FROM CLOD TO GOD - One Bread, One Body, 07/12/2026

Sunday, July 12, 2026, 15th Sunday Ordinary Time

Isaiah 55:10-11
Romans 8:18-23
Psalm 65:10-14
Matthew 13:1-23
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FROM CLOD TO GOD
“Thus You have prepared the land: drenching its furrows, breaking up its clods, softening it with showers.” —Psalm 65:11

God the Father sends every resource necessary to transform our hearts from hard ground to soft, fruitful ground, drenching them with physical and spiritual showers from heaven (see Is 55:10-11). Jesus is constantly sowing His Word, everywhere and to every person (Mt 13:4ff). The Holy Spirit transforms our hearts from stony hearts to natural, soft, fruitful hearts (Ez 36:26). For rocky ground, the Word of God is “like a hammer shattering rocks” (Jer 23:29), breaking up hard clods of clay into good ground. The Word of God is “living and effective,” penetrating and breaking up rock-hard hearts (Heb 4:12-13).

So why doesn’t everyone melt and bear abundant fruit if the Holy Trinity and the Word are so effective and powerful? Jesus answers by quoting the prophet Isaiah (see Mt 13:14-15; Is 6:9-10), saying that by faithfully sowing an understandable message, it would be as if you were causing obstinacy rather than repentance. Isaiah 6:9-10 is quoted five times in the New Testament (Mt 13:14-15; Mk 4:12; Lk 8:10; Jn 12:40; Acts 28:26-27).

Jesus reminds us to faithfully spread God’s Word, regardless of the results. We must go out and sow (Mt 13:4). If people don’t receive God’s Word, we are not to be surprised. The New Testament has prepared us five times for this rejection. Like Jesus, we must attempt to reach our hearers on their level, using parables (Mt 13:13), stories, discourses, explanations, etc. In so doing, some will repent, turn back to Jesus, and be healed (Mt 13:15).

Prayer: Holy Spirit, here I am. Use me to sow Your Word to a world that is famished for Your Good News.

Promise: “I consider the sufferings of the present to be as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed in us.” —Rm 8:18

Praise: Praise You, Jesus! With You and in You, we are raised up and given a place in the heavens (Eph 2:6). Alleluia!

(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 June 1, 2026, through July 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 12, 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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AWESOME MINISTRY - One Bread, One Body, 07/11/2026

Saturday, July 11, 2026, St. Benedict

Isaiah 6:1-8
Psalm 93:1-2, 5
Matthew 10:24-33

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AWESOME MINISTRY
“I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, with the train of His garment filling the temple.” —Isaiah 6:1

Before Isaiah was called to be a prophet, he had a life-changing experience of God’s holiness and glory. This awe of God’s presence, the fear of the Lord, is not only the beginning of wisdom (Ps 111:10), but also of ministry. Ezekiel also experienced the fear of the Lord profoundly before he became a prophet (Ez 1:1ff). Before Jesus’ public ministry, He heard the Father’s voice from the sky and experienced the Spirit descending on Him (Mt 3:16-17).

At the Church’s beginning, “a reverent fear overtook them all, for many wonders and signs were performed by the apostles” (Acts 2:43). St. Peter experienced the fear of the Lord early in his relationship with the Lord and “fell at the knees of Jesus saying, ‘Leave me, Lord. I am a sinful man’ ” (Lk 5:8). On the road to Damascus, St. Paul saw a sudden flash of light, fell to the ground, and was blind for three days (Acts 9:3ff). Thus began his Christian life and ministry.

We also need to deeply experience the fear of the Lord in some way to have a strong foundation for our ministry. We should praise and thank the Lord for His love and presence that we are already experiencing. We should ask for the Lord to manifest His presence to us in a new and much deeper way. May we make “steady progress in the fear of the Lord” (Acts 9:31).

Prayer: Father, may I experience Your presence so strongly it overshadows every aspect of my life.

Promise: “Every hair of your head has been counted; so do not be afraid of anything.” —Mt 10:30-31

Praise: St. Benedict and his monks set aside four to six hours daily for reading of the Word of God.

