POUNDING THE CLAY - One Bread, One Body, 08/01/2024

Thursday, August 1, 2024, St. Alphonsus Liguori

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

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POUNDING THE CLAY
"Indeed, like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in My hand." —Jeremiah 18:6

God the Father is the Potter and we are the clay. Many people consider this a beautiful, even consoling, image. This may be true, but this perception may indicate an incomplete understanding of this Biblical image. When Isaiah brings up the image of God the Potter, he adds: “Be not so very angry, Lord, keep not our guilt forever in mind” (see Is 64:8). When Jeremiah uses the same image, he adds the following words of God: “Sometimes I threaten to uproot and tear down and destroy a nation or a kingdom” (Jer 18:7). God, the Father-Potter, appears to be a very forceful and even violent Potter, pounding the clay.

God doesn’t pound, press, compress, pull, and cut the clay because He is rough, but because we are rough. Because of our sins, we need a lot of work. Also, God pounds the clay because His pottery-making is a matter of eternal life and eternal death. For example, it is an act of love to violently push someone out of the way of an oncoming car. So too it is a great act of love for the Potter to make extreme modifications to the clay, if necessary for salvation. It is a fearful and wonderful thing to fall into the hands of the Father-Potter (see Heb 10:31).

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

Promise: "They hauled it ashore and sat down to put what was worthwhile into containers. What was useless they threw away. That is how it will be at the end of the world." —Mt 13:48-49

Praise: St. Alphonsus was the founder of the Redemptorist Order of Priests. He stressed simplicity and kindness in our lives.

(Baptism brings many benefits and responsibilities that allow us to live our life fully for the Lord. Join us on Aug. 11-14 for a retreat: Living our Baptism in a Practical Way. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com to register.)

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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 August 1, 2024, through September 30, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 22, 2023"

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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DON’T DISQUALIFY YOURSELF FROM JOY - One Bread, One Body, 07/31/2024

Wednesday, July 31, 2024, St. Ignatius of Loyola

Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21
Psalm 59:2-4, 10-11, 17-18
Matthew 13:44-46

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DON'T DISQUALIFY YOURSELF FROM JOY
"When I found your words, I devoured them; they became my joy." —Jeremiah 15:16

When we find God’s kingdom, we are willing to joyfully sell all that we have to buy it as if it were buried treasure (Mt 13:44). “The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating or drinking, but of justice, peace, and the joy that is given by the Holy Spirit” (Rm 14:17). The joy of God’s kingdom is indescribable (1 Pt 1:8), divine, and complete (Jn 15:11). This indescribable joy is far beyond what most people mean by “joy.” Divine joy is always (Phil 4:4) and forever. This complete joy is not at all weakened by suffering. Rather, it reaches greater depths in suffering with Christ and for the Church (see Col 1:24; 1 Pt 4:13).

Joy is the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22). No one can produce divine joy except the Holy Spirit. However, the Spirit will not force this joy on us. We must freely decide to accept divine joy and the Holy Spirit on His terms. This often means being docile to the Spirit by renouncing ourselves more (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 736) and crucifying our “flesh with its passions and desires” (Gal 5:24). Otherwise, we will trade the chance to have divine, indescribable joy for momentary pleasures or comforts. Don’t choose a lifestyle which will disqualify you from divine, everlasting joy. Choose joy!

Prayer: Father, I pray for You to send the Holy Spirit to renew my Baptism and Confirmation so as to produce divine joy in me forever.

Promise: "If you repent, so that I restore you, in My presence you shall stand; if you bring forth the precious without the vile, you shall be My mouthpiece." —Jer 15:19

Praise: St. Ignatius was a true mystic and the founder of the Jesuit Order. He declared his life to be "for the greater glory 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 June 1, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 4, 2023"

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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GIFT OF FINEST WHEAT - One Bread, One Body, 07/30/2024

Tuesday, July 30, 2024, St. Peter Chrysologus

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

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GIFT OF FINEST WHEAT
"The weeds are the followers of the evil one." —Matthew 13:38

We, the wheat, are called to bear great fruit even while seemingly being choked off by the presence of the weeds in our midst. For God, conversion of the weeds seemingly outweighs even the bearing of fruit. We are being choked off by the external presence of weeds crowding in our midst, yet God calls us to embrace the weeds in our life, rather than avoid them. What we must avoid is being choked off from bearing fruit by the internal “anxieties over life’s demands, and the desire for wealth, and cravings of other sorts” (Mk 4:19). Jesus calls us to live as He did, constantly choked off by crowds so large that He sometimes couldn’t eat (see Mk 3:20). Jesus was able to love the crowds because He rose early to be off by Himself with His Father in prayer (Mk 1:35).

