UNITED FRUIT PRODUCERS - One Bread, One Body, 05/06/2026

Wednesday, May 6, 2026,

Acts 15:1-6
Psalm 122:1-5
John 15:1-8

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UNITED FRUIT PRODUCERS
“My Father has been glorified in your bearing much fruit and becoming My disciples.” —John 15:8

We must bear abundantly the fruit of holiness (see Gal 5:22ff) and evangelization (Jn 15:5). Otherwise, we will be like “a withered, rejected branch, picked up to be thrown in the fire and burnt” (Jn 15:6). We bear fruit abundantly by being attached to and living in the Vine, Jesus Christ (Jn 15:5). We must be abiding in Jesus and He in us, and stay in communion with all the others who abide in Jesus.

In the last few centuries of Christianity, we have the anomaly of Christians who maintain they are abiding in Jesus and yet are cut off from the other branches joined to Jesus, the Vine. Have you ever seen a tree where the branches are connected to the trunk but not to all the branches of the rest of the tree? This is a logical and botanical impossibility. Can you imagine a tree where several of the branches are independent of the trunk? These are those who are not in full communion with the Church.

Of course, Jesus is speaking analogously, and an analogy can be pressed too far. Nevertheless, Jesus, using another analogy, makes it clear that those baptized into Christ have been “baptized into one body” (1 Cor 12:13). If we are united to Jesus, the Head of the body, we are to be united to all the other parts of the body. Jesus promised that the world would believe when Christians are one (Jn 17:21). In unity, we will bear the great harvest leading to Jesus’ final return.

Prayer: Father, give me Your heart for world evangelization and Church unity.

Promise: “The Church saw them off and they made their way through Phoenicia and Samaria, telling everyone about the conversion of the Gentiles as they went. Their story caused great joy among the brothers.” —Acts 15:3

Praise: Bethany, a teenager, abides in Jesus by attending daily Mass and being open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit.



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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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PAUL “ROCKS” LYSTRA - One Bread, One Body, 05/05/2026

Tuesday, May 5, 2026,

Acts 14:19-28
Psalm 145:10-13, 21
John 14:27-31

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PAUL “ROCKS” LYSTRA
“We must undergo many trials if we are to enter into the reign of God.” —Acts 14:22

St. Paul’s life had undergone a complete reversal. Paul (then known as Saul) approved the stoning of St. Stephen (Acts 7:58; 8:1). Now Paul was the one being stoned by the citizens of Lystra and being left for dead after preaching the Gospel (Acts 14:19).

Paul’s “disciples quickly formed a circle about him” and prayed (Acts 14:20). Paul was able to get up and was then courageous  enough to go right back into the same town that had just stoned him. Imagine seeing a man covered with bruises, who had been left for dead, and hearing him tell you, “We must undergo many trials if we are to enter into the reign of God” (Acts 14:22). Paul had instant credibility as an evangelist! Paul left the next day to evangelize another town. But before long he returned a final time to minister in Lystra (Acts 16:1).

Inspired by St. Paul, let us courageously stand up for the truth of the Gospel and endure the sufferings and hardships required in living out the Gospel. Paul called himself “the worst” of sinners (1 Tm 1:15). But he broke with sin by his sufferings, and Jesus set him free to worship without fear and to prepare the way of the Lord throughout Asia Minor (see Lk 1:74-75). We are to live in peace, as Jesus says in today’s Gospel (Jn 14:27). “If possible, live peaceably with everyone” (Rm 12:18). However, may we never be ashamed of the Gospel (Rm 1:16). “Christ suffered in the flesh; therefore arm yourselves with His same mentality. He who has suffered in the flesh has broken with sin” (1 Pt 4:1).

Prayer: Father, may I believe in You with the same courage and conviction of St. Paul.

Promise: “ ‘Peace’ is My farewell to you, My peace is my gift to you.” —Jn 14:27

Praise: Diego studied the Bible intensely as a young adult. He now teaches the Faith to thousands.

(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 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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THE SPIRIT RE-MINDS US - One Bread, One Body, 05/04/2026

Monday, May 4, 2026,

Acts 14:5-18
Psalm 115:1-4, 15-16
John 14:21-26

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THE SPIRIT RE-MINDS US
The Holy Spirit will “remind you of all that I told you.”—John 14:26

It’s so critical to fill our minds with the Word of God. Because the Holy Spirit will remind us of all the Lord has told us in His Word (Jn 14:26), we need to “deposit” the Word constantly into our mind. This allows the Holy Spirit to remind us of the appropriate word at the opportune time.

