THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE - One Bread, One Body, 05/21/2026

Thursday, May 21, 2026, St. Christopher Magallanes & Companions
Pentecost Novena — Day 7

Acts 22:30; 23:6-11
Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11
John 17:20-26

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THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE
“That night the Lord appeared at Paul’s side and said: “Keep up your courage!’ ” —Acts 23:11

As we near the end of this Pentecost novena, Jesus says again: “Keep up your courage!” We can be courageous, not because circumstances are getting better, but because the Holy Spirit cries out in our hearts “Abba” (Father) (Rm 8:15; Gal 4:6). We have not received a cowardly spirit (2 Tm 1:7) nor “a spirit of slavery leading” us back into fear, but a spirit of adoption (Rm 8:15). We are courageous and fearless because we are adopted children of God, our all-powerful and all-loving Father. The Holy Spirit makes us deeply aware of this. Therefore, we not only have no reason to fear but we know we have no reason to fear. We are secure. By the Spirit, we know that the Father loves us as He loves Jesus (Jn 17:23). We live in the Father’s love (1 Jn 4:16), and this complete “love casts out all fear” (1 Jn 4:18).

We are in a war against demons (Eph 6:12). We are in “culture wars.” We are fighting for our lives and the lives of so many others. Jesus continues to say: “Have no fear. Take courage (see Mk 6:50, RSV-CE).” “Receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn 20:22).  Know the Father’s love. Believe Jesus. Take courage.

Prayer: Father, I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing (1 Cor 9:26). I fight by the power of the Spirit (Zec 4:6).

Promise: “To them I have revealed Your name, and I will continue to reveal it so that Your love for Me may live in them, and I may live in them.” —Jn 17:26

Praise: St. Christopher Magallanes gave his executioners absolution before he was martyred.

(For a related teaching on Spiritual Warfare, 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 April 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 22, 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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THE GIFT OF TEARS - One Bread, One Body, 05/20/2026

Wednesday, May 20, 2026, St. Bernardine of Siena
Pentecost Novena — Day 6

Acts 20:28-38
Psalm 68:29-30, 33-36
John 17:11-19

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THE GIFT OF TEARS
“They began to weep without restraint.” —Acts 20:37

If you receive the Holy Spirit more deeply during this Pentecost novena, you will probably feel both more joyful and more sorrowful than ever before. St. Paul, in his life in the Spirit, proclaimed and commanded: “Rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again. Rejoice!” (Phil 4:4) Also, Paul, in his life in the Spirit, was often in tears. He stated: “Do not forget that for three years, night and day, I never ceased warning you individually even to the point of tears” (Acts 20:31). “After this discourse, Paul knelt down with them all and prayed. They began to weep without restraint, throwing their arms around him and kissing him” (Acts 20:36-37). These tears of Paul and of the Ephesian Christians were not tears of joy but of sorrow. Life in the Spirit can be sorrowful, often tearful.

Under these conditions, will we decide to renew our Baptisms and Confirmations, let the Spirit be stirred into flame in our lives, and receive new Pentecosts? Because no one wants to repeatedly shed tears of sorrow, we are tempted to say “Leave, Holy Spirit” rather than “Come, Holy Spirit.” The Holy Spirit respects our freedom. He will not force His love on us. We know that the Spirit moves where He wills (see Jn 3:8), but in many ways the Spirit only moves if we will.

Because of the Lord’s love for you, decide to accept the joy and sorrow of life in the Spirit. Come, Holy Spirit of tears!

Prayer: Father, “Oh, that my head were a spring of water, my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night” for love of You and Your people (Jer 8:23).

Promise: “Consecrate them by means of truth — ‘Your word is truth.’ ” —Jn 17:17

Praise: St. Bernardine was a prodigious missionary preacher, traveling on foot from town to town to spread the Gospel to many thousands of people.



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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 April 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 22, 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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DEATH’S DOOR - One Bread, One Body, 05/19/2026

Tuesday, May 19, 2026, Pentecost Novena — Day 5

Acts 20:17-27
Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21
John 17:1-11

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DEATH’S DOOR
“I know as I speak these words that none of you among whom I went about preaching the kingdom will ever see my face again.” —Acts 20:25

The Lord tells us to think of the day of our death (see Sir 7:36; 28:6). This should not be a morbid thought but rather a way we can get a true perspective on the present. For example, when we think of our deathday, some things clamoring for our attention today seem almost meaningless, while other things that we daily take for granted are recognized as ultimately very significant. The thought of death often clears our vision enough for us to realize that we have wasted much of our lives.