As desirable as it is from a human viewpoint to root out the weeds, that is not the plan of God. We are not to uproot the weeds, that is, the followers of the evil one, per Jesus’ command (Mt 13:29). Rather, we must love the weeds to such an extent that they desire to swap families – to literally be adopted into the family of God, the family of the wheat. Remember, where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more (Rm 5:20). If the Lord wants us to grow alongside people who are trying to influence our family members to fall away from our firm commitment to Christ (2 Cor 11:3), then His will be done (Mt 26:39). He will make us as lighthouses in an ocean of weeds, so that it will be the weeds who turn to us rather than we who are overcome by them (see Jer 15:19).

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to constantly turn to You in our need, to receive the Holy Spirit deeply, to be able to walk on the water of the culture of death, and walk with love amidst a field of weeds.

Promise: "Then the saints will shine like the sun in their Father's kingdom. Let everyone heed what he hears!" —Mt 13:43

Praise: St. Peter's sermon so affected the Empress that she generously supported his preaching ministry from that day onward.

(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, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 4, 2023"

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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DEAD WRONG OR ALL RIGHT? - One Bread, One Body, 07/29/2024

Monday, July 29, 2024, Sts. Martha, Mary & Lazarus

Jeremiah 13:1-11
Deuteronomy 32:18-21
John 11:19-27
or Luke 10:38-42

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DEAD WRONG OR ALL RIGHT?
"Martha, who was busy with all the details of hospitality, came to Him and said, 'Lord...' " —Luke 10:40

St. Martha questioned whether Jesus was concerned about her situation (Lk 10:40). She also felt “all alone” (Lk 10:40). Next, she felt compelled to order Jesus to order her sister, St. Mary, to help her (Lk 10:40). Martha was wrong on all counts. Jesus did care about every aspect of her life (see 1 Pt 5:7). He loved her very much (Jn 11:5) and would give His life for her. Secondly, although Martha did not have the kitchen help she wanted, she had Jesus, Who is God and Love (1 Jn 4:8, 16), as her dinner Guest. This is hardly being “all alone.” Finally, when Martha gave an order to her Lord, she contradicted the very meaning of the word, “Lord.”  A lord gives orders rather than receives them.

Why was Martha so wrong about the Lord and His love? Unlike her sister Mary, she had not “seated herself at the Lord’s feet and listened to His words” (Lk 10:39). When we practice the disciplines of a disciple, when we listen, pray, and obey, we will know God cares, that we are not alone, and that He alone is Lord. Therefore, sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to His words.

Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit to prove me wrong (Jn 16:8).

Promise: "One thing only is required. Mary has chosen the better portion and she shall not be deprived of it." —Lk 10:42

Praise: "Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus very much" (Jn 11:5).

(Become a disciple. For a related teaching on The Challenge of Making Disciples in a Culture of Death, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order our CD 97-1 and CD 97-3 or DVD 97 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, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 4, 2023"

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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POPULATION EXPLOSION AND EVANGELISM EXPLOSION - One Bread, One Body, 07/28/2024

Sunday, July 28, 2024, 17th Sunday Ordinary Time

2 Kings 4:42-44
Ephesians 4:1-6
Psalm 145:10-11, 15-18
John 6:1-15
View Readings

POPULATION EXPLOSION AND EVANGELISM EXPLOSION
"There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and a couple of dried fish, but what good is that for so many?" —John 6:9

The Lord’s first words to newly created human beings were: “Be fertile and multiply” (Gn 1:28). His will is to multiply people. There are over seven billion people on planet earth. The Lord also intends to multiply disciples. He commanded us: “Full authority has been given to Me both in heaven and on earth; Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations” (Mt 28:18-19).

To get us into the multiplication business, Jesus will multiply loaves and fish. He will take our little everyday lives and miraculously make them more than sufficient to feed the masses both physically and spiritually. The multiplication of our loaves-and-fish lives is the transition from multiplying people to multiplying disciples. The Lord wants an evangelism explosion greater than the population explosion. This occurs when the Spirit explodes our little lives of total commitment. The fallout will cover the world with the Gospel and name of Jesus.

Jesus promises: “I solemnly assure you, the man who has faith in Me will do the works I do, and greater far than these” (Jn 14:12). His “power now at work in us can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine” (Eph 3:20). Let Jesus light your fuse.

