HIGH HOPES AND CHANGING TIMES - One Bread, One Body, 09/08/2026

Tuesday, September 8, 2026, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Micah 5:1-4 or
Romans 8:28-30
Psalm 13:6
Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23
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HIGH HOPES AND CHANGING TIMES
“The Lord will give them up, until the time when she who is to give birth has borne.” —Micah 5:2

Micah prophesied that times would change when a certain mother would give birth. Isaiah prophesied to Ahaz that times would change when a “virgin shall be with Child, and bear a Son, and shall name Him Immanuel” (Is 7:14). St. Paul taught: “When the designated time had come, God sent forth His Son born of a woman” (Gal 4:4).

A mother giving birth is the Biblical sign of changing times. Mary, through giving birth to Jesus, the Messiah and God, is a sign that we are in the best of times, even despite the appearance of the worst of times. Mother Mary is a sign that “despite the increase of sin, grace has far surpassed it” (Rm 5:20). Mother Mary is a sign that “God makes all things work together for the good of those who love” Him (Rm 8:28).

At Vatican II, the Church called Mary “a sign of sure hope” (The Church, 68). She is a sign that no matter how things look or how we feel, the Lord has plans for our welfare, not for woe; plans to give us “a future full of hope” (Jer 29:11). Mother Mary was present at the foot of the cross. Even at Calvary, the Sorrowful Mother was a sign that times were changing from death to resurrection. Jeremiah prophesied: “The sorrow you have shown shall have its reward...There is hope for your future, says the Lord” (Jer 31:16, 17).

Do you wish that times would change for the better — for the Lord? Look to Mary, mother and prophetess of hope.

Prayer: Father, give us “confident assurance concerning what we hope for” (Heb 11:1).

Promise: “She was found with child through the power of the Holy Spirit.” —Mt 1:18

Praise: Praise You, Lord, for creating the sinless soul of Mary, the Mother of our Lord!



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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 August 1, 2026, through September 30, 2026. 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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HOW TO HATE SIN MORE - One Bread, One Body, 09/07/2026

Monday, September 7, 2026,

1 Corinthians 5:1-8
Psalm 5:5-7, 12
Luke 6:6-11

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HOW TO HATE SIN MORE
“Get rid of the old yeast to make of yourselves fresh dough.” —1 Corinthians 5:7

Because we love God, we love people (1 Jn 5:1). Because we love people, we love sinners, for all have sinned (Rm 3:23). The more we love sinners, the more we hate sin, for sin severely harms the ones we love.

Some people don’t think sin is so bad. In fact, it is the most harmful thing there is. It is not only destructive, but it breeds an epidemic of destruction. It is like yeast which “has its effect all through the dough” (1 Cor 5:6). Sin is so toxic and infectious that as a result of one of King David’s sins, seventy-thousand people died in an epidemic in three days (2 Sm 24:13-15). The worst thing you can do for your spouse, family, church, loved ones, and society is to sin. Therefore, the Church commands us: “Return to the Lord and give up sin, pray to Him and make your offenses few. Turn again to the Most High and away from sin, hate intensely what He loathes” (Sir 17:20-21).

The more we love people and the more we understand sin’s effects, the more we will hate sin. Love more; know more; hate sin more.

Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit to teach me the meaning of the words: “My little ones, I am writing this to keep you from sin. But if anyone should sin, we have, in the presence of the Father, Jesus Christ, an Intercessor Who is just. He is an Offering for our sins, and not for our sins only, but for those of the whole world” (1 Jn 2:1-2).

Promise: “For You, O God, delight not in wickedness; no evil man remains with You.” —Ps 5:5

Praise: Brother Rick gave up all worldly goods for the love of Christ and only owned that which fit in one backpack.

(For help to hate sin more, listen to, download or order Effects of Sin on AV 81-1 or V 81 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 August 1, 2026, through September 30, 2026. 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 HIGHEST STANDARDS FOR UNITY - One Bread, One Body, 09/06/2026

Sunday, September 6, 2026, 23rd Sunday Ordinary Time

Ezekiel 33:7-9
Romans 13:8-10
Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9
Matthew 18:15-20
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THE HIGHEST STANDARDS FOR UNITY
“If your brother should commit some wrong against you, go and point out his fault.” —Matthew 18:15

Jesus prays that His Church would be one as He and His Father are one (Jn 17:21). Jesus has exceptionally high standards for unity in His Church so that the world would believe that the Father sent Jesus (Jn 17:21). This may come as a surprise to us, for our experience in our local churches may be that of denominational and factional disunity. Yet Jesus never changes His standards. He insists on His Church reflecting the unity of the Trinity.

