THE WORD LESS SPOKEN - One Bread, One Body, 02/05/2026

Thursday, February 5, 2026, St. Agatha

1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12
1 Chronicles 29:10-12
Mark 6:7-13

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THE WORD LESS SPOKEN
"They went off, preaching the need of repentance."—Mark 6:12

Repentance is a term meaning to view things differently and so turn one’s life around in a different direction, generally involving renouncing and confessing sins. When was the last time you used the word “repent” in a conversation? When was the last time you encouraged someone to repent? For that matter, when was the last time you repented?

Jesus commissioned His twelve apostles to drive out demons (Mk 6:7; Mt 10:8). On Catholic radio, I once heard an interview with an exorcist who said that one instance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, that is, Confession, is as powerful as a hundred exorcisms. Proclaiming the need of repentance is critical to Jesus’ ministry of setting the captives free (Lk 4:18). So, now is the time (see 2 Cor 6:2) to talk about “the need of repentance” (Mk 6:12). The Lord is very merciful and kind (see Ps 103:8). He rejoices in repentant sinners (Lk 15:10).

Will you repent today? Will you speak the word “repent” to someone today? A good guideline on the use of the word “repent” is to speak of repentance as often as Jesus did. “Search the Scriptures” (Jn 5:39), and take note of how often Jesus speaks of repentance.

Today, on Thursday, we Catholics pray the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary. The third luminous mystery is the Proclamation of the Kingdom of God, with the Call to Repentance. Let us proclaim repentance. Let Confession lines be full. Let captives be set free. Let repentance be sincere, profound, and life-changing. “Be earnest about it, therefore. Repent!” (Rv 3:19)

Prayer: Father, give me the heart of Jesus for repentance.

Promise: "Keep the mandate of the Lord, your God, following His ways and observing His statutes." —1 Kgs 2:3

Praise: Through great trials and intense physical tortures, St. Agatha endured her martyrdom to the praise and glory of God.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Join us Oct. 18-19 for a study of the Gospel of Mark. This is a great way to rekindle your love, knowledge and commitment to the Lord. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com.)

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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 February 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 27, 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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COUNT ME IN OR COUNT ME OUT? - One Bread, One Body, 02/04/2026

Wednesday, February 4, 2026,

2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17
Psalm 32:1-2, 5-7
Mark 6:1-6
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COUNT ME IN OR COUNT ME OUT?
"Afterward, however, David regretted having numbered the people, and said to the Lord: 'I have sinned grievously in what I have done.' " —2 Samuel 24:10

Do you remember how proud you were when you learned to count to ten all by yourself? Human beings love to count. This is because we are created in the image and likeness of God, and God loves to count. One of the books of the Bible is even named Numbers. The Bible begins with seven days. The Bible ends with 144,000 saved (Rv 14:1-3), the total fulfillment of the entire Scriptures.  There are twelve tribes of Israel in the Old Testament, twelve apostles in the New Testament and one-thousand shows a massive and overwhelming fullness. God, the accountant, even counts the hairs on our heads (Mt 10:30) and the number of tears we shed (Ps 56:9).

However, because our nature is fallen, our counting can be fallen. For example, David ordered a census and counted the men fit for military service (2 Sm 24:2ff). David did this against God’s will. The Lord had always told His people they would be victorious even if they were outnumbered (e.g. Lv 26:8; Jgs 7:7; 1 Sm 14:6; 1 Mc 3:18-19). So why count the troops? Didn’t David believe God?

Like David, we can sin in counting. We can count too much on money and possessions. We can count others’ sins against us and be unforgiving (cf 1 Cor 13:5). We can count ourselves better than others (cf Phil 2:3-4). We must resist these temptations to count sinfully and repent if we have sinned in these areas.

The main thing is that we can count on God, and we want Him to be able to count on us. Count in the Lord.

Prayer: Father, make me steadfast so You can count on me no matter what.

Promise: "Happy is he whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered." —Ps 32:1

Praise: When his wife became permanently bedridden, Alfred counted his blessings and was as loving a husband as ever.



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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 February 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 27, 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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“ONLY BELIEVE” - One Bread, One Body, 02/03/2026

Tuesday, February 3, 2026, St. Blaise
St. Ansgar

2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14, 24-25, 30—19
Psalm 86:1-6
Mark 5:21-43

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"ONLY BELIEVE"
"Do not fear; only believe." —Mark 5:36, RSV-CE

We believe in Jesus, but we may have a lack of faith (Mk 9:24). Faith and doubt coexist in us. We believe, but we may also give in to fear. Likewise, faith and fear may coexist in us.