Prayer: Jesus, as I worship You in Mass today, multiply the effect of my life to win the nations to You.

Promise: "There is but one body and one Spirit, just as there is but one hope given all of you by your call. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all." —Eph 4:4-6

Praise: Praise Jesus, Who was broken so that we may experience the power of multiplication in our everyday lives. Glory be to the Lamb 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 June 1, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 4, 2023"

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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LOVING AN UGLY BRIDE - One Bread, One Body, 07/27/2024

Saturday, July 27, 2024,

Jeremiah 7:1-11
Psalm 84:3-6, 8, 11
Matthew 13:24-30

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LOVING AN UGLY BRIDE
"Has this house which bears My name become in your eyes a den of thieves?" —Jeremiah 7:11

“Christ loved the Church. He gave Himself up for her” (Eph 5:25). We too must love the Church, which is Jesus’ Body, and give our lives for her, if we are to love Jesus.

However, this is humanly impossible, for the Church is partly made up of unrepentant sinners, whom the Lord calls “thieves” (Jer 7:11) and weeds (Mt 13:24ff). How can we love unrepentant sinners and hypocrites? Even Jesus said He was nauseated by lukewarm Christians (Rv 3:16). Jesus, Who loves Judas and all sinners, will give us the grace to love the “unlovable.” The Father loved even unrepentant sinners so much that He gave Jesus to die on the cross for them (see Jn 3:16). The Holy Spirit produces in us the fruit of love, even for enemies (see Gal 5:22).

To receive grace from the Holy Trinity to love the “unlovable” in the Church, we must begin by accepting the grace of:

• first repenting of our sins and removing “the plank” from our eyes (Mt 7:5),
• forgiving those who sin against us (see Mt 6:12), and
• resisting the temptation to judge the character and motives of others (Mt 7:1).

Then in love we can correct sinners gently and humbly (Gal 6:1). This purifies and beautifies the Church. If our correction is not accepted, we should not try manipulation but redemptive suffering. We can even rejoice to suffer for the Church (Col 1:24). This is the ultimate act of love for Jesus and His Church. If you love Jesus, love His Church (Eph 5:25).

Prayer: Father, thank You for having mercy on me in the ugliness of my sinfulness. May I give this mercy to others.

Promise: "My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the Lord. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God." —Ps 84:3

Praise: Ricardo, a salesman, routinely witnesses to his prospective clients.



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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, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 4, 2023"

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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GETTING WHAT WE DESERVE - One Bread, One Body, 07/26/2024

Friday, July 26, 2024, Sts. Joachim & Anne

Jeremiah 3:14-17
Jeremiah 31:10-13
Matthew 13:18-23

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GETTING WHAT WE DESERVE
"I will appoint over you shepherds after My own heart, who will shepherd you wisely and prudently." —Jeremiah 3:15

There are so many complaints about our leaders, both political and religious. Some people have not preferred any candidate to vote for in the national elections for years. (However, they’ve had many people to vote against!) So many religious leaders seem to be stifling the Spirit (1 Thes 5:19). Jesus’ description of the Pharisees and scribes as “blind guides” and “whitewashed tombs” still applies today (see Mt 23:16, 27). Leadership in many areas leaves a lot to be desired.

However, the Lord promised to provide good leaders for those who would return to Him (Jer 3:15). Ultimately, we make our own leaders and get the kind of leadership we deserve (cf Jgs 9:8ff). Bad leaders are one of the results of our refusal to repent.  Let’s pray for our leaders (1 Tm 2:1-2) and for ourselves. Bad leadership is a partial payment of the wages of our sins (Rm 6:23).

Prayer: Father, I repent before I get what I deserve.

Promise: "What was sown on good soil is the man who hears the message and takes it in. He it is who bears a yield of a hundred- or sixty- or thirtyfold." —Mt 13:23

Praise: St. Anne and her daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, were the only two women in history to carry immaculately conceived children in their wombs.

(For a related teaching on Effects of Sin, listen to, download or order our CD 81-3 or DVD 81 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, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 4, 2023"

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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BY JESUS’ SIDE - One Bread, One Body, 07/25/2024

Thursday, July 25, 2024, St. James

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

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BY JESUS' SIDE
"Promise me that these sons of mine will sit, one at Your right hand and the other at your left, in Your kingdom." —Matthew 20:21

Jesus entered into His kingdom enthroned upon the Cross at Calvary. When King Jesus entered His kingdom, it was not Saints James and John who received the honor of being at His right and His left. Rather, it was two thieves between whom Jesus was crucified, “one on His right and the other on His left” (Lk 23:33).

