thought only of enriching himself and not of God’s plans (Lk 12:18-21).

Jesus teaches that to whom much has been given, much will be required (Lk 12:48). If we are faithful in using our blessings for God’s glory, He may entrust us with additional opportunities to build His kingdom (see Lk 16:10-11; Mt 25:14-30). He calls us to be the reapers of His harvest (see Mt 9:38; 20:4). The Lord is expecting to receive “His share” of our harvest (see Mk 12:2). Let us bear “a yield of a hundred- or sixty- or thirtyfold” for our Lord and Master (Mt 13:23).

Prayer: Father, you desire to “overwhelm” Your faithful people with Your blessings (Dt 28:2). We beg You for the grace to faithfully labor in Your Kingdom and bring You an abundant harvest.

Promise: “The Lord Himself will give His benefits.” —Ps 85:13

Praise: Though money was tight, Ed and Lisa began tithing as an act of faith. They were overjoyed to discover that each month their trust in God increased and their debt decreased.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Upcoming retreats include one for widows and widowers, and one for the divorced and separated. Both retreats will be held on Sept. 11-13.)

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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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FROM WITHOUT EVIDENCE TO WITHOUT DOUBT - One Bread, One Body, 07/03/2026

Friday, July 3, 2026, St. Thomas

Ephesians 2:19-22
Psalm 117:1-2
John 20:24-29

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FROM WITHOUT EVIDENCE TO WITHOUT DOUBT
“I will never believe it without…” —John 20:25

Most of us are familiar with the term “Doubting Thomas.” St. Thomas is remembered for doubting the Resurrection of Jesus. He would not “believe it without” tangible evidence of Jesus being alive (Jn 20:25). St. Thomas wasn’t the only follower of Jesus who doubted. At the closing scene of St. Matthew’s Gospel, some doubted among the eleven apostles (Mt 28:17).

I once went to a Mass in which the priest who celebrated Mass mentioned that he was born in India in a town where St. Thomas evangelized. This priest witnessed that the devotion to St. Thomas is alive and well in India. India is several thousand miles from Jerusalem. Thomas traveled a long way to reach India. He evangelized those who would never be able to see Jesus.

Surely Thomas told the people of India about his former doubts, and many came to enduring, deep-rooted faith through both his witness and his preaching. Thomas surely told them they were blessed, as Jesus said to him, because they had not seen Jesus, but believed (Jn 20:29). His witness endured and bore great fruit (Jn 15:16).

We would be thrilled to see the next several generations of our families persevere in faith. Well, St. Thomas has had two-thousand years of generations persevere in faith because of his witness.

Jesus overcame Thomas’ doubts. So tell the Lord your doubts. Let Him transform them into a witness that bears lasting fruit (Jn 15:8) throughout the ages.

Prayer: Father, give me the grace to believe in Jesus without a doubt (see Mk 9:24).

Promise: “You form a building which rises on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the Capstone.” —Eph 2:20

Praise: “My Lord and my God!” (Jn 20:28)

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Call 513-823-3111 to hear a daily message about the Word 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 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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UNPRECEDENTED AUTHORITY - One Bread, One Body, 07/02/2026

Thursday, July 2, 2026,

Amos 7:10-17
Psalm 19:8-11
Matthew 9:1-8

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UNPRECEDENTED AUTHORITY
“At the sight, a feeling of awe came over the crowd, and they praised God for giving such authority to men.” —Matthew 9:8

When Jesus instantaneously healed the paralytic, the crowd praised God not only for the healing but also for the authority Jesus exercised in the healing (Mt 9:8). People also had this reaction to the Sermon on the Mount. “Jesus finished this discourse and left the crowds spellbound at His teaching. The reason was that He taught with authority and not like their scribes” (Mt 7:28-29).

Jesus showed His authority over leprosy, sickness, people, the weather, and demons (Mt 8:1ff). Then, by healing the paralytic, He showed His authority on earth to forgive sins (Mt 9:6). Next, He gave His Church “authority to expel unclean spirits and to cure sickness and disease of every kind” (Mt 10:1).

Unlike the devils, diseases, and storms, we don’t have to submit to Jesus’ authority. We can choose to rebel. We can make up our own religion by picking out what we want and trying to forget the rest. When Jesus manifests His lordship, we can be like the scribes who called it blasphemy (see Mt 9:3).

God has given us the incomparable freedom to make the decision to become a subject in His kingdom.  Therefore, willingly and thankfully submit to the authority of the Lord Jesus.

Prayer: Jesus, I submit to Your authority in the Church, in the Bible, and in humbly obedient parents, husbands, pastors, and leaders.

Promise: “The Lord took me from following the flock, and said to me, go, prophesy to My people Israel.” —Am 7:15

Praise: Though Freda’s heart health is deteriorating, her heart to evangelize grows stronger each month. She tells everyone she meets about the love of Jesus.

(For a related teaching on Accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior, and God, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order AV 43-1 or V 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 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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