(For a related teaching on Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Evangelization, listen to, download or order AV 58-3 or V 58 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 June 1, 2026, through July 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 12, 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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CROSS-BREED - One Bread, One Body, 07/10/2026

Friday, July 10, 2026,

Hosea 14:2-10
Psalm 51:3-4, 8-9, 12-14, 17
Matthew 10:16-23

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CROSS-BREED
“What I am doing is sending you out like sheep among wolves. You must be clever as snakes and innocent as doves.” —Matthew 10:16

What’s a cross between a sheep, a snake, and a dove? What goes “baa,” “hiss,” and “coo”? The answer is “a Christian.” We are like sheep among wolves, but clever as snakes, yet innocent as doves. We are sheep because we’re totally dependent on the Good Shepherd. We are snakes because we have wisdom from on high in the Holy Spirit (see 1 Cor 2:10). We are doves not because we’ve never sinned but because we’ve repented, been forgiven and had our innocence restored by being washed in Jesus’ blood (see 1 Jn 1:7).

Because we seem to be such strange creatures, we are a threat to the world. Therefore, it drags us into court and flogs us in the synagogues and churches (Mt 10:17). Even family members will reject the cross-breed Christian: “Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will turn against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all on account of Me” (Mt 10:21-22). Nevertheless, be of good cheer; in Jesus you will find peace. Jesus has overcome the world (Jn 16:33). To be a cross-breed Christian is the greatest thing possible for a human being.

Prayer: “Save us, Savior of the world, for by Your Cross and Resurrection You have set us free.”

Promise: “Straight are the paths of the Lord, in them the just walk, but sinners stumble in them.” —Hos 14:10

Praise: Samantha, a lukewarm Catholic, experienced a profound and lasting conversion during a visit to Eucharistic adoration.

(For a related teaching on Jesus and Peace, listen to, download or order AV 42-1 or V 42 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 June 1, 2026, through July 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 12, 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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NO! NO! NO! - One Bread, One Body, 07/09/2026

Thursday, July 9, 2026, St. Augustine Zhao Rong
& Companions

Hosea 11:1-4, 8-9
Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16
Matthew 10:7-15

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NO! NO! NO!
“Provide yourselves with neither gold nor silver nor copper in your belts; no traveling bag, no change of shirt, no sandals, no walking staff.” —Matthew 10:9-10

When we serve the Lord, we often feel inadequate. We think we’re making mistakes and feel the Lord is just shaking His head, saying: “No, not that. No, not now. No, not here. No! No! No!” As a matter of fact, the Lord is saying “No! No! No!” as we minister in His name, but He’s not saying: “No, you’re doing it wrong.” Rather, He’s saying: “No gold, no silver, no copper, ‘no traveling bag, no change of shirt, no sandals, no walking staff,’ no accommodations, and no security other than in Me.” The Lord wants to unburden us for ministry. He wants to simplify and streamline our lives. To minister in His name, we don’t need more but less — less possessions, less control, and less bright ideas.

The Lord is sending us out to minister, and He is saying: “No sin; repent! No divisions; forgive! No doubts; believe! No fears; trust! No self-deception; speak the truth! No compromise; love Me with all your hearts!” (see Mt 22:37)

The Lord is sending us out to minister, and He is saying: “Yes, I love you perfectly, infinitely, and eternally. Yes, ‘I am with you always’ (Mt 28:20). Yes, I will always forgive you. Yes, I will come back to take you with Me to be perfectly happy forever in heaven.” Because we believe the “Yes” of Jesus, we believe His “No.”

Prayer: Father, may You be my only security.

Promise: “I drew them with human cords, with bands of love; I fostered them like one who raises an infant to his cheeks.” —Hos 11:4

Praise: After his executioners cut off his right arm, 18-year-old Chi Zhuzi, a companion of St. Augustine Zhao Rong, declared to them: “Every piece of my flesh, every drop of my blood will tell you that I am Christian.”



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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 June 1, 2026, through July 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 12, 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 UNDER THE ROCK - One Bread, One Body, 07/08/2026

Wednesday, July 8, 2026,

Hosea 10:1-3, 7-8, 12
Psalm 105:2-7
Matthew 10:1-7

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LIFE UNDER THE ROCK
“Then they shall cry out to the mountains, ‘Cover us!’ and to the hills, ‘Fall upon us!’ ” —Hosea 10:8

As Jesus was being led to His crucifixion, He prophesied to the women of Jerusalem, “Do not weep for Me. Weep for yourselves and for your children…They will begin saying to the mountains, ‘Fall on us’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us’ ” (Lk 23:28, 30). Jesus says that the people of Jerusalem will quote Hosea 10:8, instantly recognizing their doomed fate and longing to be “protected” by the cover of the rocks. Sadly, they did not instantly recognize the mercy of God; they perceived it as His “wrath.” How ironic that Jesus had come precisely for these lost sheep.

