PUTTING IT SIMPLY - One Bread, One Body, 10/01/2026

Thursday, October 1, 2026, St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Job 19:21-27
Psalm 27:7-9, 13-14
Luke 10:1-12

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PUTTING IT SIMPLY
Jesus said: “I am sending you as lambs in the midst of wolves.” —Luke 10:3

Jesus gave His disciples very simple commands. Jesus said:

• “Ask the Harvest-Master” (Lk 10:2).
• “Be on your way” (Lk 10:3).
• Say “peace” to any house you enter (Lk 10:5).
• “Stay in the one house” (Lk 10:7).
• “Eat what they set before you” (Lk 10:8).
• “Cure the sick there” (Lk 10:9).
• “Say to them, ‘The reign of God is at hand’ ” (Lk 10:9).
• “Shake the dust” from your feet (Lk 10:11).

These are only a few of the Lord’s simple commands to us, His disciples. When we disciples do these simple things, we please God, lead people into His Kingdom, and change the world. Christianity is simple. That doesn’t make it easy. However, the simplicity of basic Christianity makes life in Christ accessible to everyone who has decided to live for Jesus. We don’t have to be intelligent, famous, prosperous, educated, or respected to be great Christians. Christianity is simple. By His grace, simply do whatever Jesus tells you (Jn 2:5).

Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit to make my life simple, less cluttered, and more free.

Promise: “From my flesh I shall see God.” —Jb 19:26

Praise: Manuel prayed a novena to St. Thérèse for the intention that his son find a job. On the last day of the novena, his son was offered a good job.

(For a related teaching, view, download or order our leaflet Obedience School 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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NO BENEFITS IN THE CONTRACT - One Bread, One Body, 09/30/2026

Wednesday, September 30, 2026, St. Jerome

Job 9:1-12, 14-16
Psalm 88:10-15
Luke 9:57-62

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NO BENEFITS IN THE CONTRACT
“Someone said to Him, ‘I will be Your follower wherever You go.’ Jesus said to him, ‘The foxes have lairs, the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.’ ” —Luke 9:57-58

Today when people decide to follow Jesus, we often tell them that they’re going to have not just a new life but a better lifestyle. In a church of padded pews, carpeted sanctuaries, and air-conditioned cathedrals, we find it incongruous to talk as Jesus did. He did not even promise His followers a roof over their heads (see Lk 9:58), but we promise them prosperity, comfort, possessions, and enjoyment. Jesus does sometimes improve a person’s lifestyle, but He avoids making that an incentive for following Him.

In fact, Jesus gives no incentives to follow Him. Although He could promise us the ultimate prosperity of heaven, He doesn’t seem to emphasize this when He calls us to follow Him. He isn’t calling us to follow heaven or not to follow hell. He calls us to follow Him.

When Jesus calls a person to Himself, He calls them to the cross — to suffering, death, and unconditional love (see Lk 9:23). The true follower of Jesus does not try to get anything out of following Jesus but tries to get out of that selfish attitude. When Jesus became a man and died for us, He didn’t need anything from us. He did it because He loved us. We must respond accordingly.

Prayer: Jesus, may I love You unconditionally, even if I suffer as Job did.

Promise: “He does great things past finding out, marvelous things beyond reckoning.” —Jb 9:10

Praise: St. Jerome translated the Hebrew Scriptures into Latin.

(For a related teaching on Accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior and God, 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 One Bread, One Body covering the period August 1, 2026, through September 30, 2026, by Presentation Ministries. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 6, 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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Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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GOD’S SWAT TEAM - One Bread, One Body, 09/29/2026

Tuesday, September 29, 2026, Sts. Michael, Gabriel & Raphael, Archangels

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 or
Revelation 12:7-12
Psalm 138:1-5
John 1:47-51
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GOD’S SWAT TEAM
“Although the dragon and his angels fought back, they were overpowered and lost their place in heaven.” —Revelation 12:7-8

  Angels, being invisible, are hard for us to understand. But angels can take on bodies. This at least gives us a clue regarding the mentality of the angels. Angels usually appear in the Bible either as the average man (Heb 13:2) or as gigantic creatures (Rv 19:17). As far as I know, they rarely appear as chubby little babies with wings. This common picture of angels tells us more about our confused state of mind than about angels.

