WHAT’S RIGHT WITH YOU? - One Bread, One Body, 07/31/2026

Friday, July 31, 2026 , St. Ignatius of Loyola

Jeremiah 26:1-9
Psalm 69:5, 8-10, 14
Matthew 13:54-58

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WHAT’S RIGHT WITH YOU?
“When Jeremiah finished speaking all that the Lord bade him speak to all the people, the priests and prophets laid hold of him, crying, ‘You must be put to death!’ ” —Jeremiah 26:8

What would happen if you imitated Jeremiah? What if you walked into church and announced, “God told me to tell you that if you do not obey Him, but continue to disobey, and do not repent, your lives will be desolate, and people will use your name to curse one another!” (see Jer 26:4-6) You might get some violent reactions, as Jeremiah did. People might say “What’s wrong with you?” and wish you were dead (see Jer 26:8-9).

Jesus calls us to be “the salt of the earth” (Mt 5:13). Salt preserves and adds flavor. However, people have open sores due to unrepented sin, and salt doesn’t feel too good on an open sore. We’re also called to be the “light of the world” (Mt 5:14). Light helps us see and keeps us from stumbling and hurting ourselves. Yet people are spiritually dormant due to unrepented sin — and light is very irritating to a person who wants to sleep (see Jn 3:19-20).

Usually, if someone is upset with us, we think we must have done something wrong. In fact, the reverse may be true, that is, we may have done something right! They wanted to kill Jesus for resurrecting St. Lazarus (Jn 11:53). They even wanted to kill Lazarus (Jn 12:10-11), because he was walking, living proof of the life-giving power of Christ.

Prayer: Father, may I have the same relationship to the world as You do (Jn 3:16) and as Jesus does (1 Jn 4:17).

Promise: “In Your great kindness answer me with Your constant help.” —Ps 69:14

Praise: St. Ignatius of Loyola formulated practical rules for discernment of spirits, which aid people in hearing and heeding the voice of God.

(For a related teaching on Seek Prophecy, 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 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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GLOBAL WARMING - One Bread, One Body, 07/30/2026

Thursday, July 30, 2026, St. Peter Chrysologus

Jeremiah 18:1-6
Psalm 146:1-6
Matthew 13:47-53

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GLOBAL WARMING
“That is how it will be at the end of the world. Angels will go out and separate the wicked from the just and hurl the wicked into the fiery furnace.” —Matthew 13:49-50

Much attention is paid to global warming. Scientists warn that the temperature of Earth is rising, polar and glacial ice are melting, and rising sea levels may flood coastal cities. People are already afraid and anxious about the future of planet earth amid global warming, toxic nuclear waste, holes in the ozone layer, and numerous other lethal problems, such as potential nuclear wars.

Sadly, too little attention is paid to a different source of warming. There is a “fiery furnace” (Mt 13:50), where “the fire is never extinguished” (Mk 9:48). Jesus warns of far greater eventualities: “on the earth, nations will be in anguish, distraught at the roaring of the sea and the waves. Men will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the earth” (Lk 21:25-26).

Jesus plainly states that planet “Earth will pass away” (Lk 21:33). We are called by Jesus to be aware of a much greater, more certain catastrophic warming: the fiery furnace of hell. Hell is not a popular topic in our secular culture, nor is sin. However, Jesus speaks regularly of hell and sin. Jesus did not come to condemn us to hell; “there is no condemnation now for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rm 8:1). To whom should we listen: the voices of the secular culture or the voice of Jesus, Who knows about eternal salvation? (see Jn 3:12) Listen to Jesus. Accept His saving grace. Let Him spare you from “the fires of hell.”

Prayer: “O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy.”

Promise: “Indeed, like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in My hand.” —Jer 18:6

Praise: St. Peter Chrysologus asked, “Why...are you so worthless in your own eyes and yet so precious to God?”

(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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HOSPITALITY PLUS - One Bread, One Body, 07/29/2026

Wednesday, July 29, 2026, Sts. Martha, Mary & Lazarus

Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21
Psalm 59:2-4, 10-11, 17-18
John 11:19-27
John 11:19-27

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HOSPITALITY PLUS
“The Lord in reply said to her: ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and upset about many things; one thing only is required. Mary has chosen the better portion and she shall not be deprived of it.’ ” —Luke 10:41-42

In St. Luke’s Gospel, loving God with all our hearts and our neighbor as ourselves is often a matter of offering hospitality. That’s what the Good Samaritan did for the man who fell prey to robbers (Lk 10:34-35). Hospitality was how St. Martha showed her love to Jesus (Lk 10:38). Luke teaches that hospitality is one of the most important expressions of love.

