BLESS US, O LORD? - One Bread, One Body, 06/08/2026

Monday, June 8, 2026,

1 Kings 17:1-6
Psalm 121:1-8
Matthew 5:1-12

View Readings

Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

BLESS US, O LORD?
“He began to teach them.” —Matthew 5:2

In St. Matthew’s Gospel, today’s reading of the Beatitudes is the first time Jesus teaches His disciples. Jesus, the great Teacher, knows a strong first impression and solid introduction are critical. So Jesus’ initial teaching is something very important: how to be blessed.

The word “blessed” that Jesus speaks in the Beatitudes can also be translated “happy” (see Mt 5:3-11). In the Beatitudes, Jesus teaches a way to happiness and blessedness. Many books in today’s culture that promise happiness are big sellers. With such a large market for happiness, you’d think that Bibles would be flying off the shelves of bookstores, Bible study groups on the Beatitudes would be standing room only, and our parishes would have hundreds of new Catholics coming into the Church each year.

This isn’t the case. The logical explanation is that most people don’t believe Jesus when He tells us how to be blessed and happy. It’s as if people read the Beatitudes and think, “If being meek, sorrowing, and persecuted is how I have to live to be happy, then I’d rather not be ‘blessed.’ ”

In what do we put more faith: the voice of the secular culture or the message of Jesus? Look at Elijah in today’s first reading. He was persecuted by the government for his prophetic message and forced into hiding for years (see e.g. 1 Kgs 19:2). Yet he was blessed, for God miraculously fed him each day (1 Kgs 17:6).

Don’t live a half-life (1 Jn 3:14), settling “for what fails to satisfy” (Is 55:2). Have faith in Jesus (Jn 14:1). Live the Beatitudes.

Prayer: Jesus, may I never take Your place and try to manufacture my own blessings. Grace me to daily live the Beatitudes.

Promise: “My help is from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” —Ps 121:2

Praise: Father Jim’s parish prioritized reaching out to unchurched people within their parish boundaries. Last year, fifty people converted to Catholicism and joined the parish.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to https://www.presentationministries.com/subscribe/email

To remove your e-mail address from this list, click here..

“EAT MY FLESH” (see Jn 6:56) - One Bread, One Body, 06/07/2026

Sunday, June 7, 2026, Body and Blood of Christ
(Corpus Christi)

Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16
1 Corinthians 10:16-17
Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20
John 6:51-58
View Readings

Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

“EAT MY FLESH” (see Jn 6:56)
“How can He give us His flesh to eat?” —John 6:52

From a human viewpoint, the above question is understandably difficult to comprehend. “How can [Jesus] give us His flesh to eat?” (Jn 6:52) If we were to re-phrase this question as follows, it might be more comprehensible: “How can this God-Man give us His flesh to eat?”

The Eucharist makes no sense unless we know precisely Who Jesus is: fully God and fully man (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, 479-483). A man who is only human cannot give us his flesh to eat and remain alive. A god couldn’t give up his flesh to eat for he wouldn’t have any flesh (see Lk 24:39). A God-Man can, however, give His flesh for us to eat, and still remain alive. Jesus does not die; instead, we who eat His flesh will live (Jn 6:57).

The Catholic Church in the USA recently completed a three-year Eucharistic revival. This teaching was written during the early portion of the revival. You are now reading this teaching after the completion of this revival. Did the Eucharistic revival have the intended impact in your life? Well, that depends on if you gave your flesh for Jesus as He gave His flesh for you. Did you renounce your flesh? (see Lk 14:33) Did you deny your very self, take up your cross, and follow in His footsteps? (Lk 9:23) If not, tell Jesus: “Lord, this is my body to be given up for You.”

Prayer: Father, I open wide my mouth so You can fill it as You wish (Ps 81:11).

Promise: “The man who feeds on Me will have life because of Me.” —Jn 6:57

Praise: “Sweet Sacrament, we Thee adore. O, make us love Thee more and more. O, make us love Thee more and more.”

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Step out of the confusing world and into God’s reality with our retreat June 26-28: Living in Reality. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com for more info.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to https://www.presentationministries.com/subscribe/email

To remove your e-mail address from this list, click here..

THE PRECIOUS VOCATION OF WIDOWS - One Bread, One Body, 06/06/2026

Saturday, June 6, 2026, St. Norbert

2 Timothy 4:1-8
Psalm 71:8-9, 14-17, 22
Mark 12:38-44

View Readings

Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

THE PRECIOUS VOCATION OF WIDOWS
“I want you to observe that this poor widow contributed more than all the others.” —Mark 12:43

A mark of “pure worship” and true religion is our concern for widows (Jas 1:27). This suggests that a widow has a very important part in God’s plan, if she “has set her hope on God and continues night and day in supplications and prayers” (1 Tm 5:5). Holy widows are so precious that, when necessary, the Church has paid for their expenses so that they can continue their ministry without being concerned about their livelihood (1 Tm 5:3ff). When widows give all that they have “to live on” (Mk 12:44), even if monetarily that is only worth a cent, they may be giving “more than all the others” (Mk 12:43).

