LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS - One Bread, One Body, 02/08/2026

Sunday, February 8, 2026, 5th Sunday Ordinary Time

Isaiah 58:7-10
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Psalm 112:4-9
Matthew 5:13-16
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LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
"Your light must shine before men." —Matthew 5:16

In today’s Mass readings, light shines through the presence of gloom (Is 58:10; Ps 112:4). The light of Christ shines through the seeming gloom of the cross (see Mt 4:16; Is 9:1). That is the “real light” (Jn 1:9; 1 Jn 2:8), the spotlight, the beacon shining out in the gloom of night. Today’s Mass features this prayer in the Preface: “You have called us out of darkness into Your own wonderful light” (see 1 Pt 2:9).

In today’s Gospel, Jesus declares: “You are the light of the world” (Mt 5:14). However, the light of Christ shining through you must not be hidden under a bushel basket (Mt 5:15). The bushel basket is not humility; it is a combination of pride and fear.

We ourselves are not the light (see Jn 1:8). Instead, we are to be like stained-glass windows, which “magnify” the light, just as the Blessed Virgin Mary magnified the Lord (see Lk 1:46). The light of Christ shining through us “shall break forth like the dawn” (Is 58:8) and shine through the darkness (see Ps 112:4). “Light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday” (Is 58:10).

Jesus crucified is the Light of the World (Jn 8:12). The Creed we say at Mass proclaims: “Light from light,” meaning Jesus the Light is sent from the Father Who is Light (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 242). In a similar way, let Christ’s light shine brightly in your daily life and actions. It’s dark and gloomy out there. Proclaim the crucified Jesus. Let His light shine.

Prayer: Father, set a fire in my heart that burns with the love of Jesus for all to see.

Promise: "Your faith rests not on the wisdom of men but on the power of God." —1 Cor 2:5

Praise: Praise You, Jesus, for Your great light dispelling the darkness of gloom (Is 9:1). You are the true Light. Alleluia!

(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 February 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 27, 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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WHOSE NEEDS CONCERN YOU? - One Bread, One Body, 02/07/2026

Saturday, February 7, 2026,

1 Kings 3:4-13
Psalm 119:9-14
Mark 6:30-34

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WHOSE NEEDS CONCERN YOU?
"God said: 'Ask something of Me and I will give it to you.' " —1 Kings 3:5

God gave the young King Solomon the opportunity to gain everything a man could want (1 Kgs 3:5). But at that point in his life, Solomon made an unselfish decision: to ask not for personal gain, but for the wisdom to be a good ruler for God’s people, the nation of Israel (1 Kgs 3:9).

Jesus had such a busy ministry that He had no time even to eat (Mk 6:31). Yet He put a higher priority on the spiritual and temporal needs of His people than on His own personal needs. “He began to teach them at great length” (Mk 6:34).

What about you? What is on your heart? What would you ask for from God if He told you to ask Him for something? (1 Kgs 3:5; Mt 7:7) God knows everything you need before you ask (Mt 6:8).

The hand of the Lord feeds us; He answers all our needs (Ps 145:16, 19). Since He provides all that we need, His plan is for us to not focus on our own needs and interests. Let the Lord change your focus to be on God’s interests and the needs of others (Phil 2:20-21).

Prayer: Father, transform me in Your Son Jesus Christ. Renew my mind so I am able to serve You and Your people (Rm 12:2).

Promise: "Within my heart I treasure Your promise, that I may not sin against You." —Ps 119:11

Praise: Matt has volunteered in prison ministry for decades, bringing the Good News of Jesus to the incarcerated (see Mt 25:36).

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Give our Bible Telephone Line a try. Call 513-823-3111.)

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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 February 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 27, 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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WEB PAGE - One Bread, One Body, 02/06/2026

Friday, February 6, 2026, St. Paul Miki & Companions

Sirach 47:2-11
Psalm 18:31, 47, 50-51
Mark 6:14-29

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WEB PAGE
"The man went and beheaded John in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother." —Mark 6:28

“Herodias harbored a grudge against” St. John the Baptizer (Mk 6:19) “because John had told Herod, ‘It is not right for you to live with your brother’s wife’ ” (Mk 6:18). So Herodias got Herod to arrest, chain, and imprison John (Mk 6:17). However, she was not able to get Herod to kill John until “Herod held a birthday dinner for his court circle, military officers, and the leading men of Galilee” (Mk 6:21). We don’t know, but Herod may have been drinking too much alcohol. We also don’t know, but Herod may have been lusting for the dancing daughter of Herodias. (Herod was already living in a lustful, adulterous relationship with Herodias.) Possibly Herod was drunk and even more susceptible to lust. To impress the girl and everyone else, Herod swore that he would give her whatever she asked for, even to half of his kingdom (Mk 6:23). This may not have made Herodias happy since a younger woman, her own daughter, was being favored rather than she herself. Herodias, nonetheless, exploited the situation to get John beheaded (Mk 6:24). Herod still could have eaten his words. “Yet because of his oath and the presence of the guests, he did not want to refuse her” (Mk 6:26).