After extolling the merits of hospitality, Luke hits us with the revelation that there is something even better. The portion better than hospitality is sitting at the Lord’s feet and listening to His words (Lk 10:39). Listening to Jesus’ words is the ultimate, the key to the meaning of life, the most awesome privilege possible for human beings.

Do you listen to the Lord throughout the day? Do you set a time each day when you focus on listening to the Lord? Are you “overjoyed to hear” Jesus’ voice? (Jn 3:29) “By waiting and by calm you shall be saved, in quiet and in trust your strength lies” (Is 30:15). Listen to the still, small voice of God (1 Kgs 19:12). Jesus is God’s beloved Son. “Listen to Him” (Mk 9:7).

Prayer: Father, Your words are “spirit and life” (Jn 6:63). May I listen accordingly.

Promise: “I am the Resurrection and the Life: whoever believes in Me, though he should die, will come to life; and whoever is alive and believes in Me will never die.” —Jn 11:25-26

Praise: St. Martha exercised both her gift of hospitality and her ability to listen and trust in her Lord (see Jn 11:27).

(For a related teaching on "Hearing God", 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 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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APOSTATES - One Bread, One Body, 07/28/2026

Tuesday, July 28, 2026,

Jeremiah 14:17-22
Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13
Matthew 13:36-43

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APOSTATES
“The Son of Man will dispatch His angels to collect from His kingdom all who draw others to apostasy.” —Matthew 13:41

At the end of the world, the Lord will hurl into hell those who have drawn others to apostasy (Mt 13:42). After they’ve done their “dirty work,” then God puts them out of business! Why doesn’t God deal with those who confuse His people before they do their damage? It’s because He wants to give them maximum time to repent (see 2 Pt 3:9). Therefore, we all have to suffer while waiting for those who draw others to apostasy to be drawn to Jesus.

While we wait in the midst of confusion, lies, and apostasy, the Lord protects us by sending the Holy Spirit to the Church. The Spirit:

1)      raises up teachers who interpret the Bible rightly,

2)      works through the Pope infallibly in matters of faith and morals, and

3)      gives to members of the Church the gift of discernment of spirits (1 Cor 12:10). Because the Spirit works through the Church, we have all the means of grace available to resist apostasy and even reject the mass apostasy at the end of the world (2 Thes 2:3).

At this point in time, the Lord is combatting the spirit of the antichrist by pouring forth the Spirit of Truth (see Jn 16:13). The Lord desires to defeat His enemies by converting them. While guarding us from apostasy, the Lord keeps apostates alive so that all will “be saved and come to know the truth” (1 Tm 2:4).

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for delaying Your Second Coming so that as many as possible will be saved.

Promise: “Is it not You alone, O Lord, our God, to Whom we look? You alone have done all these things.” —Jer 14:22

Praise: For more than fifty years Matthew not only resisted but fought the Church, until he finally accepted the grace of repentance and accepted Christ.

(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 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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PERMEATION - One Bread, One Body, 07/27/2026

Monday, July 27, 2026,

Jeremiah 13:1-11
Deuteronomy 32:18-21
Matthew 13:31-35

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PERMEATION
“Eventually the whole mass of dough began to rise.” —Matthew 13:33

In our culture of death, many Christians are preoccupied with crisis intervention so as to minimize damages inflicted on an eroding, lukewarm Christianity. Although the ones doing this are often making heroic sacrifices, the Lord, being all-powerful, is not interested in mere damage control.

Some Christians, more bold and less tamed by secular humanism, dare to challenge our anti-Christian culture. They intend to infiltrate the world and compete with it. They set up Christian businesses, view Christian content on their smartphones, watch Christian TV programs, read Christian newspapers, etc. These are steps in the right direction, but the Lord wants so much more.

The all-powerful, all-loving God wants us not merely to infiltrate the world but to permeate it. We are to act as the leaven, through which “eventually the whole mass of dough” begins to rise (Mt 13:33). We are to turn “the world upside down” (Acts 17:6, RSV-CE). We are to flip the secular humanistic culture by discovering and inventing the means of permeating it with the Gospel (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 899). This seems impossible, but “nothing is impossible with God” (Lk 1:37).

