HANDING OVER - One Bread, One Body, 05/25/2026

Monday, May 25, 2026, Mary, Mother of the Church

Genesis 3:9-15, 20 or>br>Acts 1:12-14
Psalm 87:1-3, 5-7
John 19:25-34

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HANDING OVER
Jesus “handed over…” —John 19:30, RNAB

Jesus handed over His Church, personified by the beloved disciple, to Mary (Jn 19:26). Then He handed over His mother to the beloved disciple, that is, to us, the members of the Church (Jn 19:27). “Jesus, realizing that everything was now finished…said, ‘I am thirsty’ ” (Jn 19:28). He could truly say, “It is finished” and hand over His spirit to the Father (Jn 19:30). Now our part begins.

Jesus told a parable about how to respond when something of great value is handed over to us. “A man who was going on a journey…handed his funds over to” his servants (Mt 25:14). The Master expected His servants to use what had been handed over to them prudently and faithfully. The servants labored to increase the return of their Master’s investment. When the Master returned, the servants handed back the fruits of their service to Him (Lk 19:16-17), but one had no fruit to hand over to the Master (Lk 19:20).

Yesterday, at Pentecost, we read that Jesus tells us: “Receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn 20:22). Today, we read that Jesus thirsts (Jn 19:28). Will we quench His thirst by receiving all that He has handed over to us? Will we receive the Holy Spirit and the spouse of the Spirit, Mary, Mother of the Church?

Prayer: Jesus, Head of the Church, I long to receive anything You hand over to me. Help me to be worthy of Your trust by bearing lasting fruit for You.

Promise: “Together they devoted themselves to constant prayer.” —Acts 1:14

Praise: Alice experienced a profound deepening of her conversion upon reading St. Louis de Montfort’s book, True Devotion to Mary. For several decades since, she has taught many people this consecration to Jesus through Mary.

(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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FIERY TONGUES - One Bread, One Body, 05/24/2026

Sunday, May 24, 2026, Pentecost

Acts 2:1-11
1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13
Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34
John 20:19-23
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FIERY TONGUES
“Tongues as of fire appeared, which parted and came to rest on each of them.” —Acts 2:3

Can you imagine a big batch of flying, fiery tongues entering the room? Why not a group of flying noses or fiery gall bladders? Why did God send fiery tongues at the first Christian Pentecost?

Fiery tongues are a Jewish tradition associated with the renewal of the covenant. Fire is the most powerful means of purification. So fiery tongues express the covenant with Yahweh to love Him alone with all our hearts — with hearts purely, exclusively committed to Him (see Mt 5:8).

At the first Christian Pentecost, Jesus’ disciples spoke not only in the fiery tongues of the covenant but also in foreign tongues. The disciples spoke in languages they didn’t know (Acts 2:4, 6, 8). This was a sign of the reversal of the division from the tower of Babel (see Gn 11:6-8). These foreign tongues were also fiery in that they began to purify us of the pride that divided us.

St. Peter continued to speak in fiery tongues when he prophesied and preached in the fire of the Spirit so as to lead three thousand people to the purifying waters of Baptism (Acts 2:41). Sts. Peter and John spoke in fiery tongues when they healed the man lame from birth (see Acts 3:6ff). Fiery tongues are the way in which the Spirit is renewing the face of the earth (see Ps 104:30).

Do you speak in fiery tongues? Do your words purify, transform, and unify? On this Pentecost, ask for the fiery tongues of the Spirit.

Prayer: Father, may I speak in my native fiery tongue and in foreign, fiery tongues. Come, Holy Spirit!

Promise: “Then [Jesus] breathed on them and said: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’ ” —Jn 20:22

Praise: Alleluia! The Holy Spirit, God Himself, lives in me! (1 Cor 6:19; Jn 14:17) Alleluia!



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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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FOCUSED FOLLOWING - One Bread, One Body, 05/23/2026

Saturday, May 23, 2026 , Pentecost Novena — Day 9

Acts 28:16-20, 30-31
Psalm 11:4-5, 7
John 21:20-25

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FOCUSED FOLLOWING
“Jesus replied, ‘How does that concern you? Your business is to follow Me.’ ” —John 21:22

Jesus, risen from the dead, commanded St. Peter again to follow Him (Jn 21:19). Then Peter turned around and noticed another disciple of Jesus. “Seeing him, Peter was prompted to ask Jesus, ‘But Lord, what about him?’ ” (Jn 21:21) Why don’t we just follow Jesus and not worry about everybody or everything else?

