DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY - One Bread, One Body, 08/10/2026

Monday, August 10, 2026, St. Lawrence

2 Corinthians 9:6-10
Psalm 112:1-2, 5-9
John 12:24-26

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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
“Lavishly he gives to the poor.” —Psalm 112:9

St. Lawrence was treasurer of the Church in the third century. The Roman government arrested him and gave him three days to hand over the treasures of the Church. First, Lawrence gave all the Church’s money to the poor. Then he gathered the poor, crippled, blind, and lame and presented them to the Roman officials, saying, “Here are the treasures of the Church.” Naturally, the Romans didn’t view treasures as Lawrence did, and they responded by putting him to death as a martyr.

Often people in secular society don’t see the poor, marginalized, handicapped, or babies in the womb as treasures. It’s much like the parable of the hidden treasure in the field (Mt 13:44). The person who bought the field saw its great value and sold all to buy it. However, his peers, who couldn’t see the buried treasure, would have considered such a purchase foolhardy.

As disciples of Jesus, it is essential to see with eyes of faith rather than a worldly perspective. Many will not see as we Christians see (see 1 Cor 2:13-15). Those in the world will consider our treasures as “absurdity” (1 Cor 2:14). Jesus warned: “Do not lay up for yourselves an earthly treasure. Moths and rust corrode; thieves break in and steal. Make it your practice instead to store up heavenly treasure, which neither moths nor rust corrode nor thieves break in and steal. Remember, where your treasure is, there your heart is also” (Mt 6:19-21).

With St. Lawrence, “be intent on things above rather than on things of earth” (Col 3:2). Fix your eyes on Jesus (Heb 12:2), “our only Master and Lord” (Jude 4).

Prayer: Father, enlighten our “innermost vision” that we might see as did St. Lawrence (Eph 1:18).

Promise: “He who sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will reap bountifully.” —2 Cor 9:6

Praise: St. Lawrence was martyred less than a week after his Pope, St. Sixtus II, was martyred. He bravely faced death for Jesus.

(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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COURSE CORRECTION - One Bread, One Body, 08/09/2026

Sunday, August 9, 2026, 19th Sunday Ordinary Time

1 Kings 19:9, 11-13
Romans 9:1-5
Psalm 85:9-14
Matthew 14:22-33
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COURSE CORRECTION
“He perceived how strong the wind was.” —Matthew 14:30

In today’s Gospel, St. Peter “began to walk on the water, moving toward Jesus. But when he perceived how strong the wind was, becoming frightened, he began to sink” (Mt 14:29-30). Wind and wave conditions were vital information for a fisherman like Peter. Thousands of days and nights studying the wind and waves had honed his instincts as a fisherman for making critical decisions. At this point in his discipleship training, Peter was still learning how to look at Jesus for guidance. Jesus was teaching Peter not to doubt, and to form the practice of looking at Him rather than any other source of information. The Master’s appraisal of Peter was that he still had “little faith” (Mt 14:31).

In addition to fearing the dangers of bad weather, Peter may additionally have been checking the winds and waves in preparation to make a “course correction,” as he would have often done as a ship’s “captain.” Should he correct course by retreating toward the safety of the boat, or should he continue on course by walking toward Jesus and risking his life?

God also called the prophet Elijah to make a “course correction.” Elijah was fleeing from his own “wind and waves,” that is, the wrath of Queen Jezebel (see 1 Kgs 19:2ff). Elijah had spent forty days and nights fleeing in the opposite direction from her (1 Kgs 19:8). God changed Elijah’s direction; He sent him along a different path, to anoint several leaders who would alter Israel’s future (1 Kgs 19:15-16).

Is God calling you to make a course correction? If so, where will you gain your information? Look to Jesus (Heb 12:2). “He will make straight your paths” (Prv 3:6).

Prayer: Father, “teach me Your paths” (Ps 25:4). Help me to look only at Jesus for Your sure path (Prv 4:25-27).

Promise: “The Lord Himself will give His benefits.” —Ps 85:13

Praise: Praise Jesus, risen, glorified, and soon to come. 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 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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WAITING AND LONGING - One Bread, One Body, 08/08/2026

Saturday, August 8, 2026, St. Dominic

Habakkuk 1:12—2:4
Psalm 9:8-13
Matthew 17:14-20

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WAITING AND LONGING
“How long must I remain with you?” —Matthew 17:17

In today’s first reading, the prophet Habakkuk wonders how long he must wait for the Lord to answer. He sees unjust people exploiting the poor and getting away with murder. He laments: “Why doesn’t God act? What’s taking God so long?” (see Hab 1:13)

In the Gospel reading, Jesus also asks: “How long?” He wonders how long He must wait for us to answer. Jesus cries: “How long must I remain with you? How long must I endure you?” (Mt 17:17)

If we think things are taking a long time, imagine how God must feel! He’s been waiting for us to bring the Gospel message to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). It’s been two thousand years and over half the world’s people still do not believe in God, much less believe in Jesus. God must be wondering: “How long, O My people?”