To prevent disunity, dispel disunity, and build unity, the Holy Spirit works in the following ways. He gives us:

• the Sacrament of Reconciliation,
• the responsibility and wisdom to correct our brothers and sisters in Christ (see Ez 33:8; Mt 18:15),
• the charity and discipline to keep our differences with another brother or sister between the two of us (see Mt 18:15),
• the deeper presence of Jesus and the power of prayer when Christians gather in unity in Jesus’ name (see Mt 18:19-20),
• submission to the authority of the leaders of our church (see Mt 18:17), and
• redemptive suffering (see Jn 11:51-52).

The Holy Spirit enables us never to have to settle for less than the best unity in the Church. However, we must be docile to the Holy Spirit and follow His ways of reconciliation and unity exactly and sacrificially. Come, Holy Spirit of unity! (see 1 Cor 12:13; Eph 4:3) Come and give us a new Pentecost of unity!

Prayer: Father, help Your Church to always reflect the unity of the Trinity.

Promise: “Owe no debt to anyone except the debt that binds us to love one another. He who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.” —Rm 13:8

Praise: Praise Jesus, Who constantly taught us to forgive, even when hanging from His cross. Praise You, Lord of mercy and forgiveness!



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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 August 1, 2026, through September 30, 2026. 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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DYING TO BE PRO-LIFE - One Bread, One Body, 09/05/2026

Saturday, September 5, 2026, St. Teresa of Calcutta

1 Corinthians 4:6-15
Psalm 145:17-21
Luke 6:1-5

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DYING TO BE PRO-LIFE
“It was I who begot you in Christ Jesus through my preaching of the gospel.” —1 Corinthians 4:15

St. Paul was the spiritual father of the Corinthian Christians. He begot them through the preaching of the Gospel (1 Cor 4:15). He was also the spiritual father of Onesimus (Phlm 10) and St. Timothy (1 Tm 1:2; 2 Tm 1:2). St. Peter was the spiritual father of St. Mark (1 Pt 5:13), and the Blessed Virgin Mary was chosen by Jesus on Calvary to be the spiritual mother of the beloved disciple and all “her offspring, on those who keep God’s commandments and give witness to Jesus” (Jn 19:26; Rv 12:17). We all are called to spiritually beget many children by sharing the Gospel.

Are you willing to be fertile and multiply spiritually? (see Gn 1:28) To conceive, birth, and disciple your spiritual children, you must suffer. You must become like a person “doomed to die in the arena” (1 Cor 4:9). To give life spiritually, you must die to self. This means becoming a fool on Christ’s account — weak, sneered at, “hungry and thirsty, poorly clad, roughly treated, wandering about homeless” (1 Cor 4:10-11). The labor you must endure to give spiritual birth often is working hard at manual labor, suffering persecution, and being slandered (1 Cor 4:12-13).

To give life we must love, and that means laying down our lives for one another (1 Jn 3:16). Therefore, we are tempted to be spiritually contraceptive and abortifacient. We are tempted to choose death rather than life (see Dt 30:19-20). However, we must reject the “culture of death” and choose life to the full (Jn 10:10) by choosing to love, even to death.

Prayer: Father, may I beget all the spiritual and biological children You are calling me to have.

Promise: “The Son of Man is Lord even of the sabbath.” —Lk 6:5

Praise: Mother Teresa explained to a priest her outlook on ministry to the poor by touching the five fingers of his hand and saying, “You did it to Me” (see Mt. 25:40).



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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 August 1, 2026, through September 30, 2026. 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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LEAVE IT TO THE LORD - One Bread, One Body, 09/04/2026

Friday, September 4, 2026,

1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Psalm 37:3-6, 27-28, 39-40
Luke 5:33-39

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LEAVE IT TO THE LORD
“He will make justice dawn for you like the light; bright as the noonday shall be your vindication.” —Psalm 37:6

Jesus’ disciples were accused of being soft on prayer and fasting (Lk 5:33). The Pharisees made a judgment based only on what they could outwardly observe, and misunderstood the underlying context for the disciples’ actions.

St. Paul had been subject to being judged and scrutinized by both the Corinthian people and by their civil courts (see 1 Cor 4:3, 5). He served the Corinthians and the Lord from pure motives but was constantly misunderstood and was frequently subjected to accusations of all kinds.

Have you ever been misunderstood in your Christian walk? Have you ever served someone out of love and then had that person or group completely misinterpret your motives? Perhaps they shunned you or even accused you of wrongdoing (see Jn 16:2-3).

As followers of Jesus, we need not expend the energy to defend ourselves beyond a simple explanation (see Mt 5:37). Rather, God’s plan is that we focus on serving Him (see 1 Cor 4:1) and leave it to Him to take care of defending and vindicating us (Is 54:17; Ps 37:6). His vindication is far-reaching and complete, “bright as the noonday” (Ps 37:6). So, “commit to the Lord your way; trust in Him, and He will act” (Ps 37:5) in your defense.

