PURE SUFFERING - One Bread, One Body, 10/22/2026

Thursday, October 22, 2026, Pope St. John Paul II

Ephesians 3:14-21
Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19
Luke 12:49-53

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PURE SUFFERING
“I have come to light a fire on the earth.” —Luke 12:49

When we use the word “fire,” we think of light, warmth, or even of being “fired-up,” that is, enthusiastic. However, when the Bible speaks of fire, it usually means sufferings resulting in purification (see 1 Pt 1:7). So when Jesus said He came to light a fire on the earth, He was indicating His desire to suffer so as to purify the whole world. He did this by receiving a baptism (Lk 12:50), an immersion in the fires of Calvary’s purifying sufferings.

Although Jesus on Calvary has already received the baptism in fire to purify the whole world, He wants us to share in His sufferings of purification (Col 1:24). He wants us also to be baptized in fire and in the Spirit (Lk 3:16). When we receive the Holy Spirit, this will cause us to suffer rejection, pain, and persecution, even from our family members (see Lk 12:52). These sufferings are part of Christ’s purifying fire. Pray: “Holy Spirit, come with Your fire, purify our hearts.”

Prayer: Father, like Jesus, may I learn obedience and be perfected by what I suffer (Heb 5:8-9).

Promise: “I kneel before the Father from Whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name.” —Eph 3:14-15

Praise: Samantha experienced a deep conversion to the Lord Jesus on the day Pope St. John Paul II passed away. She didn’t realize this until she made a pilgrimage to the Pope’s birthplace in Poland twenty years later.

(For a related teaching on Redemptive Suffering, listen to, download or order AV 75-1 or V 75 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 One Bread, One Body covering the period October 1, 2026, through November 30, 2026, by Presentation Ministries. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 1, 2026"

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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LIVING ON THE EDGE - One Bread, One Body, 10/21/2026

Wednesday, October 21, 2026,

Ephesians 3:2-12
Isaiah 12:2-6
Luke 12:39-48

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LIVING ON THE EDGE
“Be on guard, therefore. The Son of Man will come when you least expect Him.” —Luke 12:40

We should live each day as if it were our last and as if it were the last day for the world. Today and each day should be “dress rehearsals” for the Second Coming of Christ.

We have reason to believe that we will be ready for Christ’s Second Coming if today we are managing with faith and wisdom all the resources, time, charisms, talents, and opportunities the Lord has given us (see Lk 12:42). If we are spending today feeding people physically and spiritually (Lk 12:42), we are getting ready for Christ’s coming. If we are no longer living for ourselves (2 Cor 5:15) but see ourselves as Christ’s slaves (Lk 12:43 in the Greek), we are ready to cry out “Maranatha!” until Jesus comes again (see Rv 22:20).

However, if we spend some of this day hurting others in our anger, bitterness, or unforgiveness (Lk 12:45), we are not ready for Christ’s coming, or our own death, or the trials and opportunities of this day. Also, if we live this day to maximize our pleasures (see Lk 12:45), we are not ready to live forever or even for today.

If we are ready for Christ’s Second Coming, we are ready for anything, even for today. Live on the edge — the edge of this world and this life.

Prayer: Father, help me hasten the time of Christ’s return (2 Pt 3:12).

Promise: “When much has been given a man, much will be required of him. More will be asked of a man to whom more has been entrusted.” —Lk 12:48

Praise: Jana experienced a heart-wrenching division in her extended family until God healed and reunited them all in His love.

(For a related teaching on Judgment Day, listen to, download or order our AV 75-3 or V 75 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 One Bread, One Body covering the period October 1, 2026, through November 30, 2026, by Presentation Ministries. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 1, 2026"

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 SIGN OF PEACE - One Bread, One Body, 10/20/2026

Tuesday, October 20, 2026, St. Paul of the Cross

Ephesians 2:12-22
Psalm 85:9-14
Luke 12:35-38

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THE SIGN OF PEACE
“I will hear what God proclaims; the Lord — for He proclaims peace.” —Psalm 85:9

Christ “is our Peace” (Eph 2:14). Christ made “peace, reconciling both of us to God in one body through His cross, which put that enmity to death. He came and ‘announced the good news of peace’ ” (Eph 2:15-17). Christ is Peace, makes peace, and announces peace. By “peace,” the Lord, being Jewish, means “shalom,” that is, harmony and God’s order in our lives and in the world. In Christ and in shalom, our lives are integrated rather than fragmented, full rather than deprived, and whole rather than broken. Shortly before His death, Jesus announced His last will and testament. In the will, He left His shalom-peace to His disciples (Jn 14:27).