Jesus is waiting for us to work with Him in establishing His kingdom (see Heb 10:13). In the United States, we’ve been going backwards in the last fifty years, not forward. Jesus must be wondering: “How long, O My people?”

“The Lord does not delay” (2 Pt 3:9), but we, His people, are masters of delay. We have all kinds of excuses for not carrying out His wishes (see Lk 14:18-20). We have wasted enough time (1 Pt 4:3). Let’s spend the rest of our life living for the kingdom of God (1 Pt 4:2).

Prayer: In today’s first reading, the prophet Habakkuk wonders how long he must wait for the Lord to answer. He sees unjust people exploiting the poor and getting away with murder. He laments: “Why doesn’t God act? What’s taking God so long?” (see Hab 1:13) In the Gospel reading, Jesus also asks: “How long?” He wonders how long He must wait for us to answer. Jesus cries: “How long must I remain with you? How long must I endure you?” (Mt 17:17) If we think things are taking a long time, imagine how God must feel! He’s been waiting for us to bring the Gospel message to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). It’s been two thousand years and over half the world’s people still do not believe in God, much less believe in Jesus. God must be wondering: “How long, O My people?” Jesus is waiting for us to work with Him in establishing His kingdom (see Heb 10:13). In the United States, we’ve been going backwards in the last fifty years, not forward. Jesus must be wondering: “How long, O My people?” “The Lord does not delay” (2 Pt 3:9), but we, His people, are masters of delay. We have all kinds of excuses for not carrying out His wishes (see Lk 14:18-20). We have wasted enough time (1 Pt 4:3). Let’s spend the rest of our life living for the kingdom of God (1 Pt 4:2).

Promise: “The rash man has no integrity; but the just man, because of his faith, shall live.” —Hab 2:4

Praise: St. Dominic defeated heresy by combining the preaching of God’s Word with a lifestyle of Gospel poverty.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(The Good News is just a phone call away: 513-823-3111.)

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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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LIVING IN REALITY? - One Bread, One Body, 08/07/2026

Friday, August 7, 2026, Pope St. Sixtus II & Companions
St. Cajetan

Nahum 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7
Deuteronomy 32:35-36, 39, 41
Matthew 16:24-28

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LIVING IN REALITY?
“Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. What profit would a man show if he were to gain the whole world and destroy himself in the process?” —Matthew 16:25-26

In trying to save our lives by our own power, we can lose our lives. We can ruin ourselves by losing our immortal souls (Mt 16:26). In our pride and sin, we can choose everlasting separation from God. We can make the choice to go to hell, that “state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1033).  In our society, many people are in a state of denial concerning the reality of hell. However, denying reality is not healthy, loving, wise, or holy.

When we face the reality of damnation, we can also face the overshadowing reality of our salvation in Jesus. Facing reality is not primarily threatening; it is liberating. It means not only confronting sin and its devastating effects, but encountering love and its saving grace. Facing reality is the most fearful and wonderful decision we will ever make.

Jesus is real. He reveals reality. He is the ultimate Reality. What does it hurt if we lose the whole world as long as we gain our immortal souls by living for Jesus and accepting Him as the Savior, the Lord, and God Himself?  (Mt 16:25-26)

Prayer: Jesus, I can never save myself. I accept Your salvation.

Promise: “See, upon the mountains there advances the bearer of good news, announcing peace!” —Na 2:1

Praise: St. Cajetan did not respond with hate when cruelly treated by the armies sacking Rome, but with prayer.

(For help with Living in Reality, view, download or order our booklet 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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LISTEN UP! - One Bread, One Body, 08/06/2026

Thursday, August 6, 2026, Transfiguration of the Lord

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
2 Peter 1:16-19
Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9
Matthew 17:1-9
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LISTEN UP!
“Suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them. Out of the cloud came a voice which said, ‘This is My beloved Son on Whom My favor rests. Listen to Him.’ ” —Matthew 17:5

Many Christians say they have difficulty listening to God, but many of these Christians profess that Jesus is their Lord. How can Jesus be our Lord and order every detail of our lives if we don’t hear Him?