James and John did not know what they were asking when they requested through their mother to be at Jesus’ right and left in His kingdom (Mt 20:21). Jesus tried to prepare them by referring to the cup of martyrdom He must drink (Mt 20:22). In St. Mark’s Gospel, Jesus refers to the “bath of pain” He was to receive from the cup He would drink (Mk 10:38). All who wish to enter into the kingdom of God must be prepared to drink from Jesus’ cup of suffering.

“Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, Who inspires and perfects our faith. For the sake of the joy which lay before Him He endured the cross, heedless of its shame” (Heb 12:2). To enter His Kingdom, we will be always carrying “about in our bodies the dying of Jesus, so that in our bodies the life of Jesus may also be revealed. While we live we are constantly being delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be revealed in our mortal flesh” (2 Cor 4:10-11). Jesus wants us to be in communion with Him, to serve as He served (Mt 20:28). With St. James, let us die with Christ so as to reign with Him (2 Tm 2:11-12).

Prayer: Father, give me the boldness and zeal of St. James, so that I may follow Jesus everywhere He leads me.

Promise: "Indeed, everything is ordered to your benefit." —2 Cor 4:15

Praise: St. James responded to Jesus' call by immediately leaving his family business to follow "in [Jesus'] company" (Mk 1:20).

(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, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 4, 2023"

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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“A TIME TO PLANT” (Eccl 3:2) - One Bread, One Body, 07/24/2024

Wednesday, July 24, 2024, St. Sharbel Makhluf

Jeremiah 1:1, 4-10
Psalm 71:1-6, 15, 17
Matthew 13:1-9

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"A TIME TO PLANT" (Eccl 3:2)
"A farmer went out sowing." —Matthew 13:4

We tend to think of a farmer sowing and planting for one growing season, usually lasting a few months. That was the case for Jesus’ audience as well. The timeframe most people had in mind was one crop-cycle, a few months.

God, the Farmer and Vinegrower (Jn 15:1), plants seeds in every soul. God’s “growing season” in a soul may be seventy or eighty years (see Ps 90:10). He plans for a fruitful harvest from the crop-cycle of each soul, thirty or sixty or a hundredfold over the course of each person’s life (Mk 4:8).

Parents are accustomed to this type of timing. A parent fertilizes the soil of a child’s heart with years of nurturing, feeding, discipling, schooling, disciplining, etc. The parent doesn’t expect the child to be ready for college at age eight.

However, the first six or so years of a child’s life are absolutely critical. Many seeds need to be sown early in a child’s life. “You need patience to do God’s will” (Heb 10:36). It requires lasting faith and patient obedience to continually plant seeds without seeing results. Like the farmer, we must go out to sow season after season, whether or not there are any results to be seen. We might be sowing so that others can reap the harvest (see 1 Cor 3:6ff). “Let us not grow weary of doing good” and planting all the seeds God gives us; “if we do not relax our efforts, in due time we shall reap our harvest” (Gal 6:9).

Prayer: Father, give me the grace to sow and plant well for Your Kingdom, even if I will not be alive to see the harvest from the seeds I plant (see 1 Cor 3:6-8).

Promise: "Have no fear before them, because I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord." —Jer 1:8

Praise: St. Sharbel Makhluf was a Lebanese monk who lived as a hermit in poverty, self-sacrifice, and prayer. He lost his life for Jesus, and thereby discovered who he was (Mt 10:39).

(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, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 4, 2023"

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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RISING ABOVE PROBLEMS - One Bread, One Body, 07/23/2024

Tuesday, July 23, 2024, St. Bridget of Sweden

Micah 7:14-15, 18-20
Psalm 85:2-8
Matthew 12:46-50

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RISING ABOVE PROBLEMS
"Whoever does the will of My heavenly Father is brother and sister and mother to Me." —Matthew 12:50

Jesus experienced one fight after another with the religious leaders of His day. They fought about the proper observance of the sabbath (Mt 12:2) and whether healing was permitted on the sabbath (Mt 12:10ff). They accused Jesus of freeing and healing a blind and mute man by depending on the devil’s help (Mt 12:22, 24). After Jesus performed signs, they even asked for other signs (Mt 12:38), which Jesus refused to provide on demand, for they were part of an evil and adulterous age (Mt 12:39). Jesus fought round after round with the religious leaders.