Are you receiving your inheritance of shalom? Are you living fully for Jesus? Are you living your Baptism? Is the harmonious order of your life truly a masterpiece of God’s grace? Is your life an example of God’s shalom-peace, which is beyond our human understanding? (Phil 4:7) Is your life something beautiful by and for God? Let us give each other the sign of shalom-peace.

Prayer: Father, make me a peacemaker (Mt 5:9) even if I have to suffer and die as Jesus did.

Promise: It will go well with those servants whom the Master finds wide-awake on His return. I tell you, He will put on an apron, seat them at table, and proceed to wait on them.” —Lk 12:37

Praise: St. Paul of the Cross loved Christ crucified and led many others to be devoted to that love (1 Cor 2:2).

(Married couples, take some time to renew your commitment to each other and the Lord at our Nov. 13-14 retreat. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com.)

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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 One Bread, One Body covering the period October 1, 2026, through November 30, 2026, by Presentation Ministries. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 1, 2026"

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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SAVINGS ACCOUNT - One Bread, One Body, 10/19/2026

Monday, October 19, 2026, St. Isaac Jogues, St. John de Brébeuf & the North American Martyrs

Ephesians 2:1-10
Psalm 100:1-5
Luke 12:13-21

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SAVINGS ACCOUNT
“Then I will say to myself: You have blessings in reserve for years to come. Relax! Eat heartily, drink well. Enjoy yourself. But God said to him, ‘You fool!’ ” —Luke 12:19-20

Jesus said: “Avoid greed in all its forms” (Lk 12:15). Then Jesus called a man a “fool” because he was storing up his harvest to provide a “reserve for years to come” (see Lk 12:17-20).

It seems Jesus is opposed to savings and considers it a form of greed. This comes as a shock to us who were brought up with the idea that saving our money was a good thing to do. Yet savings accounts, pensions, retirement funds, and even social security are more cultural than Christian.

In the Old Testament, Joseph saved for the seven-year famine (Gn 41:35-36), and we are told to imitate the ants who save up for winter (Prv 6:6-8). However, savings is not the main point of these passages, and they are superseded and fulfilled by the New Testament. If we are to obey God’s Word, it seems we must free up substantial amounts of money to feed the starving who won’t live till tomorrow if we don’t help them today.

Prayer: Father, may I believe that You are a real Father Who will provide my bread on a daily basis (Mt 6:11).

Promise: “We are truly His handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to lead the life of good deeds which God prepared for us in advance.” —Eph 2:10

Praise: Sts. Gabriel Lalement and John de Brébeuf prayed for the souls of their tormentors, the Iroquois Indians. In imitation of Jesus, they laid down their lives to minister to the hostile Iroquois, who eventually killed them on March 17, 1649.



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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 One Bread, One Body covering the period October 1, 2026, through November 30, 2026, by Presentation Ministries. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 1, 2026"

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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“GIVE TO GOD” (Mt 22:21) - One Bread, One Body, 10/18/2026

Sunday, October 18, 2026, 29th Sunday Ordinary Time

Isaiah 45:1, 4-6
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5
Psalm 96:1, 3-5, 7-10
Matthew 22:15-21
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“GIVE TO GOD” (Mt 22:21)
“Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, but give to God what is God’s.” —Matthew 22:21

Jesus answered the Pharisees’ question by advising them to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, for Caesar’s image was stamped on the coin (Mt 22:21). Yet Jesus is ever the Teacher, and He took the opportunity to teach them to give to God what belongs to God. Each person is made in the image of God (Gn 1:27); His image is stamped on us. We belong to God (Rm 14:7-8) and our lives are His. We therefore must give to God what belongs to Him — our heart, soul, strength, and mind (Lk 10:27).

God expects us to return not just what belongs to Him, but also the fruit that our efforts have produced (Mt 25:14-30). The person who buried his one talent in the ground simply gave that talent back to God, but with no fruit (Mt 25:24-27), and this was not pleasing to the Lord. We are called to give the Lord our very life, all the fruit we produce, our dearest love, our thoughts, hopes, miseries, past, present, and future.

“God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor 9:7). By giving God everything, we might consider ourselves exceedingly generous. However, we are merely giving God what rightfully belongs to Him. He has given us everything in the person of His only begotten Son (see Jn 3:16). Let us imitate God and thankfully give Him our all in return.

