A LAWYER IN HEAVEN!!! - One Bread, One Body, 05/12/2026

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 , Sts. Nereus & Achilleus
St. Pancras

Acts 16:22-34
Psalm 138:1-3, 7-8
John 16:5-11

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A LAWYER IN HEAVEN!!!
“If I fail to go, the Paraclete will never come to you, whereas if I go, I will send Him to you.” —John 16:7

The Greek word “Paraclete,” which Jesus uses to refer to the promised Holy Spirit, can be translated as “Defense Lawyer.” Picture yourselves in the place of Jesus’ disciples. After following the Master for three years, He tells you that He is suddenly leaving you tomorrow. But that’s not all: as His replacement, you’re getting a lawyer! We can understand why His disciples, who had recently heard Jesus publicly vilify lawyers (see Lk 11:46-52),  would be “overcome with grief” (Jn 16:6) at this double whammy.

However, those who follow Jesus desperately need to be defended. Sts. Paul and Silas discovered this at Philippi. They were seized and dragged “into the main square before the local authorities,” who “turned them over to the magistrates” (Acts 16:19-20). Before they could speak a word in self-defense, they were flogged severely, thrown into jail in maximum security, and chained to a stake like animals (Acts 16:22-24).

At this point, Paul and Silas placed a call from their “cell-phone” to their Defense Lawyer, the Holy Spirit. Since the Lawyer already understood the specifics of the case, Paul and Silas only had to converse with their Lawyer in His native language: tongues, prayer, and praise (Acts 16:25). The Holy Spirit appealed the case directly to the Judge, the Father, and the verdict “innocent” was reached immediately. The Holy Spirit sent an earthquake which set the prisoners free, converted the jailer and his family, and publicly vindicated Paul and Silas (Acts 16:26ff).

Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit! Come and set us free!

Promise: “When I called, You answered me; You built up strength within me...Your right hand saves me.” —Ps 138:3, 7

Praise: Sts. Nereus and Achilleus, Roman soldiers involved in the execution of Christians, knew well the horrors of martyrdom. Yet they converted to Christianity and died as martyrs for the Faith.

(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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AT HOME WITH JESUS - One Bread, One Body, 05/11/2026

Monday, May 11, 2026,

Acts 16:11-15
Psalm 149:1-6, 9
John 15:26—16:4

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AT HOME WITH JESUS
“If you are convinced that I believe in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” —Acts 16:15

Your house is one of your most important resources for evangelization. The Church teaches that your home should be a “domestic church” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1656).  Can you imagine these scenarios for your home?

• Picture a chair in your kitchen and remember when your neighbor, John, seated in that chair, gave his life to Jesus.
• You look out at the porch and remember when Kathy from work was filled with the Holy Spirit in that very spot of your house.
• Over there is the couch where Ted and Cindy sat, three years ago. They had come to announce their divorce. They left your home forgiving, forgiven, and reconciled.
• Next to the family altar is the table where you taught your children the Scriptures from their infancy (2 Tm 3:15).
• At the front door, you can see the holy water font where you blessed the kids a thousand times.
• On the buffet stands the statue of Mary — a little worse for wear. (You told the kids to be more careful.)
• Above the doorway hangs the crucifix. You still sometimes cry when you see His crucified love (see Gal 3:1).

This is home. This is love. This is life in Jesus. Amen!

Prayer: Father, make my home “a house of prayer” (see Is 56:7), evangelization, repentance, healing, hope, love, and life.

Promise: “When the Paraclete comes, the Spirit of truth Who comes from the Father — and Whom I Myself will send from the Father — He will bear witness on My behalf. You must bear witness as well.” —Jn 15:26-27

Praise: Andrew, age fourteen, discerned a vocation to the priesthood as a child and has followed it unswervingly ever since.

(For a related teaching on Counter-Cultural, listen to, download or order AV 17A-3 or V 17A 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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“DID YOU RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT?” (Acts 19:2) - One Bread, One Body, 05/10/2026

Sunday, May 10, 2026, Sixth Sunday of Easter

Acts 8:5-8, 14-17
1 Peter 3:15-18
Psalm 66:1-7, 16, 20
John 14:15-21
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“DID YOU RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT?” (Acts 19:2)
“You can recognize Him (the Spirit of truth).” —John 14:17

At the time of the Apostles, it’s likely that the evidence that someone had received the Holy Spirit was praying audibly in tongues and uttering prophecy (see Acts 19:6). Although the charismatic gifts of the Spirit are readily visible to others, they are not the only indicators as to whether a person has received the Holy Spirit.

How can others recognize whether or not you have received the Holy Spirit? “You can recognize Him because He remains with you and will be within you” (Jn 14:17). How can you recognize whether you received the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is unseen, but the fruit of the Spirit can be seen (Gal 5:22). Thus Jesus tells us to look for good fruit to discern whether or not someone has received the Spirit (Mt 7:16-20). Some examples are:

• You keep Jesus’ commandments (Jn 14:15ff).
• You live in the truth, by the Spirit of truth (Jn 14:17).
• You persevere over time amid trials (see Rv 2:3).
• You love those who persecute you (Mt 5:44).
• Your life bears lasting, enduring fruit (Jn 15:5, 16).
• You witness to Jesus, for that’s what the Spirit does (Jn 5:16).
• You live a life of holiness, for the Spirit is holy (see 1 Pt 1:15-16).

You received the Spirit in the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, but are you living by the Spirit? (see Gal 5:25) “Did you receive the Holy Spirit?” (Acts 19:2)

Prayer: Father, I beg You to fill me with the Holy Spirit (Lk 11:13).