We all have people and situations in our lives which present one problem after another. What are we to do? We are simply to do the will of our heavenly Father (Mt 12:50). This may or may not solve our problems, but will certainly make us “brother and sister and mother” to Jesus in a special way (Mt 12:50). This intimate relationship with Jesus will transcend and dwarf our problems. Love will cover a multitude of sins (1 Pt 4:8). Rise above your problems by submitting your will to Jesus.

Prayer: Father, may Your love take precedence over the problems in my life.

Promise: "You will cast into the depths of the sea all our sins." —Mi 7:19

Praise: St. Bridget, a widowed mother of eight children, received profound revelations of the Passion of Jesus and spread devotion to the sufferings of Jesus.

(For a related teaching view, download or order our leaflet Obedience School on our website or listen to, download or order Obeying God our CD 62-3 or DVD 62 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, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 4, 2023"

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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SUPREME, ALL-CONSUMING LOVE - One Bread, One Body, 07/22/2024

Monday, July 22, 2024, St. Mary Magdalene

Song of Songs 3:1-4 or
2 Corinthians 5:14-17
Psalm 63:2-6, 8-9
John 20:1-2, 11-18

View Readings

SUPREME, ALL-CONSUMING LOVE
"On my bed at night I sought Him Whom my heart loves." —Song of Songs 3:1

The psalmist prays: “O God, You are my God Whom I seek; for You my flesh pines and my soul thirsts” (Ps 63:2). The Church proclaims “the supremacy of the bond with Christ” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1619). Our relationship with Him should be in a class by itself (see Lk 14:26). St. Mary Magdalene is a great example of a right relationship with Jesus. Mary was so preoccupied with Jesus that she hardly noticed “two angels in dazzling robes” (Jn 20:12). She clung to Him (Jn 20:17). Jesus was her Love, Life, Lord, God, and All.

Do you love Jesus more than anyone or anything else? (see Jn 21:15) Do you love Jesus as He should be loved? Although it is difficult to answer these questions, our thoughts are often a good indication of where our hearts are. “The root of all conduct is the mind” (Sir 37:17). We can think at any time, and nothing can stop us from thinking. Because our thoughts are so free, they can be a way that the Lord uses to show us whether we love Him supremely.

What do you think about? Who do you think about? Are you always thinking of yourself? If Jesus is the supreme Love of your life, the words of the old spiritual will be true for you: “I woke up this morning with my mind stayed on Jesus.”

By His grace, think of Jesus continually. As Mary Magdalene does, love Him supremely.

Prayer: Jesus, consume me in the fire of Your love (see Heb 12:29).

Promise: "The love of Christ impels us who have reached the conviction that since One died for all, all died. He died for all so that those who live might live no longer for themselves." —2 Cor 5:14-15

Praise: Praise God for the faithful witness of St. Mary Magdalene, the first apostle to the Apostles.



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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, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 4, 2023"

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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CHANGING SHEPHERDS - One Bread, One Body, 07/21/2024

Sunday, July 21, 2024, 16th Sunday Ordinary Time

Jeremiah 23:1-6
Ephesians 2:13-18
Psalm 23:1-6
Mark 6:30-34
View Readings

CHANGING SHEPHERDS
"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want." —Psalm 23:1

In the Old Testament, the term “shepherds,” when used to refer to leaders, did not refer to religious leaders but secular, political leaders (see Ez 34:1ff). Thus, according to the Old Testament, our shepherds are the president, governors, senators, mayors, etc. The Lord promised to punish the shepherds of Israel for not caring for the sheep (Jer 23:2) and to replace them with a good shepherd, a king who “shall reign and govern wisely” (Jer 23:5). Jesus is that Good Shepherd-King (see Jn 10:14).

When Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd, He implied to the Jewish people that He was a political leader, possibly a king. Jesus’ kingdom was not of this world (Jn 18:36), but very few people knew that. Therefore, when Jesus called Himself “the Good Shepherd,” He was easily misunderstood as saying something political and revolutionary. This was part of the reason Jesus was crucified by the Roman government (see Jn 19:12-16).

Even today, if you decide to follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd-King, you will be misunderstood. You will be misjudged to be a political threat to the government, especially as you proclaim international, socioeconomic freedom in Christ. Nevertheless, follow the Good Shepherd even to the cross of misunderstanding, rejection, and death.

Prayer: Jesus, Good Shepherd, raise up godly political leaders.

Promise: "He pitied them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them at great length." —Mk 6:34

Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, the Good Shepherd, Who brings goodness and kindness all the days of our lives (Ps 23:6).