However, Jesus did not have this experience. When He thought of His imminent death, He had no regrets. He prayed to His Father: “I have given You glory on earth by finishing the work You gave Me to do” (Jn 17:4). St. Paul likewise looked back on his life as fulfilled rather than empty as he finished the race and completed the service the Lord had assigned to him (Acts 20:24).

How can we keep from wasting our lives? How can we see the truth before it’s too late? Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can we get in touch with the reality of death and life. Only the Spirit can conquer the illusory, deadly desires of the flesh (see Gal 5:17; Eph 4:22). Only the Spirit of truth is greater than the spirit of death and deception (see 1 Jn 4:4, 6). We either receive the Holy Spirit or live the regrettable stupor of a living death (1 Jn 3:14). Come, Holy Spirit!

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

Promise: “Eternal life is this: to know You, the only true God, and Him Whom You have sent, Jesus Christ.” —Jn 17:3

Praise: Mike and Jane learned from the Lord what is most important in life when their child was born with a birth defect.

(With Pentecost coming you may want to view, download or order our booklet Seek the Gifts of the Spirit 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 April 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 22, 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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HOW IS PEACE PRODUCED? - One Bread, One Body, 05/18/2026

Monday, May 18, 2026, Pope St. John I
Pentecost Novena — Day 4

Acts 19:1-8
Psalm 68:2-7
John 16:29-33

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HOW IS PEACE PRODUCED?
“I tell you all this that in Me you may find peace. You will suffer in the world. But take courage! I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33

Jesus promises us that we will find peace in Him and that we will suffer. Some people find this a strange combination. However, the Lord does not give us peace as the world gives peace (Jn 14:27). He gives us peace “beyond all understanding” (Phil 4:7) and beyond circumstances. Jesus gives us peace in suffering.

In fact, a certain kind of suffering — suffering in the pattern of Jesus’ death (see Phil 3:10) — is not contradictory to peace but may also be the very means of attaining peace. We can find our joy in suffering (Col 1:24); we may also be able to find our peace in suffering. When we suffer because of our sins, we fall apart; we become disintegrated. When we suffer for being Christians (see 1 Pt 4:16), we become integrated. When we suffer for love of Jesus, we see life differently. The things we “used to consider gain” we have “reappraised as loss” (Phil 3:7). We have God’s shalom-order in our lives. We have Jesus’ peace.

The Holy Spirit produces the fruit of peace in our lives (Gal 5:22). The Holy Spirit may lead us into suffering “chains and hardships” (Acts 20:23) and into being “insulted for the sake of Christ” (1 Pt 4:14). The Holy Spirit produces peace through redemptive suffering. Come, Holy Spirit!

Prayer: Father, on this fourth day of the Pentecost novena, give me Your peace in Your way.

Promise: “As Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came down on them and they began to speak in tongues and to utter prophecies. There were in the company about twelve men in all.” —Acts 19:6-7

Praise: Pope St. John I preached love even for heretical Arians and died of starvation from his imprisonment for his orthodox faith.



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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 April 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 22, 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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GIFTS FROM ABOVE - One Bread, One Body, 05/17/2026

Sunday, May 17, 2026, Ascension
Pentecost Novena — Day 3

Acts 1:1-11
Ephesians 1:17-23
Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9
Matthew 28:16-20
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GIFTS FROM ABOVE
“Go, therefore, and make disciples…” —Matthew 28:19

In the moments before He ascended, Jesus told His disciples: “See, I send down upon you the promise of My Father” (Lk 24:48-49). “Then He led them out near Bethany, and with hands upraised, blessed them. As He blessed, He left them, and was taken up to heaven” (Lk 24:50-51), “and took His seat at God’s right hand” (Mk 16:19). “When He ascended on high, He…gave gifts to men…[He] ascended high above the heavens, that He might fill all men with His gifts” (Eph 4:8, 10).

In the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8), we “are clothed with power from on high” (Lk 24:49). In this Holy Spirit power, let us use our spiritual gifts to go and make disciples (Mt 28:19). This is God’s plan. Jesus had to leave planet earth so we could go out on mission. Jesus ascended (Eph 4:8-13) so we could rise up and get to work.