Scripture prophesies that on the Day of the Lord, many will hide “themselves in caves and mountain crags. They [will cry] out to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us! Hide us from the face of the One Who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! The great day of vengeance has come’ ” (Rv 6:15-17). Those who have disdained God suddenly have a dread realization that God is triumphant. Tragically, they trust the rocks and hills will be more merciful than God. “Men will go into caves in the rocks and into holes in the earth, from the terror of the Lord, and the splendor of His majesty, when He arises to overawe the earth” (Is 2:19).

We must realize the triumph of God today, in case we no longer have time to repent later (see Hos 10:12). Sadly, those who never bothered to know the merciful Lamb of God fear Him the wrong way. Rather than begging the Lamb to have mercy on them, they instead cry out to the rocks and hills to protect them from the Lamb’s “wrath” (see Rv 6:15-17). Today, put yourself under the cover of Jesus the Rock (1 Cor 10:4). Repent now before it’s too late.

Prayer: Jesus, Rock of Ages, may Your mercy “fall upon us” and “cover us,” now and forever.

Promise: “The reign of God is at hand!” —Mt 10:7

Praise: Belinda had a tubal ligation. Years later, she repented and expressed it by adopting a baby girl.

(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 June 1, 2026, through July 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 12, 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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“LORD, OPEN MY LIPS” (Ps 51:17) - One Bread, One Body, 07/07/2026

Tuesday, July 7, 2026,

Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13
Psalm 115:3-10
Matthew 9:32-38

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“LORD, OPEN MY LIPS” (Ps 51:17)
“They have mouths but speak not.” —Psalm 115:5 “The mute [man] began to speak.” —Matthew 9:33

In today’s Gospel, Jesus casts out a demon from a man who could not speak and the mute man spoke (Mt 9:32-33). Then Jesus appeals for us to pray for laborers for the harvest of souls, because those who would speak up to spread the Gospel message are few (Mt 9:37).

Many Christians “have mouths but speak not” of the Good News of Jesus the Redeemer (Ps 115:5). In that regard, when we can’t speak for the Lord, we bear a resemblance to the idols of today’s psalm response: we can’t speak with our mouths when it comes to witnessing for Jesus and spreading the Good News.

In His infinite mercy, Jesus has come down from heaven to purify our lips (see Is 6:7-8) and open our mouths to speak of Him (see Ps 51:17). Jesus made a mute man speak and He still does so today (see Heb 13:8).

Invite Jesus to put His words in your mouth (Jer 1:9). When you fall deeply in love with Jesus, you “cannot help speaking of what [you] have heard and seen” (Acts 4:20). Offer yourself and your voice to Jesus as a worker for the harvest (Mt 9:37-38).

Prayer: Father, fill my heart with the love of Your Son. Grant that I would then speak of Him from the abundance of that love (Lk 6:45).

Promise: “Our God is in heaven; whatever He wills, He does.” —Ps 115:3

Praise: Ralph uses his job of serving food as an opportunity to spread God’s light and love to his customers.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Are you following the Lord in the Single Vocation? We have a retreat for you Sept. 18-20. 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 from June 1, 2026, through July 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 12, 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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DROWN YOUR SORROWS - One Bread, One Body, 07/06/2026

Monday, July 6, 2026, St. Maria Goretti

Hosea 2:16-18, 21-22
Psalm 145:2-9
Matthew 9:18-26

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DROWN YOUR SORROWS
“My daughter has just died.” —Matthew 9:18

Recall some of the saddest words you have ever said. Maybe you’ve said such things as “She’s dead,” “There’s no hope,” “He’s gone,” “I’m lost,” or “I don’t want to go on.”

Like the synagogue leader, bring your sadness to Jesus. “Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you” (1 Pt 5:7). “We do not have a High Priest Who is unable to sympathize with our weakness” (Heb 4:15). “So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and favor and to find help in time of need” (Heb 4:16).

Jesus may immediately take away your sadness and pain. He may do what you ask or surprise you with something even better. Perhaps you might not realize for years how greatly He is loving you. Nevertheless, know for sure that the Lord is loving you personally with a perfect, infinite, crucified, and eternal love. Drown your sorrows in “the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ’s love” (Eph 3:18).

Prayer: Father, use my sufferings for the consolation of others (2 Cor 1:4-7).

Promise: “I will espouse you to Me forever: I will espouse you in right and in justice, in love and in mercy; I will espouse you in fidelity, and you shall know the Lord.” —Hos 2:21-22

Praise: Even after her death, St. Maria’s faith and innocence won over her murderer to God’s kingdom.

(For a related teaching on Divine Love, listen to, download or order AV 52-3 or V 52 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 June 1, 2026, through July 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 12, 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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