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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, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 4, 2023"

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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THE TYRANNY OF SELF - One Bread, One Body, 07/20/2024

Saturday, July 20, 2024, St. Apollinaris

Micah 2:1-5
Psalm 10:1-4, 7-8, 14
Matthew 12:14-21

View Readings

THE TYRANNY OF SELF
"When the Pharisees were outside they began to plot against Him to find a way to destroy Him. Jesus was aware of this." —Matthew 12:14-15

Jesus was aware that some of the religious leaders of His time were plotting to destroy Him. When we are rejected, hated, and threatened with murder, we normally turn in on ourselves and become preoccupied with our problems. However, Jesus did just the opposite. He reached out to many people and cured them all (Mt 12:15). When we’re wounded, we think of being healed. When Jesus was wounded, He healed others.

When Jesus was hanging on the cross, He did not give in to self-pity. Rather, He kept forgiving those who continued to hurt Him (Lk 23:34), promised paradise to the good thief (Lk 23:43), called Mary to be a mother to His disciples (Jn 19:26-27), and commended His Spirit to His Father (Lk 23:46). Jesus was God-centered, other-centered, and sinner-centered. Even in His agony and pain on Calvary, Jesus was not self-centered.

It’s humanly impossible to die to self when you feel as if you’re dying. However, Jesus lives in all those who have given their lives to Him. The Lord will make us Christ-centered rather than self-centered. He will free us from the tyranny of self.

Prayer: Father, may I not be self-centered so that I can truly love You and myself.

Promise: "Here is My Servant Whom I have chosen, My loved One in Whom I delight. I will endow Him with My Spirit." —Mt 12:18

Praise: St. Apollinaris continued to return to the place where he was being persecuted in order to spread the Gospel.

(For a related teaching on Crucified to the World, listen, download or order our CD 40A-3 or DVD 40A 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, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 4, 2023"

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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ORDER IN HIS COURT - One Bread, One Body, 07/19/2024

Friday, July 19, 2024,

Isaiah 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8
Isaiah 38:10-12, 16
Matthew 12:1-8

View Readings

ORDER IN HIS COURT
"Thus says the Lord: Put your house in order, for you are about to die." —Isaiah 38:1

We all are about to die. Some will die soon and others very soon. Even if you don’t die for fifteen (Is 38:5) or fifty years, life is short and death is soon. Death is always at the door. Thomas á Kempis said: “Every action of yours, every thought, should be those of one who expects to die before the day is out” (quoted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1014). Therefore, it is time to put our houses in order.

Our houses and lives are not in order until we have given them totally to the Lord, until they are built on hearing and doing His Word (Mt 7:24). Moreover, we are in disorder until we have repented of the disorders of sin and unforgiveness. Also, only by obeying the Lord can we become holy in every aspect of our conduct (1 Pt 1:15) and thereby put our houses in order. Finally, by finishing the work the Lord has given us to do, our lives are brought to order (see Jn 17:4). “Make sure that everything is done properly and in order” (1 Cor 14:40). The Lord is pleased “to see good order” among us (Col 2:5).

Death is soon. Order in the court of the all-holy God!

Prayer: Father, give me Your shalom, Your harmonious order in my life.

Promise: "It is mercy I desire." —Mt 12:7

Praise: "My heart is steadfast, O God; my heart is steadfast; I will sing and chant praise" (Ps 57:8).



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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, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 4, 2023"

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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HEAVY WEIGHTS - One Bread, One Body, 07/18/2024

Thursday, July 18, 2024, St. Camillus de Lellis

Isaiah 26:7-9, 12, 16-19
Psalm 102:13-21
Matthew 11:28-30

View Readings

HEAVY WEIGHTS
"Take My yoke upon your shoulders and learn from Me." —Matthew 11:29

The law of the old covenant was compared to a yoke (Sir 6:25). The yoke was heavy. It was comprised of 613 commandments. Every one of these commandments had to be obeyed, or the offender would be punished — sometimes with capital punishment. “Whoever falls into sin on one point of the law, even though he keeps the entire remainder, has become guilty on all counts” (Jas 2:10). Because of the nature of the law and because of our fallen human nature, “all who depend on observance of the law...are under a curse” (Gal 3:10).