  Angels are formidable creatures who will attack demons. They do not just float around on clouds and occasionally resist Satan. Aggressively they take the offensive against Satan, who desperately tries to defend himself (Rv 12:7).

  Therefore, spiritual warfare is nothing for us to hang our heads about but to rejoice in. Satan is the one who should be depressed about spiritual warfare. He’s the loser. We, along with the angels, are “more than conquerors” in Jesus (Rm 8:37).

Prayer: Father, may I get to know the three archangels personally and talk to them daily.

Promise: “I solemnly assure you, you shall see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” —Jn 1:51

Praise: St. Michael thrusts into hell Satan and all evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.

(For a related teaching on Archangels, listen to, download or order our AV 61-3 or V 61 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 August 1, 2026, through September 30, 2026, by Presentation Ministries. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 6, 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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HOW TO LOVE THE LORD UNCONDITIONALLY - One Bread, One Body, 09/28/2026

Monday, September 28, 2026, St. Wenceslaus,
St. Lawrence Ruiz & Companions

Job 1:6-22
Psalm 17:1-3, 6-7
Luke 9:46-50

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HOW TO LOVE THE LORD UNCONDITIONALLY
“In all this Job did not sin, nor did he say anything disrespectful of God.” —Job 1:22

In one day, Job had three businesses destroyed and the extreme tragedy of having his ten children die. In his great grief, Job said: “Naked I came forth from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I go back again. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord!” (Jb 1:21) Job loved God unconditionally. How many believers have ever said “Blessed be the name of the Lord” under such conditions?

The Lord wants us also to love Him unconditionally. He will give us grace after grace to lead us to the summit of love, which is unconditional love. We must accept the grace of humility, become like children, and welcome others who do the same (see Lk 9:48). This humility opens us to an obedience even to accepting many crosses from Jesus (see Phil 2:8). By suffering these crosses, we are more deeply purified and move further along the road to unconditional love. In the midst of all this, the Lord will grace us with greater faith, virtue, discernment, self-control, perseverance, piety, brotherly love, and finally unconditional love (see 2 Pt 1:5-7). Furthermore, unconditional love “springs from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith” (1 Tm 1:5). All we need do is put our hand in Jesus’ hand and obey Him step by step as He leads us to the summit of unconditional love.

May we want to love the Lord unconditionally more than we want anything else in life. The Lord will certainly give us this love.

Prayer: Father, may I live to love You with all my heart, all my soul, all my strength, and all my mind (Lk 10:27).

Promise: “Whoever welcomes this little child on My account welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes Him Who sent Me.” —Lk 9:48

Praise: St. Wenceslaus, ruler of Bohemia, worked for the religious and educational needs of his 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 One Bread, One Body covering the period August 1, 2026, through September 30, 2026, by Presentation Ministries. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 6, 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 THIRD SON - One Bread, One Body, 09/27/2026

Sunday, September 27, 2026, 26th Sunday Ordinary Time

Ezekiel 18:25-28
Philippians 2:1-11
Psalm 25:4-9
Matthew 21:28-32
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THE THIRD SON
“Son, go out and work in the vineyard today...” —Matthew 21:28

The first son did nothing for his father except displease and disrespect him. This son’s initial “Yes” translated into nothing being done for the vineyard that day; in addition, it put the father a full day behind in chores to be done in the vineyard (Mt 21:29).

The second son did the father’s will, yet not perfectly in all respects. The father, however, was satisfied. The vineyard chores were done, and the father, though wounded by his son’s initial disobedience and rebelliousness, found joy in his repentance and ultimate obedience (Mt 21:30).

There is a third Son in this parable. He is Jesus, the Storyteller, the Son of God. This Son did His Father’s will obediently, instantly, and lovingly. Speaking of His relationship with His Father, Jesus said: “I always do what pleases Him” (Jn 8:29).