Promise: “He who loves Me will be loved by My Father. I too will love him and reveal Myself to him.” —Jn 14:21

Praise: “Glory be to this only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Majesty, too, be His, might and power from ages past, now and for ages to come. Amen” (Jude 25).

(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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GROW - One Bread, One Body, 05/09/2026

Saturday, May 9, 2026,

Acts 16:1-10
Psalm 100:1-3, 5
John 15:18-21

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GROW
“The congregations grew stronger in faith and daily increased in numbers.” —Acts 16:5

The Lord is very interested in the growth of individuals and congregations. He delights in our growth as a parent delights in their child’s first step or first word. The Lord wants congregations to grow both in faith and in numbers (see Acts 16:5). Growing in quality and quantity are not two separate types of growth, but eventually go together. If we truly have a strong faith, we will be strong in evangelizing and leading many to Christ.

The Lord wants every Christian and every congregation to grow in age, wisdom, and grace as He did (see Lk 2:40, 52). He commands us: “Be as eager for milk as newborn babies — pure milk of the Spirit to make you grow unto salvation” (1 Pt 2:2). So let us “grow to the full maturity of Christ the Head. Through Him the whole body grows” (Eph 4:15-16).

The second letter of Peter is possibly the last book of the Bible chronologically. In the last verse of the last chapter of what may be the last book of Holy Scripture, the Lord commands us: “Grow rather in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Glory be to Him now and to the day of eternity! Amen” (2 Pt 3:18). The last word is “grow.”

Prayer: Father, in these last two weeks of the Easter season may I grow by leaps and bounds.

Promise: “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own; the reason it hates you is that you do not belong to the world. But I chose you out of the world.” —Jn 15:19

Praise: When Sarah was discouraged by her lack of spiritual growth in one area of her life, her confessor advised her to focus on the cross.

(For a related teaching on Evangelization, listen to, download or order AV 55-1 or V 55 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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THE CROSS IS A FRUIT TREE - One Bread, One Body, 05/08/2026

Friday, May 8, 2026,

Acts 15:22-31
Psalm 57:8-10, 12
John 15:12-17

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THE CROSS IS A FRUIT TREE
“It was I Who chose you to go forth and bear fruit.”—John 15:16

The Lord commands, graces, and chooses us to bear fruit which is abundant (Jn 15:5) and lasting (Jn 15:16). This means that we are chosen to lead many people to a total commitment to the Lord and to disciple them so deeply that they will persevere in their commitment.

We bear this abundant, lasting fruit not by our power or efforts but by abiding in the Lord and letting Him abide in us (Jn 15:5). We bear abundant, lasting fruit both by being slaves of Jesus who obey Him even when we don’t understand Him, and by being friends of Jesus who know what our Master is about (Jn 15:15). We bear fruit by letting the Lord trim us clean by His Word (Jn 15:2-3). Ultimately, we bear the right quantity and quality of fruit by loving one another, even to the point of laying down our lives for each other (Jn 15:13). We bear fruit by denying our very selves, taking up the cross each day, and following Jesus (Lk 9:23). Jesus proclaims: “I solemnly assure you, unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat. But if it dies, it produces much fruit” (Jn 12:24).

The cross is the only fruit tree that bears abundant, lasting fruit. Bear the cross; bear fruit.

Prayer: Father, may I love You so much that I will die to bear fruit for You.

Promise: “When it was read there was great delight at the encouragement it gave.” —Acts 15:31

Praise: Warren made a commitment to the Lord to pray daily for a friend until he gave his life to Jesus. Warren was faithful to this commitment, and thirty years later, his friend accepted Jesus as his Lord, Savior, and God.

(For a related teaching on Accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior, and God, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order our AV 43-3 or V 43 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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LOVE WITH A CAPITAL “L” - One Bread, One Body, 05/07/2026

Thursday, May 7, 2026,

Acts 15:7-21
Psalm 96:1-3, 10
John 15:9-11
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LOVE WITH A CAPITAL “L”
“As the Father has loved Me, so I have loved you. Live on in My love.” —John 15:9

Christians are called not only to be loving or lovable but to be in Love — in the most profound and mysterious way. God is Love (1 Jn 4:8, 16), and Jesus is God (Jn 1:1). Therefore, Jesus is Love, and we have been baptized into Him (see Rm 6:3). Thus we are in Him, Who is Love. We are in Love literally, not just in love.

Thus, we “live in His love” (Jn 15:10). In Love, we love in amazing, impossible ways. For example, we love our enemies (Mt 5:44). We love especially the most unlovable. In Love, our love is stronger than death. We literally love forever. We are even able to “grasp fully, with all the holy ones, the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ’s love, and experience this love which surpasses all knowledge, so that [we] may attain to the fullness of God Himself” (Eph 3:18-19). We can see why Jesus said: “This is how all will know you for My disciples: your love for one another” (Jn 13:35).

Are you fully living your Baptism into Love? In Baptism, you are not only in God, Who is Love; but He, Who is Love, is in you. You don’t just have love in you; you have Love in you at the same time as you are in Love. In Love, your potential to love is inexpressible and overwhelming. How can you fully accept your awesome baptismal graces? Jesus simply promised: “You will live in My love if you keep My commandments” (Jn 15:10). Live in Love, and Love will live in you (1 Jn 4:16).

Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit to teach me the meaning of Love.

Promise: “All this I tell you that My joy may be yours and your joy may be complete.” —Jn 15:11

Praise: After years of confusion, Robert simply looked upon the crucifix as if for the first time. He understood and loved Jesus.

(The annual 40 Hours Devotion & Family Campout is June 5-7. Adore the Lord, hear teachings and have fellowship with others. See www.presentationministries.com for more info and 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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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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