Similarly, it’s also so vital to fill our mind with holy thoughts (see Phil 4:8), godly insights through spiritual reading, and to hear godly preaching. The Holy Spirit specializes in bringing to mind the right Bible verse or insight at the right time. For example, to avoid sin, memorize this verse: “Within my heart I treasure Your promise, that I may not sin against You” (Ps 119:11). To avoid despair, an appropriate verse to memorize is: “But I will call this to mind, as my reason to have hope: The favors of the Lord are not exhausted, His mercies are not spent; they are renewed each morning, so great is His faithfulness” (Lam 3:21-23).

The Spirit also wants to “re-mind” us, that is, to make over our mind anew, to transform us by the renewal of our mind. Then the Spirit can bring to our renewed mind all that Jesus has taught us (Jn 14:26). Out of love for the Holy Spirit, let us offer Him our mind and allow the Spirit to transform us by the renewal of our mind (Rm 12:2). Let us love and serve the Lord with all our mind (Lk 10:27).

Prayer: Father, may Catholics find joy in memorizing Scripture passages.

Promise: “May you be blessed by the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” —Ps 115:15

Praise: Danielle desired God’s wisdom. She set her computer password to be “James 1:5” and recited the verse to herself each time she typed her password: “If any of you is without wisdom, let him ask it from the God Who gives ungrudgingly to all, and it will be given him” (Jas 1:5).

(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 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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THE TEMPTATION TO DO GOOD - One Bread, One Body, 05/03/2026

Sunday, May 3, 2026, Fifth Sunday of Easter

Acts 6:1-7
1 Peter 2:4-9
Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
John 14:1-12
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THE TEMPTATION TO DO GOOD
“This will permit us to concentrate on prayer and the ministry of the word.” —Acts 6:4

“There is no chaining the word of God” (2 Tm 2:9), but the messengers of God’s Word can be chained. We are often chained through sin, selfishness, or fear. However, we can be chained in more subtle ways. For example, the devil tried to chain the apostles by making them think they needed to cut back temporarily on prayer and the ministry of the Word to deal with a disagreement in the early Church (Acts 6:2ff). He tempted them by encouraging them to do a good and needed work. Moreover, the devil didn’t tell them to completely quit their ministry of the Word but only to cut back just for a little while. However, once we deviate even slightly from our God-given call (even if we do it by performing good deeds), we are no longer doing God’s will. When we give an inch even for a moment, our inch turns into miles which can last forever.

Therefore:

• Do God’s deeds, not good deeds.
• Do nothing but His will.
• Don’t interrupt or postpone God’s work. Do it now.
• Don’t let up at all in proclaiming His Word in season and out of season (2 Tm 4:2).

•              Be a witness for the risen Christ full-time and forever.

Prayer: Father, by Your grace I will live my vocation to the full.

Promise: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Have faith in God and faith in Me.” —Jn 14:1

Praise: Alleluia! Praise Jesus, “the Resurrection and the Life” (Jn 11:25). He holds “the keys of death and the nether world” (Rv 1:18). Alleluia forever!

(Prepare for a life-changing Pentecost Sunday by praying the Pentecost Novena. For support, 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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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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LIFE IN THE WORD - One Bread, One Body, 05/02/2026

Saturday, May 2, 2026, St. Athanasius

Acts 13:44-52
Psalm 98:1-4
John 14:7-14

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LIFE IN THE WORD
“The word of the Lord was carried throughout that area.” —Acts 13:49

The Word of the Lord is being carried at this moment throughout your area and throughout the world. However, you will be manipulated into rejecting and opposing God’s Word (see Acts 13:45-46), if there is unrepentant sin in your life. But if you repent, you will believe in God’s Word, delight in it, and respond to it with praise (Acts 13:48). This may result in your being persecuted by those who reject God’s Word. Yet you will “be filled with joy and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:52), for you have been privileged not only to believe in God’s Word but also to suffer for it (see Phil 1:29). In your suffering for accepting God’s Word, the Holy Spirit will rest on you (1 Pt 4:14), and you will do greater works than Jesus did (Jn 14:12), for anything you ask in His name He will do (Jn 14:14).