Jesus wants us to put out fear, doubt, and unforgiveness from our hearts, as He put the mourners out from the room where Jairus’ dead daughter lay (see Mk 5:40). When we put everything out but faith, we are obeying Jesus’ double commands: “Do not fear; only believe” (Mk 5:36, RSV-CE).

When we are single-hearted (see Mt 5:8) instead of mixed-up, we are no longer being pushed around by the crowd of fear, doubt, and confusion (see Mk 5:24). When we have “only faith,” we are not in the room of death; rather, we are in the room of resurrection. We need purified and pure faith.

“All depends on faith, everything is grace” (Rm 4:16). “Do not fear; only believe” (Mk 5:36, RSV-CE).

Prayer: Father, as I receive the St. Blaise blessing today, give me pure, uncontaminated faith in You.

Promise: "At this the family's astonishment knew no bounds." —Mk 5:42

Praise: St. Ansgar evangelized Scandinavia and even converted the King of Sweden to faith in Jesus.

(Lent is approaching. To help prepare for Lent, view, download or order our leaflet, A Prophetic Lent, 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 February 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 27, 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 CROSS IS LIGHT - One Bread, One Body, 02/02/2026

Monday, February 2, 2026, Presentation of the Lord

Malachi 3:1-4
Hebrews 2:14-18
Psalm 24:7-10
Luke 2:22-40
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THE CROSS IS LIGHT
"My eyes have witnessed Your saving Deed displayed for all the peoples to see: a revealing Light to the Gentiles, the Glory of Your people Israel." —Luke 2:30-32

This day has traditionally been called “Candlemas” because at the presentation of the Lord in the temple Simeon called Jesus “a revealing Light to the Gentiles.” Candles and light serve the purpose of revealing. We don’t turn on the lights to see the lights but rather to see what the light reveals. Candles reveal by being burned up, consumed. So it is with us. Jesus calls us “the light of the world” (Mt 5:14). We live and die to reveal Jesus (2 Cor 4:10).

Today, bring your candles to church and have them blessed. In so doing, you are making a commitment to give your life and light so that Jesus will be revealed to the world. Thus, to have our candles blessed is not trivial, quaint, or nostalgic. It is a decision to live and die on the cross. The Church demonstrates this tomorrow when it takes newly blessed candles, crosses them, ties them with ribbon as red as martyrs’ blood, and uses them to pray for deliverance and healing through the intercession of St. Blaise.

I invite and dare you to have your candles blessed. Take up the cross of light.

Prayer: Father, I will live as a child of the light and produce "every kind of goodness and justice and truth" (Eph 5:9).

Promise: "Jesus likewise had a full share in ours, that by His death He might rob the devil, the prince of death, of his power, and free those who through fear of death had been slaves their whole life long." —Heb 2:14-15

Praise: Praise be to You, Jesus, "Light of the World" (Jn 8:12). All glory be to You forever!

(For a related teaching on Purification, Presentation and Illumination, listen to, download or order our AV 89-1 or V 89 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 February 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 27, 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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“SEEK HUMILITY” (Zep 2:3) - One Bread, One Body, 02/01/2026

Sunday, February 1, 2026, 4th Sunday Ordinary Time

Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13
1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Psalm 146:6-10
Matthew 5:1-12
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"SEEK HUMILITY" (Zep 2:3)
"...a people humble and lowly, who shall take refuge in the name of the Lord." —Zephaniah 3:12

In 2023, when this was written, the memorial of St. Thomas Aquinas occurred the day before this Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time. Thomas differed from those described in today’s readings. He was wise; “not many of [us] are wise” (1 Cor 1:26). He was the most brilliant of men, extremely well educated. Yet Thomas also resembled the people written about in today’s readings: humble, “poor in spirit” (Mt 5:3), dependent upon God.

Though Thomas wrote of the deepest theology, his humility shone through. Near the end of his life, Thomas saw a vision of God. He stopped writing, saying, “All my works are straw.” He then prepared to meet the Lord on Judgment Day (see Am 4:12), humbling himself before God. In this way, Thomas imitated Jesus, Who “humbled Himself,” living a simple life, hidden from the public eye for thirty years (Phil 2:8).

The wisdom of God is immeasurably far above our thoughts (Is 55:8-9). The very best humanity can produce is simply a drop in the ocean of God’s wisdom. “Mankind can do no boasting before God” (1 Cor 1:29). Yet humanity is filled with “proud braggarts” (Zep 3:11).

Be like St. Thomas. “Seek humility” (Zep 2:3). “Bow humbly under God’s mighty hand” (1 Pt 5:6) and use your God-given talents for the Lord.

Prayer: Father, in all things, may You increase and I decrease (Jn 3:30).