At Jesus’ Transfiguration, God the Father commanded us to listen to Jesus (Mt 17:5). This means the Lord will provide the grace for us to hear Him, and His grace is sufficient (2 Cor 12:9). To decide to accept the grace of listening to Jesus, we should:

• obey the Church, her magisterium, bishops, and the Pope,
• devote ourselves to communal life in Christ (Acts 2:42),
• live a sacramental life, including a daily time of mental prayer,
• abide in God’s Word (Jn 8:31),
• change our lifestyles dramatically to maximize listening and minimize distractions, and
• set aside each day a time to be silent.

The Lord expects us to listen to Him daily. He will honor our attempts — no matter how feeble they are — and tell us “things great beyond reach” of our knowledge (Jer 33:3).

What an awesome privilege to listen to the all-holy, Triune God! Let us center our day and our lives on listening to Him and obeying Him.

Prayer: Father, make listening to You a top priority for me.

Promise: “We possess the prophetic message as something altogether reliable. Keep your attention closely fixed on it, as you would on a lamp shining in a dark place until the first streaks of dawn appear and the morning star rises in your hearts.” —2 Pt 1:19

Praise: Praise Jesus, transfigured in glory, “the Light of the world” (Jn 8:12), shining in radiant splendor.



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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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ANYTHING AT ANY TIME - One Bread, One Body, 08/05/2026

Wednesday, August 5, 2026, Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major

Jeremiah 31:1-7
Jeremiah 31:10-13
Matthew 15:21-28

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ANYTHING AT ANY TIME
“Shout with joy for Jacob, exult at the head of the nations; proclaim your praise and say: The Lord has delivered His people.” —Jeremiah 31:7

For years your daughter has had severe problems, which may have been caused by the devil himself. You have tried everything, but to no avail. Finally, in desperation, you cry out to Jesus: “Lord, Son of David, have pity on me!” (Mt 15:22) Do you believe that your daughter can be completely delivered and healed?

For thirty-nine years you have been in exile in Babylon. Your nation has been destroyed. You have no army or power. Do you believe that within a year you can be dancing back home, “carrying your festive tambourines”? (Jer 31:4)

You have spent years praying for the downfall of the culture of death and for a new civilization of life and love. Yet it seems all for naught, as the culture has grown even more pagan. You promote the truth and the Faith, yet it seems that many in the modern secular culture are more deeply committed to falsehood than orthodox Christians are to the truth. Do you believe the Lord can quickly change this situation?

The Lord can do the impossible quickly by His sovereign power. God can give us an impossible victory at any moment. “Trust in Him at all times” (Ps 62:9).

Prayer: Father, do more than I can ask or imagine (Eph 3:20).

Promise: “With age-old love I have loved you; so I have kept My mercy toward you.” —Jer 31:3

Praise: Sarah was a teenager when her mother died. She asked the Blessed Virgin Mary to be her mother (see Jn 19:27). She has experienced Mary’s maternal presence and protection for the rest of her adult life.



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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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LOOKING TO OBEY - One Bread, One Body, 08/04/2026

Tuesday, August 4, 2026, St. John Mary Vianney

Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22
Psalm 102:16-21, 29, 22-23
Matthew 15:1-2, 10-14

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LOOKING TO OBEY
“Incurable is your wound, grievous your bruise; there is none to plead your cause, no remedy for your running sore, no healing for you.” —Jeremiah 30:12-13

Jeremiah considered the condition of God’s people incurable. However, the Lord revealed that this impossible condition would be reversed. The Lord promised: “From them will resound songs of praise, the laughter of happy men. I will make them not few, but many; they will not be tiny, for I will glorify them” (Jer 30:19).

This miraculous change is done in the same way in which St. Peter walked on water. Peter was able to walk on water (Mt 14:29) by fixing his eyes on Jesus, the Beginning and the End of our faith (see Heb 12:2). Peter was called not just to look at Jesus, but to look at Jesus for the purpose of obeying Him. The psalmist prays: “To You I lift up my eyes Who are enthroned in heaven. Behold, as the eyes of servants are on the hands of their masters...so are our eyes on the Lord” (Ps 123:1-2). We fix our eyes on Jesus just as servants look at their masters’ hands.

After walking on water, Jesus healed all who touched the tassel of His cloak (Mt 14:36). This is like looking at Jesus in order to walk on water. Both looking and touching are acts of obedience. God said: “When you use these tassels, let the sight of them remind you to keep all the commandments of the Lord” (Nm 15:39).

Miraculous changes are done by looking to obey and touching to obey. The most miraculous change of all and the basis for all miraculous changes was done through Jesus “obediently accepting even death, death on a cross!” (Phil 2:8; see also Rm 5:19) Obey the Lord and change the world.

Prayer: Father, may my life be a walk on the waters because I walk in obedience.

Promise: “The nations shall revere Your name, O Lord.” —Ps 102:16

Praise: Through faith, St. John Vianney was able to obediently accept the high demands of his priestly duties.



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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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