Our “attitude must be that of Christ” (Phil 2:5). We will then become so caught up in love with our heavenly Father that we eagerly seek and fulfill His every desire. Repent of displeasing and disobeying the Father. Tell Him “Yes.” Then go work in His vineyard (Mt 21:28) and bear fruit that will endure for His glory (Jn 15:8, 16).

Prayer: Father, “guide me in Your truth and teach me” (Ps 25:5).

Promise: “At Jesus’ name every knee must bend in the heavens, on the earth, and under the earth, and every tongue proclaim to the glory of God the Father: JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!” —Phil 2:10-11

Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who trusted that His Father’s words were true. Praise You, Jesus, beloved Son of the Father (Mt 3:17).

(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 August 1, 2026, through September 30, 2026, by Presentation Ministries. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 6, 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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QUESTION BOXED? - One Bread, One Body, 09/26/2026

Saturday, September 26, 2026, Sts. Cosmas & Damian

Ecclesiastes 11:9–-12:8
Psalm 90:3-6, 12-14, 17
Luke 9:43-45

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QUESTION BOXED?
“They were afraid to question Him about the matter.” —Luke 9:45

Jesus is the Answer, and He reveals all the answers we need to know. However, we may be afraid to ask the questions, especially the questions about the cross. Are you afraid to ask Jesus the following questions?

• How can I share in Your sufferings by being formed into the pattern of Your death? (Phil 3:10)
• How much will You call me to pray and fast?
• What sacrifices should I make and what penance should I do for love of You?
• Are You calling me to be a priest or religious?
• How many children do You want me to have?
• How many of my pleasures do You want to take away?
• With whom must I share my faith in You?
• How simple and austere do You want my lifestyle to be?
• Which sins in my life have I refused to admit?
• Do You want me to die for You?

For love of Jesus, ask Him these and other questions you don’t want to ask. He will reveal His will to you. He will give you the faith, love, and courage to do it.

Prayer: Father, may Your will, not mine, be done (Mt 26:39).

Promise: Fill us at daybreak with Your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.” —Ps 90:14

Praise: St. Cosmas, St. Damian, and their three brothers were martyred together in Cilicia during a Roman persecution of Christians. Praise You, Jesus, for holy families who courageously witness to the resurrection of the body (see 2 Mc 7:1ff).

(For a related teaching on Life-Decisions, 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 One Bread, One Body covering the period August 1, 2026, through September 30, 2026, by Presentation Ministries. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 6, 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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GETTIN’ IT ALL TOGETHER - One Bread, One Body, 09/25/2026

Friday, September 25, 2026,

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
Psalm 144:1-4
Luke 9:18-22

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GETTIN’ IT ALL TOGETHER
“He has made everything appropriate to its time, and has put the timeless into their hearts.” —Ecclesiastes 3:11

In Jesus, seeking and losing are not necessarily opposites (see Eccl 3:6). Only when we lose our lives (Lk 9:24) can we seek first God’s kingdom (Mt 6:33). Also, love and hate are not always opposites (Eccl 3:8). We hate sin because we love sinners and especially because we love God. Finally, because Jesus is our Peace (Eph 2:14), we have a peace beyond understanding (Phil 4:7). Our peace is not incompatible with war (Eccl 3:8). Rather, we have peace in the midst of a spiritual war (Eph 6:12; Rv 19:14ff).

Because of sin, creation and our human nature are fallen. Our hearts are restless. We struggle with inner conflicts (Jas 4:1). In the new covenant, Jesus has destroyed “the devil’s works” (1 Jn 3:8) and has reconciled “everything in His Person, both on earth and in the heavens” (Col 1:20). “All this has been done by God, Who has reconciled us to Himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor 5:18).

Prayer: Jesus, I give my life to You.

Promise: The Son of Man “must first endure many sufferings, be rejected by the elders, the high priests and the scribes, and be put to death, and then be raised up on the third day.” —Lk 9:22

Praise: Jesus healed a severe split in the Murphy’s marriage. They can now witness that Jesus is their Peace, and has made the two of them one by breaking down the barrier of hostility that kept them apart (see Eph 2:14).



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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 August 1, 2026, through September 30, 2026, by Presentation Ministries. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 6, 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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