Promise: "Blest are they who hunger and thirst for holiness; they shall have their fill." —Mt 5:6

Praise: "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever" (Ps 118:1).

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Join us Oct. 18-19 for a study of the Gospel of Mark. This is a great way to rekindle your love, knowledge and commitment to the Lord. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com.)

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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 February 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 27, 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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GOD DOES NOT SLUMBER (Ps 121:4) - One Bread, One Body, 01/31/2026

Saturday, January 31, 2026, St. John Bosco

2 Samuel 12:1-7, 10-17
Psalm 51:12-17
Mark 4:35-41

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GOD DOES NOT SLUMBER (Ps 121:4)
"Jesus was in the stern through it all, sound asleep on a cushion." —Mark 4:38

We call upon Jesus to wake up, arise, and come to our aid. “Awake! Why are You asleep, O Lord? Arise!...Why do You hide Your face, forgetting our woe and our oppression?...Arise, help us! Redeem us for Your kindness’ sake” (Ps 44:24-27). But God never slumbers nor sleeps (Ps 121:4). He is our “Guardian” (Ps 121:5). He provides for us while we sleep (Ps 127:2), so why would He sleep when we need His protection? Thus, we are called to have confidence in God when it seems to us that He is absent or sleeping.

So many times Jesus sets an example for us (Jn 13:15; 1 Pt 2:21). Perhaps Jesus’ example to us in today’s Gospel passage is to be calm rather than terrified. Indeed, He asks us: “Why are you so terrified? Why are you lacking in faith?” (Mk 4:40)

If Jesus seems asleep, then rejoice that He is present in the boat; He “is with us” (Mt 1:23). He is at peace, and He says to us: “Peace be with you” (Jn 20:19, 21). Jesus is gentle (Mt 11:29). The answer in our storms is to have faith in Him (Mk 4:40).

It is good to call upon God in our fear. It is even better to have faith. “Fear is useless; what is needed is trust” (Mk 5:36). Jesus is always present, Emmanuel, God-with-us (Mt 1:23; 28:20). If it seems God is hiding, remember that He hides for us, not from us. He is our Example to trust the Father in all storms. Come to Jesus and find rest in the storm (Mt 11:28).

Prayer: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, help me never to surrender my confidence in You (Heb 10:35).

Promise: "Who can this be that the wind and sea obey Him?" —Mk 4:41

Praise: St. John Bosco never gave up on any of the young people with whom he met, but always saw an opportunity for God's grace to be revealed to them.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Here is another way to live the Mass: listen to our Bible Telephone Line for a message on the readings of the day. Call 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 December 1, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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LITTLE BIG HORN - One Bread, One Body, 01/30/2026

Friday, January 30, 2026,

2 Samuel 11:1-10, 13-17
Psalm 51:3-7, 10-11
Mark 4:26-34

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LITTLE BIG HORN
"What comparison shall we use for the reign of God? What image will help to present it? It is like mustard seed." —Mark 4:30-31

The kingdom of God encompasses the universe. It is unshakable and will last forever. It is the kingdom above all kingdoms. It is sovereign and supreme. Yet, Jesus surprisingly compares the biggest and greatest kingdom of all to the smallest seed of all — the mustard seed. Jesus’ point is that the greatest things begin with the smallest things.

For instance, one of David’s greatest sins was adultery with Bathsheba, which led to the subsequent murder of her husband Uriah. These sins eventually resulted in a civil war and the death of David’s son, Absalom (see 2 Sm 12:11; 16:11, 22; 18:15). These “big sins” began with a little, impure glance (see 2 Sm 11:2).

Judas’ great sin was betraying Jesus to the religious leaders, which led to Jesus’ crucifixion (Lk 22:3-6). This worst sin may have begun with Judas stealing a little change from Jesus and the apostles (see Jn 12:6).

Elijah’s greatest work was anointing Elisha. This anointing resulted in two other anointings which changed the whole country. This great work began when Elijah heard God in a tiny whispering sound (1 Kgs 19:12ff).

God’s biggest and greatest work of all was Jesus’ death, Resurrection, and Ascension followed by the coming of the Holy Spirit. This began when Mary conceived Jesus, Who became a human embryo smaller than my thumbnail. Don’t scorn small beginnings (see Zec 4:10).

Prayer: Father, use my little tongue to do big things for You (see Jas 3:5).

Promise: "Have mercy on me, O God, in Your goodness; in the greatness of Your compassion wipe out my offense." —Ps 51:3

Praise: Megan decided to go to daily Mass during Lent. She was so drawn to the Eucharist that she never stopped attending daily Mass. She has been a daily communicant for over twenty years.



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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 December 1, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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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