Jesus promised rest to those wearied and burdened from living under the law (Mt 11:28). He gives us another yoke, which is easy and light (Mt 11:29-30). However, this does not mean that He abolished the law (Mt 5:17). He promised: “Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter of the law, not the smallest part of a letter, shall be done away with until it all comes true” (Mt 5:18). Jesus fulfills the law (Mt 5:17). He has much higher standards than the old law on relationships, sexual morality, marriage, speech, justice, and love (Mt 5:20-47). Jesus added hundreds of stricter commandments to the 613 burdensome laws of the old covenant. Jesus commands: “You must be made perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48). Jesus sets the highest standards ever set.

How can Jesus’ super-heavy yoke be easy and light? It is light because He does not expect us to observe the law and carry His yoke by our willpower, but by His grace. Do the impossible. By Jesus’ grace, take His yoke on your shoulders.

Prayer: Father, I accept salvation by grace (Eph 2:8).

Promise: "O Lord, You mete out peace to us, for it is You Who have accomplished all we have done." —Is 26:12

Praise: Praise God for the health care workers who, following the selfless example of St. Camillus, spend hours taking care of the sick, often putting their own lives in jeopardy.



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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, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 4, 2023"

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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CATCHING THE EYE OF GOD - One Bread, One Body, 07/17/2024

Wednesday, July 17, 2024,

Isaiah 10:5-7, 13-16
Psalm 94:5-10, 14-15
Matthew 11:25-27

View Readings

CATCHING THE EYE OF GOD
"Shall He Who shaped the ear not hear? Or He Who formed the eye not see?" —Psalm 94:9

Jesus looks at our culture of death, and what catches His eye is not “the learned and the clever” who do not know Him but the little people who believe in Him (Mt 11:25). When Jesus sees the nations raging, the peoples uttering folly, the kings of the earth rising up, and the princes conspiring together against Him (Ps 2:1-2), the Lord “Who is throned in heaven laughs” (Ps 2:4). The Lord keeps His sense of humor because “the eyes of the Lord roam over the whole earth, to encourage those who are devoted to Him wholeheartedly” (2 Chr 16:9). He looks for that remnant who love Him enough to worship Him in spirit and in truth (Jn 4:23). The Lord’s remnant is so precious to Him that they outweigh in His eyes a whole culture of death (see Gn 18:23ff). We are the apple of His eye (Ps 17:8). In the Lord’s eyes, a few good apples dwarf entire orchards of sin.

Jesus is looking at you. You can make Him laugh — even in a lamentable world. Be holy. Love the Lord. He is looking at you. Let Jesus smile at you and break out into laughter. Jesus is looking at you.

Prayer: Jesus, make me "a sight for sore eyes."

Promise: "No one knows the Son but the Father, and no one knows the Father but the Son — and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal Him." —Mt 11:27

Praise: Connie majored in Education at a Catholic college where they prayed before every class.

(For a related teaching on The Lord Laughs, view, download or order our booklet 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, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 4, 2023"

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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THE SPIRIT OF FEARLESSNESS - One Bread, One Body, 07/16/2024

Tuesday, July 16, 2024, Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Isaiah 7:1-9
Psalm 48:2-8
Matthew 11:20-24

View Readings

THE SPIRIT OF FEARLESSNESS
"Take care you remain tranquil and do not fear." —Isaiah 7:4

King Ahaz was about to be attacked by two formidable armies. Consequently, “the heart of the king and heart of the people trembled, as the trees of the forest tremble in the wind” (Is 7:2). Anticipating the death, destruction, and devastation of war, Ahaz was “shaking like a leaf.”

Pope St. John Paul II discerned that many of us are like King Ahaz. We are deathly afraid. We may not admit it or be fully aware of it, but fear reigns in the lives of so many. Fear paralyzes many of us and prevents us from living our vocations, evangelizing, changing our lifestyles, tithing and almsgiving, standing up for life, building Christian community, etc.

To be freed from fear, we must have faith (Is 7:9; Mk 5:36). Faith is both a gift (1 Cor 12:9) and the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22).

To be freed from fear of man, we need the fear of the Lord (Sir 34:14; cf Prv 9:10). The fear of the Lord is a gift of the Holy Spirit (Is 11:2ff).

To be freed from fear, we must “come to know and to believe in the love God has for us” (1 Jn 4:16). In this way, we displace fear (1 Jn 4:18). Love is the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22).

When the Spirit comes, fear goes. “You did not receive a spirit of slavery leading you back into fear, but a spirit of adoption through which we cry out, ‘Abba!’ (that is, ‘Father’). The Spirit Himself gives witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Rm 8:15-16). Come, Holy Spirit!