What are the makings of a murder, or of other mortal sins? Are they sexual sins, pride, grudges, compromises, alcohol, lust, and rash statements? Satan knows how to weave a web. Will you be trapped in it and damned? Or will you repent?

Prayer: Father, I will humble myself, repent, and go to Confession.

Promise: "The Lord forgave him his sins and exalted his strength forever." —Sir 47:11

Praise: After St. Paul Miki and his twenty-five companions were martyred in Nagasaki, Japan, thousands of people in that area secretly kept the Faith alive for over 250 years until missionaries were again allowed in Japan.



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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 February 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 27, 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 WORD LESS SPOKEN - One Bread, One Body, 02/05/2026

Thursday, February 5, 2026, St. Agatha

1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12
1 Chronicles 29:10-12
Mark 6:7-13

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THE WORD LESS SPOKEN
"They went off, preaching the need of repentance."—Mark 6:12

Repentance is a term meaning to view things differently and so turn one’s life around in a different direction, generally involving renouncing and confessing sins. When was the last time you used the word “repent” in a conversation? When was the last time you encouraged someone to repent? For that matter, when was the last time you repented?

Jesus commissioned His twelve apostles to drive out demons (Mk 6:7; Mt 10:8). On Catholic radio, I once heard an interview with an exorcist who said that one instance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, that is, Confession, is as powerful as a hundred exorcisms. Proclaiming the need of repentance is critical to Jesus’ ministry of setting the captives free (Lk 4:18). So, now is the time (see 2 Cor 6:2) to talk about “the need of repentance” (Mk 6:12). The Lord is very merciful and kind (see Ps 103:8). He rejoices in repentant sinners (Lk 15:10).

Will you repent today? Will you speak the word “repent” to someone today? A good guideline on the use of the word “repent” is to speak of repentance as often as Jesus did. “Search the Scriptures” (Jn 5:39), and take note of how often Jesus speaks of repentance.

Today, on Thursday, we Catholics pray the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary. The third luminous mystery is the Proclamation of the Kingdom of God, with the Call to Repentance. Let us proclaim repentance. Let Confession lines be full. Let captives be set free. Let repentance be sincere, profound, and life-changing. “Be earnest about it, therefore. Repent!” (Rv 3:19)

Prayer: Father, give me the heart of Jesus for repentance.

Promise: "Keep the mandate of the Lord, your God, following His ways and observing His statutes." —1 Kgs 2:3

Praise: Through great trials and intense physical tortures, St. Agatha endured her martyrdom to the praise and glory of God.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Join us Oct. 18-19 for a study of the Gospel of Mark. This is a great way to rekindle your love, knowledge and commitment to the Lord. 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 the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 27, 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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COUNT ME IN OR COUNT ME OUT? - One Bread, One Body, 02/04/2026

Wednesday, February 4, 2026,

2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17
Psalm 32:1-2, 5-7
Mark 6:1-6
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COUNT ME IN OR COUNT ME OUT?
"Afterward, however, David regretted having numbered the people, and said to the Lord: 'I have sinned grievously in what I have done.' " —2 Samuel 24:10

Do you remember how proud you were when you learned to count to ten all by yourself? Human beings love to count. This is because we are created in the image and likeness of God, and God loves to count. One of the books of the Bible is even named Numbers. The Bible begins with seven days. The Bible ends with 144,000 saved (Rv 14:1-3), the total fulfillment of the entire Scriptures.  There are twelve tribes of Israel in the Old Testament, twelve apostles in the New Testament and one-thousand shows a massive and overwhelming fullness. God, the accountant, even counts the hairs on our heads (Mt 10:30) and the number of tears we shed (Ps 56:9).