When we accept God’s Word, we enter into a new way of life. In God’s Word, we move from grace to grace (see Jn 1:16). By living in God’s Word, we walk in the Truth Who sets us free (Jn 8:31-32). Accept, abide in, and carry God’s Word.

Prayer: Father, may I tremble at Your Word (Is 66:2).

Promise: “All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God.” —Ps 98:3

Praise: St. Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria, Egypt, was exiled five times for defending the divinity of Jesus against the Arian heretics. Praise be to Jesus, true God and true man!

(Love Jesus more by reading the Bible daily. For encouragement, listen to, download or order any or all of these on our website: Ignorance of Scripture is Ignorance of Christ, AV 82-1; How to Pray the Bible, AV 82-3; How to Read the Bible, AV 46-3; Principles of Bible Interpretation, AV 79-1.)

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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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Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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THE PLACE TO BE - One Bread, One Body, 05/01/2026

Friday, May 1, 2026, St. Joseph the Worker

Acts 13:26-33
Psalm 2:6-11
John 14:1-6

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THE PLACE TO BE
“I am indeed going to prepare a place for you.” —John 14:3

In building His Church (Mt 16:18), Jesus has prepared a place for each of us. This is the place for which we were created. In this place, our hearts will not be troubled (see Jn 14:1). In our place in the Body of Christ, the Church, we will see the power and the glory of God. In our place, we will, by God’s grace and our faith, do greater things than Jesus did (Jn 14:12). Most of us will serve the Lord and His Church for many years. After being good and faithful servants in our place in His Church (Mt 25:21, 23), we will see Jesus keep His promise to “come back to take” us to our final resting place in heaven (Jn 14:3).

Therefore, love Jesus and His Church (Eph 5:25). Know your part in Christ’s Body in as much detail as possible. “Take your place” in the Church faithfully and fully (Acts 5:20). Rejoice to be who you are in Christ and in His Body. Proclaim that Jesus has prepared a place in His Church for everyone. No one need waste his life by doing his own thing. We don’t have to be “out of place.” Jesus, by His death, Resurrection, Ascension, and gift of the Holy Spirit, has made a place for us. Alleluia!

Prayer: Father, thank You for the uniqueness and perfection of Your plan for me (see Heb 11:40).

Promise: “We ourselves announce to you the good news that what God promised our fathers He has fulfilled for us, their children, in raising up Jesus.” —Acts 13:32-33

Praise: The memorial of St. Joseph the Worker was proclaimed by Pope Pius XII in 1955 to honor the dignity of human labor through the patronage of St. Joseph, who worked for decades to support the Holy Family. Praise God for the humble faithfulness of St. Joseph.

(For a related teaching on Job Performance for Jesus, view, order or download 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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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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SENT, NOT WENT - One Bread, One Body, 04/30/2026

Thursday, April 30, 2026, Pope St. Pius V

Acts 13:13-25
Psalm 89:2-3, 21-22, 25, 27
John 13:16-20

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SENT, NOT WENT
“I solemnly assure you, he who accepts anyone I send accepts Me, and in accepting Me accepts Him Who sent Me.”—John 13:20

The Father sent the Son to reveal His love for the world (Jn 3:16). In the same way, we are sent to reveal the Father’s love. The Father sent the Son to preach the good news of liberation and restoration to the poor (Lk 4:18). We likewise follow His example (see 1 Pt 2:21).

The Father sent Jesus to do good works and heal “all who were in the grip of the devil” (Acts 10:38). The Father sends us to do the works of Jesus “and greater far than these” (Jn 14:12). The Father sent the Son to die and rise; so we die to ourselves, take up our cross daily (Lk 9:23), and share in Jesus’ resurrection.

Christians don’t do their own thing or go their own way. They go only where they are sent by the Lord. They go to the highways and byways (see Lk 14:23) and “even to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Eventually, the Father sends them to their death and resurrection.

We at Presentation Ministries encourage you to attend Mass frequently, even daily if possible.  The word “Mass” means “sent.”  As you attend Mass, let the Lord send you as He sees fit.

Prayer: Father, “here I am...send me” anywhere (Is 6:8).

Promise: “The favors of the Lord I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim Your faithfulness.”—Ps 89:2

Praise: Pope St. Pius V published a new breviary and a new Missal. Reform of liturgical worship for the glory of God was always near to his heart.

(Set aside some time this summer to grow closer to the Lord. See www.presentationministries.com for our summer schedule of retreats.)

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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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Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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