Let’s wait for the promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit (Lk 24:49). “Receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn 20:22), and all the gifts of the Spirit He offers to you. Then let’s carry out the mission Jesus entrusted to us.

Prayer: “May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, grant you a spirit of wisdom and insight to know Him clearly” (Eph 1:17).

Promise: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes down on you.” —Acts 1:8

Praise: “Then, after speaking to them, the Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven and took His seat at God’s right hand” (Mk 16:19).

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Join us for 40 Hours Devotion & Family Campout on June 5-7. Pray and play while you enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Adams County, Ohio. Call 513-373-2397 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 April 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 22, 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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AM I PRAYING RIGHT? - One Bread, One Body, 05/16/2026

Saturday, May 16, 2026, Pentecost Novena — Day 2

Acts 18:23-28
Psalm 47:2-3, 8-10
John 16:23-28

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AM I PRAYING RIGHT?
“On that day you will ask in My name.” —John 16:26

Jesus promised: “I give you My assurance, whatever you ask the Father, He will give you in My name” (Jn 16:23). Jesus said: “I give you My word, if you are ready to believe that you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer, it shall be done for you” (Mk 11:24). He also promised: “I solemnly assure you, the man who has faith in Me will do the works I do, and greater far than these. Why? Because I go to the Father, and whatever you ask in My name I will do” (Jn 14:12-13). Jesus commands: “Ask and you shall receive, that your joy may be full” (Jn 16:24).

Do you get the impression we don’t know how to pray as we ought, that our prayers are merely a shadow of what they could be? If we are to pray as the Lord means for us to pray, we need to pray in the Spirit (see Jude 20). The Spirit “helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought” (Rm 8:26). Until “the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us” (Rm 8:26), we aren’t praying by God’s standards and much of the Biblical teaching on prayer seems far-fetched.

On this second day of the novena to the Holy Spirit, let’s pray for the Holy Spirit to help us in the weakness of our prayers. Then we will have a new Pentecost.

Prayer: Father, in these next eight days, may we together devote ourselves to constant prayer (Acts 1:14).

Promise: “When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him home and explained to him God’s new way in greater detail.” —Acts 18:26

Praise: Diego lived for pleasure alone until he found Jesus. His daily Mass and prayer time now give him more happiness than he ever had before (see Ps 4:8).

(For a related teaching on Praying for a New Pentecost, 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 April 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 22, 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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NOVENAS AND PREGNANCIES - One Bread, One Body, 05/15/2026

Friday, May 15, 2026, St. Isidore the Farmer
Pentecost Novena — Day 1

Acts 18:9-18
Psalm 47:2-7
John 16:20-23

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NOVENAS AND PREGNANCIES
“In the same way, you are sad for a time, but I shall see you again; then your hearts will rejoice with a joy no one can take from you.” —John 16:22

Today, we begin the annual Pentecost novena. These nine days of prayer are analogous to the nine months of pregnancy. As a pregnant woman changes from sadness to joy, so during this novena we may experience grief, which will be “turned into joy” (Jn 16:20). As is often the case in pregnancy, the beginning and end of this novena may be times of greater sadness or stress. Under these circumstances, we will be pressured to abort the new life of the Spirit conceived within us. We will be tempted to avoid the painful reconciliation, repentance, and healing which are often part of a novena. We will feel like forgetting about Pentecost and seeking escape through various pleasurable distractions. Therefore, let’s decide right now to persevere (see Mt 24:13).

“Do not grow slack but be fervent in spirit; He Whom you serve is the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient under trial, persevere in prayer” (Rm 12:11-12). Pray and persevere through sorrows into joy. Come, Holy Spirit!

Prayer: Father, “You changed my mourning into dancing; You took off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my soul might sing praise to You without ceasing; O Lord, my God, forever will I give you thanks” (Ps 30:12-13).

Promise: “Do not be afraid. Go on speaking and do not be silenced, for I am with you. No one will attack you or harm you. There are many of My people in this city.” —Acts 18:9-10

Praise: St. Isidore the Farmer put God first by attending daily Mass and praying for hours each day. Pious tradition holds that his employer often observed angels assisting St. Isidore in his work in the fields.

(Children ages 5-13 are invited to join Camp Adventurers June 15-19 for a fun-filled, faith-filled experience. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com for details.)

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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 April 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 22, 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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