Prayer: Father, I trust in You; I am Yours. I will hold nothing back from You.

Promise: “I am the Lord and there is no other, there is no God besides Me.” —Is 45:5

Praise: “Give to the Lord glory and praise; give to the Lord the glory due His name!” (Ps 96:7-8)

(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 One Bread, One Body covering the period October 1, 2026, through November 30, 2026, by Presentation Ministries. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 1, 2026"

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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IMAGING RESONANCE? - One Bread, One Body, 10/17/2026

Saturday, October 17, 2026, St. Ignatius of Antioch

Ephesians 1:15-23
Psalm 8:2-7
Luke 12:8-12

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IMAGING RESONANCE?
“May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, grant you a spirit of wisdom and insight to know Him clearly. May He enlighten your innermost vision.” —Ephesians 1:17-18

We have eyes on the outside of our bodies by which we can see images. We also have “the eyes of [our] hearts” (Eph 1:18, RSV-CE) inside our bodies by which we can make images. This “innermost vision” (Eph 1:18) is something like our imaginations. All human beings automatically make images, that is, mental pictures, of everything, including God, ourselves, and others. These pictures are usually distorted and warp our view of life and, therefore, our living of life. Hence, we need our “innermost vision,” our image-making power, to be enlightened (Eph 1:18).

There are three keys to making true images:

1) knowing our “great hope” (Eph 1:18). Very hopeful people make images and paint pictures quite differently than those with little hope for the future.

2) knowing our inherited wealth (Eph 1:18). Jesus provides numerous images of such wealth in His teaching (see e.g. Mt 6:19-21; 25:14ff; Lk 12:16-21).

3) knowing “the immeasurable scope of His power in us who believe” (Eph 1:19). Those who know how awesome their power is in Christ make images accordingly.

May we truly image Jesus, ourselves in Jesus, and our lives in Him.

Prayer: Father, You have created us in Your divine image (Gn 1:27). May we see ourselves as icons of Your love.

Promise: “The Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment all that should be said.” —Lk 12:12

Praise: St. Ignatius wrote before his martyrdom: “I prefer death in Christ to power over the farthest limits of the earth.”

(For a related teaching on Hope, listen to, download or order AV 70-1 or V 70 on

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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 One Bread, One Body covering the period October 1, 2026, through November 30, 2026, by Presentation Ministries. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 1, 2026"

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 STILL, SMALL WHISPER (see 1 Kgs 19:12) - One Bread, One Body, 10/16/2026

Friday, October 16, 2026, St. Hedwig
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

Ephesians 1:11-14
Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 12-13
Luke 12:1-7

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A STILL, SMALL WHISPER (see 1 Kgs 19:12)
“Everything you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight; what you have whispered in locked rooms will be proclaimed from the rooftops.” —Luke 12:3

Who else but God could hear what is whispered in locked rooms? (see Rm 2:16) Would God proclaim your secret whisperings from the rooftops and use your secrets against you? “From heaven the Lord looks down” (Ps 33:13), not to spy on your secrets, but to love you intimately. God is not only interested in you on Sunday for an hour; He’s interested in everything about you, even the smallest thing you do or think. He cares about the smallest sparrow, and you are worth more to God than many sparrows (Lk 12:6-7). The Lord is with you and within you (Jn 6:56; 17:23).

Therefore, give God all of your life — all your heart, soul,  strength, and mind (Lk 10:27). Give Him your weaknesses and strengths, your failings, whisperings, frustrations, and anxieties. Don’t be afraid that God is spying on you to expose you; that’s what Satan does, not God. The Lord is compassionate and merciful (see Ps 103:8). He wants to transform you in Christ (Rm 12:2) and make you perfectly whole.

God knows your most intimate secrets and whispers (see Jn 1:48-51), but His plan is to use that knowledge to transform you, not to shame and expose you. His plan is to whisper His love into your ears (1 Kgs 19:12). Ultimately, you might be the one doing the proclaiming from the housetops as you share your testimony to the tender mercy of God in your life (Lk 12:3).

Prayer: Father, draw me ever deeper into the center of Your heart.

Promise: The Holy Spirit “is the Pledge of our inheritance, the first payment against the full redemption of a people God has made His own, to praise His glory.” —Eph 1:14

Praise: St. Margaret Mary said, “I need nothing but God, and to lose myself in the heart of Jesus.”

(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 One Bread, One Body covering the period October 1, 2026, through November 30, 2026, by Presentation Ministries. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 1, 2026"

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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