Consequently, widows, make a decision to give your lives to the Lord and His Church. By His grace and your obedient love, make the last years of your life the very best. Guard against giving yourselves up “to selfish indulgence,” for this is “a life of living death” (1 Tm 5:6). Widows, God has good reasons for giving you a few years of life after your husbands’ deaths. Trust Jesus and let Him be Lord of your lives and therefore of your widowhood.

Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit to teach us the significance of all our vocations. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us to live our vocations to the full.

Promise: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” —2 Tm 4:7

Praise: Narrowly escaping death in a storm, St. Norbert renounced his worldly lifestyle, gave his possessions to the poor, and became a priest.

(For a related teaching, listen to, download or order A Prophetic Life-Style on AV 75-3 or V 75 on our website.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to https://www.presentationministries.com/subscribe/email

To remove your e-mail address from this list, click here..

IN WANT? - One Bread, One Body, 06/05/2026

Friday, June 5, 2026, St. Boniface

2 Timothy 3:10-17
Psalm 119:157, 160-161, 165-166, 168
Mark 12:35-37

View Readings

Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

IN WANT?
“All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” —2 Timothy 3:12, RSV-CE

Persecution is not the devil’s only attempt to stop godly living. Satan attacks early to try to stop godly “wanting.” For instance, the devil wants us to look at Mass as merely our Sunday obligation. Even if we go, he tries to make us not want to go, not want to pray, not want to give, not want to forgive, love, try, or care.

However, the Lord wants us to be consumed by zeal for His house (Jn 2:17). The Lord calls us to want to thirst for Him “as the hind longs for the running waters” (Ps 42:2). You may not yet be living a truly godly life; yet if you just want to do so, you “will be persecuted” (2 Tm 3:12, RSV-CE).  But do not fear Satan and his attempts to persecute you.  Rather, fear God, Who is leading you deeper into His heart (see Mt 10:28).

May our flesh pine and our souls thirst for the living God (Ps 63:2). May our hearts and “flesh cry out for the living God” (Ps 84:3). May we pray and say with Jesus: “I have come to light a fire on the earth. How I wish the blaze were ignited!” (Lk 12:49)

Don’t be intimidated (Mt 10:26) and manipulated by the threat of persecution. Want, thirst, and burn to live for God.

Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit to give me the sacrificial love that will move me to want to live totally for You.

Promise: “All Scripture is inspired of God and is useful for teaching — for reproof, correction, and training in holiness so that the man of God may be fully competent and equipped for every good work.” —2 Tm 3:16-17

Praise: St. Boniface spent much of his ministry reforming the church in Germany. He was martyred while preparing converts for Confirmation.

(For a related teaching on Be Holy, for I am Holy, view, download or order our leaflet on our website.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to https://www.presentationministries.com/subscribe/email

To remove your e-mail address from this list, click here..

HOW HE SAVES US - One Bread, One Body, 06/04/2026

Thursday, June 4, 2026,

2 Timothy 2:8-15
Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14
Mark 12:28-34

View Readings

Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

HOW HE SAVES US
“Obtain the salvation to be found in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.” —2 Timothy 2:10

God wants all to be saved (1 Tm 2:4) from sin, death, Satan, hell and sanctified for perfect love and eternal life. We cannot save ourselves. Jesus alone can save us. We accept His grace of salvation by faith, which empowers us for good works (see Eph 2:8-10). In this way, we work out and obtain our salvation (Phil 2:12).

St. Paul spelled out some of the details of accepting the grace of salvation by faith. He said: “You can depend on this” (2 Tm 2:11). First, we must die with Jesus by being baptized and living our Baptisms, as we repeatedly choose to die to ourselves (see 2 Tm 2:11; 2 Cor 4:10-11). Second, we must persevere in our faith in the Lord (2 Tm 2:12). Third, we should admit we are quite capable of denying Christ (see 2 Tm 2:12). Therefore, we need to accept the grace to overcome this temptation. Finally, we should focus on faithfulness (see 2 Tm 2:13) so that, on Judgment Day, the Lord will say to us: “Well done, good and faithful servants” (see Mt 25:21).

To understand and accept salvation, we must:

• die with Jesus in Baptism,
• persevere in total love for Jesus,
• cry out for the grace not to deny Jesus, and
• be faithful to Jesus and His Church.

“Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, and all your household” (Acts 16:31).

Prayer: Father, may I live my life so as to help lead to salvation as many people as possible (see 1 Cor 9:22).

Promise: “Jesus replied: ‘This is the first: “Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! Therefore you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” This is the second, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” ’ ” —Mk 12:29-31

Praise: Dr. Norm asked Jesus to heal his patient’s migraine headache. The pain left her.



-----------------------------------------------------------------

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to https://www.presentationministries.com/subscribe/email

To remove your e-mail address from this list, click here..

LIGHT FOR LIFE - One Bread, One Body, 06/03/2026

Wednesday, June 3, 2026, St. Charles Lwanga & Companions

2 Timothy 1:1-3, 6-12
Psalm 123:1-2
Mark 12:18-27

View Readings

Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

LIGHT FOR LIFE
Jesus “has robbed death of its power and has brought life and immortality into clear light through the gospel.”—2 Timothy 1:10

I read today’s Eucharistic readings a few times but did not seem to receive any inspirations. Then my surgeon called and said my liver cancer had grown. After that, the words of the Scriptures “jumped off the page”:

• God “is the God of the living, not of the dead” (Mk 12:27).
• “When people rise from the dead,” they “live like angels in heaven” (Mk 12:25).
• Jesus “robbed death of its power and has brought life and immortality into clear light through the gospel” (2 Tm 1:10).

The more we are in touch with reality, the greater the light shining forth from the Bible. We see it when a mother has given birth or a family member dies. We see it when a person is in danger of death, or again when someone has been healed, or yet again when we marry or suffer divorce, or are in joy or pain, have lost or found a job, or have moved somewhere unfamiliar — then our consciousness of the circumstances of life is heightened. In such circumstances, God’s Word is even more obviously “living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword. It penetrates and divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the reflections and thoughts of the heart” (Heb 4:12).

Jesus came to give us abundant life (Jn 10:10). Those who live abundantly see the light of the Scriptures in brilliant radiance. Accept Jesus as your Life (see Jn 14:6). Then He and His Word will be your Light (see Jn 8:12).

Prayer: Father, may I not be afraid to live fully.

Promise: “The Spirit God has given us is no cowardly spirit, but rather One that makes us strong, loving, and wise.” —2 Tm 1:7

Praise: St. Charles Lwanga chose to follow Jesus in purity and holiness and it cost him his very life in martyrdom.



-----------------------------------------------------------------

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to https://www.presentationministries.com/subscribe/email

To remove your e-mail address from this list, click here..

SOON AND VERY SOON - One Bread, One Body, 06/02/2026

Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Sts. Marcellinus & Peter

2 Peter 3:12-15, 17-18
Psalm 90:2-4, 10, 14, 16
Mark 12:13-17

View Readings

Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

SOON AND VERY SOON
“...looking for the coming of the day of God and trying to hasten it!” —2 Peter 3:12

Are you trying to speed up Jesus’ Second Coming? The sooner the better! No matter how happy you are on earth, you’re still exiled in a strange land (1 Pt 2:11). Won’t you feel good going home to Abba in heaven? So cry out “Maranatha,” “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Rv 22:20) Pray, repent, and lead others to Jesus. With every word, the seconds tick away, “soon” becomes “sooner,” and time approaches the timeless. “Come, Lord Jesus!”

We all must get ready for Jesus’ Second Coming because some of God’s holy people are speeding it up. He’s been waiting on us and, when we get as ready as we’re going to be, then He will come riding on the clouds, accompanied by the angels, at the final trumpet blast (1 Thes 4:16). “So, beloved, while waiting for this, make every effort to be found without stain or defilement, and at peace in His sight. Consider that our Lord’s patience is directed toward salvation” (2 Pt 3:14-15).

Don’t sell out to the world. Don’t possess Caesar’s property, because you don’t belong to Caesar (Mk 12:17). You are not of the world, but have been chosen out of the world (Jn 15:19). “What we await are new heavens and a new earth where, according to His promise, the justice of God will reside” (2 Pt 3:13).

Prayer: Jesus, You’ll hurry up if I hurry up. Come, Lord Jesus!

Promise: “The heavens will be destroyed in flames and the elements will melt away in a blaze.” —2 Pt 3:12

Praise: One of the executioners who participated in the martyrdom of Sts. Marcellinus and Peter was so moved by their faith in Jesus that he became a Christian. As he shared the story of their heroic faith, one of his listeners was a boy who later became Pope St. Damasus I.

(Check out www.presentationministries.com to see our upcoming summer retreats. Get refreshed and closer to the Lord with a visit to our retreat center.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to https://www.presentationministries.com/subscribe/email

To remove your e-mail address from this list, click here..