However, because our nature is fallen, our counting can be fallen. For example, David ordered a census and counted the men fit for military service (2 Sm 24:2ff). David did this against God’s will. The Lord had always told His people they would be victorious even if they were outnumbered (e.g. Lv 26:8; Jgs 7:7; 1 Sm 14:6; 1 Mc 3:18-19). So why count the troops? Didn’t David believe God?

Like David, we can sin in counting. We can count too much on money and possessions. We can count others’ sins against us and be unforgiving (cf 1 Cor 13:5). We can count ourselves better than others (cf Phil 2:3-4). We must resist these temptations to count sinfully and repent if we have sinned in these areas.

The main thing is that we can count on God, and we want Him to be able to count on us. Count in the Lord.

Prayer: Father, make me steadfast so You can count on me no matter what.

Promise: "Happy is he whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered." —Ps 32:1

Praise: When his wife became permanently bedridden, Alfred counted his blessings and was as loving a husband as ever.



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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 February 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 27, 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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“ONLY BELIEVE” - One Bread, One Body, 02/03/2026

Tuesday, February 3, 2026, St. Blaise
St. Ansgar

2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14, 24-25, 30—19
Psalm 86:1-6
Mark 5:21-43

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"ONLY BELIEVE"
"Do not fear; only believe." —Mark 5:36, RSV-CE

We believe in Jesus, but we may have a lack of faith (Mk 9:24). Faith and doubt coexist in us. We believe, but we may also give in to fear. Likewise, faith and fear may coexist in us.

Jesus wants us to put out fear, doubt, and unforgiveness from our hearts, as He put the mourners out from the room where Jairus’ dead daughter lay (see Mk 5:40). When we put everything out but faith, we are obeying Jesus’ double commands: “Do not fear; only believe” (Mk 5:36, RSV-CE).

When we are single-hearted (see Mt 5:8) instead of mixed-up, we are no longer being pushed around by the crowd of fear, doubt, and confusion (see Mk 5:24). When we have “only faith,” we are not in the room of death; rather, we are in the room of resurrection. We need purified and pure faith.

“All depends on faith, everything is grace” (Rm 4:16). “Do not fear; only believe” (Mk 5:36, RSV-CE).

Prayer: Father, as I receive the St. Blaise blessing today, give me pure, uncontaminated faith in You.

Promise: "At this the family's astonishment knew no bounds." —Mk 5:42

Praise: St. Ansgar evangelized Scandinavia and even converted the King of Sweden to faith in Jesus.

(Lent is approaching. To help prepare for Lent, view, download or order our leaflet, A Prophetic Lent, 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 February 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 27, 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 CROSS IS LIGHT - One Bread, One Body, 02/02/2026

Monday, February 2, 2026, Presentation of the Lord

Malachi 3:1-4
Hebrews 2:14-18
Psalm 24:7-10
Luke 2:22-40
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THE CROSS IS LIGHT
"My eyes have witnessed Your saving Deed displayed for all the peoples to see: a revealing Light to the Gentiles, the Glory of Your people Israel." —Luke 2:30-32

This day has traditionally been called “Candlemas” because at the presentation of the Lord in the temple Simeon called Jesus “a revealing Light to the Gentiles.” Candles and light serve the purpose of revealing. We don’t turn on the lights to see the lights but rather to see what the light reveals. Candles reveal by being burned up, consumed. So it is with us. Jesus calls us “the light of the world” (Mt 5:14). We live and die to reveal Jesus (2 Cor 4:10).

Today, bring your candles to church and have them blessed. In so doing, you are making a commitment to give your life and light so that Jesus will be revealed to the world. Thus, to have our candles blessed is not trivial, quaint, or nostalgic. It is a decision to live and die on the cross. The Church demonstrates this tomorrow when it takes newly blessed candles, crosses them, ties them with ribbon as red as martyrs’ blood, and uses them to pray for deliverance and healing through the intercession of St. Blaise.

I invite and dare you to have your candles blessed. Take up the cross of light.

Prayer: Father, I will live as a child of the light and produce "every kind of goodness and justice and truth" (Eph 5:9).

Promise: "Jesus likewise had a full share in ours, that by His death He might rob the devil, the prince of death, of his power, and free those who through fear of death had been slaves their whole life long." —Heb 2:14-15

Praise: Praise be to You, Jesus, "Light of the World" (Jn 8:12). All glory be to You forever!

(For a related teaching on Purification, Presentation and Illumination, listen to, download or order our AV 89-1 or V 89 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 February 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 27, 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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