Moreover, the other followers of Jesus weren’t focused on following Jesus either. They were busy spreading the rumor that Jesus said the beloved disciple was not going to die (Jn 21:23). How many Christians are more involved in rumors or even gossip than they are in living the Christian life?

In contrast, St. Paul was focused on following Jesus. Even when he was under house arrest at Rome, he wasted no time in calling together the prominent men of the Jewish community and sharing his faith in Jesus (Acts 28:17ff).

Then, even though Paul was disappointed that some of the Jews would not believe, he stayed focused on proclaiming the Gospel. “For two full years...with full assurance, and without any hindrance what-ever, he preached the reign of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 28:30, 31).

On this last day of the Pentecost novena, let us receive the Holy Spirit, put our hands to the plow, and not look back (Lk 9:62; cf Gn 19:26). Stay focused on following Him.

Prayer: Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit, make me a witness for Jesus every day of my life (see Acts 1:8).

Promise: “There are still many other things that Jesus did, yet if they were written about in detail, I doubt there would be room enough in the entire world to hold the books to record them.” —Jn 21:25

Praise: Jesus delivered Carl from addictions to tobacco and alcohol. Now he receives Jesus daily in the Eucharist and devours the Word of God.



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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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UNCHAINED AND FREE - One Bread, One Body, 05/22/2026

Friday, May 22, 2026, St. Rita of Cascia
Pentecost Novena — Day 8

Acts 25:13-21
Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20
John 21:15-19

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UNCHAINED AND FREE
“I issued orders that he be kept in custody until I could send him to the emperor.” —Acts 25:21

“There is no chaining the word of God!” (2 Tm 2:9) If we abide in God’s Word (see Jn 8:31), there’s no chaining us either. God demonstrated this by calling St. Paul to take the Gospel to the world by taking it to Rome, the center of the Western world (Acts 23:11). Yet Paul was in prison. The Lord inspired Paul to request that his case be transferred to Rome (Acts 25:21). However, Paul had to survive a hurricane (Acts 27:14), a shipwreck (Acts 27:26), and the venom of a deadly snake before he could get to Rome (Acts 28:3-6). There he was allowed to be put under house arrest, where “with full assurance, and without any hindrance whatever, he preached the reign of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 28:31). There is no chaining those who proclaim God’s Word, although there are repeated, formidable attempts to chain them.

When we receive the Holy Spirit anew this Pentecost, we will be unchained. We will bolt out of the upper room of fear (see Jn 20:19). We will “move about at large” (Ps 31:9) and be set “free in the open” (Ps 18:20; 2 Sm 22:20). Are you tired of being tamed and chained? Do you want to be off the devil’s leash? Come, Holy Spirit!

Prayer: Father, unchain my heart.

Promise: “When Jesus had finished speaking He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ ” —Jn 21:19

Praise: St. Rita’s constant prayer for her temperamental husband bore fruit as he repented of his sins on his deathbed.

(For a related teaching on Power in the Spirit, listen to, download or order AV 64-1 or V 64 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 RED BADGE OF COURAGE - One Bread, One Body, 05/21/2026

Thursday, May 21, 2026, St. Christopher Magallanes & Companions
Pentecost Novena — Day 7

Acts 22:30; 23:6-11
Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11
John 17:20-26

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THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE
“That night the Lord appeared at Paul’s side and said: “Keep up your courage!’ ” —Acts 23:11

As we near the end of this Pentecost novena, Jesus says again: “Keep up your courage!” We can be courageous, not because circumstances are getting better, but because the Holy Spirit cries out in our hearts “Abba” (Father) (Rm 8:15; Gal 4:6). We have not received a cowardly spirit (2 Tm 1:7) nor “a spirit of slavery leading” us back into fear, but a spirit of adoption (Rm 8:15). We are courageous and fearless because we are adopted children of God, our all-powerful and all-loving Father. The Holy Spirit makes us deeply aware of this. Therefore, we not only have no reason to fear but we know we have no reason to fear. We are secure. By the Spirit, we know that the Father loves us as He loves Jesus (Jn 17:23). We live in the Father’s love (1 Jn 4:16), and this complete “love casts out all fear” (1 Jn 4:18).

