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

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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.)

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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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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

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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.)

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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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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

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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.



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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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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

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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.



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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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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

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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.)

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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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ENTITLED OR ENTRUSTED? - One Bread, One Body, 06/01/2026

Monday, June 1, 2026, St. Justin, Martyr

2 Peter 1:2-7
Psalm 91:1-2, 14-16
Mark 12:1-12

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ENTITLED OR ENTRUSTED?
“He leased it to tenant farmers.” —Mark 12:1

How much the Father loves us! He plants a vineyard for us, provides everything necessary for success, and invites us to be His stewards (Mk 12:1; see also Is 5:1-7). He even entrusts His potential fruit to us! (see Gn 2:15) God asks: “What more was there to do for My vineyard that I had not done?” (Is 5:4)

Tragically, we forget that we are God’s tenants and stewards. We are not the owner; rather, we are the owned. “None of us lives as his own master…while we live we are responsible to the Lord” (Rm 14:7-8). “You are not your own. You have been purchased, and at a price!” (1 Cor 6:19-20)

We may think we are serving God, but whenever we refuse to bear fruit that He has a right to receive, we are like those rebellious tenants in Jesus’ parable. Perhaps we have refused to bear fruit for the Master through contraception, sterilization, or abortion. Possibly we are living for our own pleasure rather than using our talents for reaping the Master’s harvest. Perhaps by laziness or procrastination, we resemble the sluggard who skips the hard work of plowing and bears no harvest (see Prv 20:4; 24:30-34).

Will we choose to be entitled tenants or entrusted servants? The Master loves us so much that He sent His Son to collect the fruit. But that Son is not only a Fruit Collector; He will also help us plow by yoking Himself to us (Mt 11:29-30). Let us humble ourselves before the Lord, repent deeply, and spend our lives as grateful servants working in the vineyard for our Master. 

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to bear fruit abundantly for You. May we never reject Jesus, the Cornerstone (Mk 12:10).

Promise: “He has bestowed on us the great and precious things He promised, so that through these you who have fled a world corrupted by lust might become sharers of the divine nature.” —2 Pt 1:4

Praise: St. Justin was the first Christian philosopher.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Give our Bible Telephone Line a try. 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 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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3 IN 1 IN ME - One Bread, One Body, 05/31/2026

Sunday, May 31, 2026, Trinity Sunday

Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9
2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Daniel 3:52-55
John 3:16-18
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3 IN 1 IN ME
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all!”—2 Corinthians 13:13

If you are a committed Catholic, you have probably said several times today: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” You said this before and after Mass, Rosary, meal prayers, other prayers, etc. You also blessed yourself in the name of the Trinity when you entered and left the church. Why do you keep doing this? Is it just a habit you picked up in your childhood, or do you believe in the Holy Trinity?

Are you preoccupied with the knowledge that you have been and are baptized “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”? (Mt 28:19) Are you immersed in the three relationships in one, overwhelmingly aware that the Holy Trinity literally lives within you? Do you greet Christians with a holy kiss because you believe they have the Trinity in them? (see 2 Cor 13:12) Do you reverence the personhood of all people because they may or will have the Trinity in them? (see 1 Pt 2:17) Are you sexually pure because of your awareness of the Trinity in you? (see 1 Cor 6:19) Did you ever turn off the TV because you knew the Father, Son, and Spirit in you would not approve of the programs?

May the Holy Spirit of Pentecost sensitize you to the Trinity in you.

Prayer: Father, Son, and Spirit, may everything in my life be of You, and not of me.

Promise: “Yes, God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him may not die but may have eternal life.” —Jn 3:16

Praise: “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.”



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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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