Prayer: Jesus, every knee will bend and every tongue proclaim that You are Lord (Phil 2:10-11).

Promise: “I made the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah cling to Me, says the Lord; to be My people, My renown, My praise, My beauty.” —Jer 13:11

Praise: Lisa teaches her students to ask the Lord even for the grace to want to turn from our old ways.

(For a related teaching on Mission Impossible, 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 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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FEELING INADEQUATE? - One Bread, One Body, 07/26/2026

Sunday, July 26, 2026, 17th Sunday Ordinary Time

1 Kings 3:5, 7-12
Romans 8:28-30
Psalm 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-130
Matthew 13:44-52
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FEELING INADEQUATE?
“I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act.” —1 Kings 3:7

Do you feel inadequate? Maybe you don’t have the slightest idea how you should act in a certain situation or in most situations. Like Solomon, ask the Lord for an understanding heart (1 Kgs 3:9). The Lord will make you more than adequate.

Some of you feel it’s too late. Your life is already in shambles. You’ve been abused, broken, and shattered. However, the Lord promises to make “all things work together for the good of those who love” Him (Rm 8:28). Give your brokenness to Jesus, and He will use it as raw material for a miracle. In Him, you can do all things (see Phil 4:13).

You may feel that your resources, education, energy, etc. are inadequate. Nevertheless, the Lord tells you that you can purchase the most precious treasure of all, that is, the kingdom of God. He has made it affordable for you. God’s kingdom does not cost a certain amount but a certain percentage: 100% (Mt 13:44-46). You can purchase it but can’t purchase anything else if you do.

You don’t have to feel inadequate. In Christ, you have understanding, miracles, strength (Phil 4:13), hope (Col 1:27), energy (Col 1:29), joy (Jn 15:11), and peace (Jn 16:33). In Christ, you have God’s kingdom. You are more than adequate.

Prayer: Father, may I rejoice in my exalted position as Your child (see 2 Cor 6:18).

Promise: “The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant’s search for fine pearls. When he found one really valuable pearl, he went back and put up for sale all that he had and bought it.” —Mt 13:45-46

Praise: Praise Jesus, “the Resurrection and the Life” (Jn 11:25), Whose name is exalted above the heavens!



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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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THE HEAD OF THE CLASS - One Bread, One Body, 07/25/2026

Saturday, July 25, 2026, St. James

2 Corinthians 4:7-15
Psalm 126:1-6
Matthew 20:20-28

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THE HEAD OF THE CLASS
“We believe and so we speak, knowing that He Who raised up the Lord Jesus will raise us up along with Jesus.”—2 Corinthians 4:13-14

St. James must have been one powerful apostle! When “King Herod started to harass” the Church, his first move was to cut off James’ head (Acts 12:1, 2). “This pleased certain of the Jews” (Acts 12:3). Only after James was killed did Herod turn his attention to arresting St. Peter (Acts 12:3). James, who was the first apostle to die for love of Jesus, was obviously one giant headache for Herod and the Jewish leaders. James had the courage and the faith to speak out in the name of Jesus, knowing that he would share in the Resurrection of Jesus (2 Cor 4:13-14).

Earlier, James was a headache for the other apostles (Mt 20:24). He sought to be elevated above them. Jesus patiently explained to James and the others that the way to aspire to greatness is to humbly descend into service (Mt 20:26-27). James eventually took Jesus’ admonition to heart. After Pentecost, James did not try to preserve his own life. He was constantly teaching the people about the Good News of Jesus the Messiah (Acts 5:42) and working signs and wonders among the people (Acts 5:12). With great faith, James gave his own life for love of God and His people (Mt 20:28). Like James, may our lives be so powerful in Jesus that we are a headache to those who oppose Jesus and His kingdom.

Prayer: Father, may I be fearless in the Holy Spirit as St. James was.

Promise: “This treasure we possess in earthen vessels, to make it clear that its surpassing power comes from God and not from us.” —2 Cor 4:7

Praise: St. James, “Son of Thunder” (Mk 3:17), was the first apostle to give his life in martyrdom for Jesus (Acts 12:1).

(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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