We are in a war against demons (Eph 6:12). We are in “culture wars.” We are fighting for our lives and the lives of so many others. Jesus continues to say: “Have no fear. Take courage (see Mk 6:50, RSV-CE).” “Receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn 20:22).  Know the Father’s love. Believe Jesus. Take courage.

Prayer: Father, I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing (1 Cor 9:26). I fight by the power of the Spirit (Zec 4:6).

Promise: “To them I have revealed Your name, and I will continue to reveal it so that Your love for Me may live in them, and I may live in them.” —Jn 17:26

Praise: St. Christopher Magallanes gave his executioners absolution before he was martyred.

(For a related teaching on Spiritual Warfare, view, download or order our leaflet 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 GIFT OF TEARS - One Bread, One Body, 05/20/2026

Wednesday, May 20, 2026, St. Bernardine of Siena
Pentecost Novena — Day 6

Acts 20:28-38
Psalm 68:29-30, 33-36
John 17:11-19

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THE GIFT OF TEARS
“They began to weep without restraint.” —Acts 20:37

If you receive the Holy Spirit more deeply during this Pentecost novena, you will probably feel both more joyful and more sorrowful than ever before. St. Paul, in his life in the Spirit, proclaimed and commanded: “Rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again. Rejoice!” (Phil 4:4) Also, Paul, in his life in the Spirit, was often in tears. He stated: “Do not forget that for three years, night and day, I never ceased warning you individually even to the point of tears” (Acts 20:31). “After this discourse, Paul knelt down with them all and prayed. They began to weep without restraint, throwing their arms around him and kissing him” (Acts 20:36-37). These tears of Paul and of the Ephesian Christians were not tears of joy but of sorrow. Life in the Spirit can be sorrowful, often tearful.

Under these conditions, will we decide to renew our Baptisms and Confirmations, let the Spirit be stirred into flame in our lives, and receive new Pentecosts? Because no one wants to repeatedly shed tears of sorrow, we are tempted to say “Leave, Holy Spirit” rather than “Come, Holy Spirit.” The Holy Spirit respects our freedom. He will not force His love on us. We know that the Spirit moves where He wills (see Jn 3:8), but in many ways the Spirit only moves if we will.

Because of the Lord’s love for you, decide to accept the joy and sorrow of life in the Spirit. Come, Holy Spirit of tears!

Prayer: Father, “Oh, that my head were a spring of water, my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night” for love of You and Your people (Jer 8:23).

Promise: “Consecrate them by means of truth — ‘Your word is truth.’ ” —Jn 17:17

Praise: St. Bernardine was a prodigious missionary preacher, traveling on foot from town to town to spread the Gospel to many thousands of people.



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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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DEATH’S DOOR - One Bread, One Body, 05/19/2026

Tuesday, May 19, 2026, Pentecost Novena — Day 5

Acts 20:17-27
Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21
John 17:1-11

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DEATH’S DOOR
“I know as I speak these words that none of you among whom I went about preaching the kingdom will ever see my face again.” —Acts 20:25

The Lord tells us to think of the day of our death (see Sir 7:36; 28:6). This should not be a morbid thought but rather a way we can get a true perspective on the present. For example, when we think of our deathday, some things clamoring for our attention today seem almost meaningless, while other things that we daily take for granted are recognized as ultimately very significant. The thought of death often clears our vision enough for us to realize that we have wasted much of our lives.

However, Jesus did not have this experience. When He thought of His imminent death, He had no regrets. He prayed to His Father: “I have given You glory on earth by finishing the work You gave Me to do” (Jn 17:4). St. Paul likewise looked back on his life as fulfilled rather than empty as he finished the race and completed the service the Lord had assigned to him (Acts 20:24).

How can we keep from wasting our lives? How can we see the truth before it’s too late? Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can we get in touch with the reality of death and life. Only the Spirit can conquer the illusory, deadly desires of the flesh (see Gal 5:17; Eph 4:22). Only the Spirit of truth is greater than the spirit of death and deception (see 1 Jn 4:4, 6). We either receive the Holy Spirit or live the regrettable stupor of a living death (1 Jn 3:14). Come, Holy Spirit!

Prayer: Father, do in me what You must in order to do through me what You will.

Promise: “Eternal life is this: to know You, the only true God, and Him Whom You have sent, Jesus Christ.” —Jn 17:3

Praise: Mike and Jane learned from the Lord what is most important in life when their child was born with a birth defect.

(With Pentecost coming you may want to view, download or order our booklet Seek the Gifts of the Spirit 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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