Prayer: Father, I put my life in Your hands (Ps 31:6).

Promise: “The salvation of the just is from the Lord; He is their Refuge in time of distress.” —Ps 37:39

Praise: Although Anne must carry an oxygen tank with her for the rest of her life, she never lets that stop her from carrying out her ministries to the Church and to God’s people.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Study the Gospel of Matthew with us Oct. 16-17. The Lord will touch your heart when you draw close to Him. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com 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 August 1, 2026, through September 30, 2026. 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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FRESH FISH - One Bread, One Body, 09/03/2026

Thursday, September 3, 2026, Pope St. Gregory the Great

1 Corinthians 3:18-23
Psalm 24:1-6
Luke 5:1-11

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FRESH FISH
“Amazement at the catch...seized him.” —Luke 5:9

Jesus gave St. Peter a preview of the great harvest of souls in the huge catch of fish. Peter was amazed at the size of the catch and at Jesus (Lk 5:9). Peter’s personal encounter with Jesus was the critical beginning of his ministry. Each of us desperately needs an “encounter with the living Jesus Christ” (Church in America, Pope St. John Paul II, 3). An intimate relationship with Jesus is the foundation of our Christian life (see 1 Cor 3:11). Everything we do flows from this encounter with the crucified and risen Jesus.

However, Peter’s amazement wasn’t strong enough to endure the cross. He denied Jesus three times. Even when Jesus appeared personally to him after He rose from the dead, Peter still wavered. Not long after meeting the risen Jesus, Peter decided to go back to catching fish instead of men (see Jn 21:3). Peter went stale. He lost his freshness. In His mercy, Jesus gave Peter a repeat of their first encounter, right down to the huge catch of fish (Jn 21:6). Finally, Peter received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and stayed fresh till the end of his life.

Have you personally encountered the living Jesus? That’s one goal of this Scriptural booklet (see Lk 24:32). If not, ask Jesus to reveal Himself to you. Then “receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn 20:22), Who keeps you fresh and new in Jesus. Receive the Eucharist daily or as often as possible. If you ask Him, Jesus will give you a “Eucharistic amazement” to keep you fresh (Ecclesia de Eucharistia, Pope St. John Paul II, 6). Lead others to be caught up into an eternity of amazement with Jesus.

Prayer: Father, may I, and all I meet, encounter Jesus, know Him personally (Phil 3:10), and remain in Him (Jn 15:4).

Promise: “Do not be afraid. From now on you will be catching men.” —Lk 5:10

Praise: Pope St. Gregory the Great didn’t allow disease or ailments to disrupt his work for the Church. Despite failing health, he cared for his people in every way that he was able.

(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 August 1, 2026, through September 30, 2026. 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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“ONE BREAD, ONE BODY” (see 1 Cor 10:17) - One Bread, One Body, 09/02/2026

Wednesday, September 2, 2026,

1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Psalm 33:12-15, 20-21
Luke 4:38-44

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“ONE BREAD, ONE BODY” (see 1 Cor 10:17)
“For as long as there are jealousy and quarrels among you, are you not of the flesh?” —1 Corinthians 3:3

The Corinthians were not able to function well as Christians because they were “infants in Christ” (1 Cor 3:1). They were spiritually stunted, for they could not take solid food (1 Cor 3:2). They were malnourished because they were divided (1 Cor 3:4). Division results in spiritual malnutrition and deprivation. Thus, division is an extremely serious problem and sin.

Therefore, Jesus is praying that we be one as He and the Father are one (Jn 17:21). We must “make every effort to preserve the unity which has the Spirit as its origin and peace as its binding force” (Eph 4:3). We must forgive each other or not be forgiven by God (Mt 6:12). We are called to be ministers of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18), even to the point of laying down our lives for one another (see Jn 11:51-52). “If you bring your gift to the altar and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift at the altar, go first to be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Mt 5:23-24).

“Behold, how good it is, and how pleasant, where brethren dwell at one!” (Ps 133:1) Behold, how bad it is, and how deadly, where brethren do not dwell at one! Be one. Go to Communion. Be in communion. Be one through, with, and in Jesus.

Prayer: Father, I repent of going to Communion without being in communion (see 1 Cor 11:29-30).

Promise: “To other towns I must announce the good news of the reign of God, because that is why I was sent.” —Lk 4:43

Praise: Don wakes each morning at 4AM to spend two hours in prayer. He eagerly looks forward to listening daily to his Lord.

(For help to be in communion, listen to, download or order Unity Gifts of the Spirit on AV 3A-3 or V 3A 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 August 1, 2026, through September 30, 2026. 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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