Prayer: Father, give me a new Pentecost of freedom and fearlessness.

Promise: "Great is the Lord and wholly to be praised in the city of our God. His holy mountain, fairest of heights, is the joy of all the earth." —Ps 48:2-3

Praise: Praise You, Lord, for the Carmelite priests and sisters in our world whose order sprang from hermits living on Mt. Carmel in northern Israel.



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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, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 4, 2023"

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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BITTERSWEET - One Bread, One Body, 07/15/2024

Monday, July 15, 2024, St. Bonaventure

Isaiah 1:10-17
Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23
Matthew 10:34—11:1

View Readings

BITTERSWEET
"My mission is to spread, not peace, but division."—Matthew 10:34

The Christian life is rough. If we want to lead a godly life, we will be persecuted (2 Tm 3:12). Our enemies may be those of our own household (Mt 10:36). As followers of Christ, we must take up our crosses daily (Lk 9:23) and bring ourselves to nought for Jesus (Mt 10:39). The Christian life can be very painful and lonely. However, we find our joy in suffering for Jesus (Col 1:24; 1 Pt 4:13).

The Christian life is also full of joy and serendipities. The Lord will raise up people to give us a cup of cold water, a pizza, a prayer, a smile, a flower, or other gifts (see Mt 10:42). The Lord gives His followers His own joy — complete joy (Jn 15:11). As Christians, we move from grace to grace (Jn 1:16, RSV-CE) and from glory to glory (2 Cor 3:18).

The Christian life is both the most difficult and the most wonderful life possible for a human being. Do you want to really live? Give your life to Jesus; choose Christ as your Life (Jn 14:6; Phil 1:21). Live, suffer, and rejoice in life in Christ.

Prayer: Father, thank You for deciding to live in me and letting me live in You (see Jn 17:23).

Promise: "Wash yourselves clean! Put away your misdeeds from before My eyes; cease doing evil; learn to do good. Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan's plea, defend the widow." —Is 1:16-17

Praise: St. Bonaventure was a Franciscan, theologian and Doctor of the Church, much beloved by all who knew him.

(For a related teaching on Accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior and God, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order our CD 43-1 or DVD 43 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, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 4, 2023"

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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“OH, NOTHING” - One Bread, One Body, 07/14/2024

Sunday, July 14, 2024, 15th Sunday Ordinary Time

Amos 7:12-15
Ephesians 1:3-14
Psalm 85:9-14
Mark 6:7-13
View Readings

"OH, NOTHING"
"He instructed them to take nothing." —Mark 6:8

In our culture, we say: “Ready; get set; go.” Jesus says something different: “Ready; don’t be ‘set upon the things of this world’ (Phil 3:19), and go.” To get ready to go for Jesus doesn’t mean that we pack our bags; rather, it means that we get rid of our baggage. Jesus “instructed them to take nothing on their journey but a walking stick — no food, no traveling bag, not a coin in the purses in their belts” (Mk 6:8).

Jesus practiced what He preached. He went out with nothing. When God became a man, He emptied Himself (Phil 2:7). When He was born, there was no room for Him except in a stable (Lk 2:7). When Jesus did His public ministry, He had nowhere to lay His head (Lk 9:58).

How does this apply to us? For example, if you have three children, the Lord obviously does not want you to be homeless, penniless, and without food and clothes. However, He does want you to go on mission for Him, and he wants you to go in the simplicity, austerity, and poverty appropriate to having been crucified to the world (Gal 6:14). Today’s Gospel reading applies to all of us. In love, truth, and freedom, apply it.

Prayer: Father, may I let You free me.

Promise: "You were sealed with the Holy Spirit Who had been promised. He is the Pledge of our inheritance, the first Payment against the full redemption of a people God has made His own, to praise His glory." —Eph 1:13-14

Praise: "Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has bestowed on us in Christ every spiritual blessing in the heavens!" (Eph 1:3)

(Our annual Singles Retreat Sept. 20-22 is a chance to rededicate your life to Christ. Step away from the world that is busy blurring the path and gain clarity and vision for your vocation. Call 513-373-2397 or visit 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 June 1, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 4, 2023"

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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FIGHT FEAR WITH FEAR - One Bread, One Body, 07/13/2024

Saturday, July 13, 2024, St. Henry

Isaiah 6:1-8
Psalm 93:1-2, 5
Matthew 10:24-33

View Readings

FIGHT FEAR WITH FEAR
"Then I said, 'Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips, living among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!' " —Isaiah 6:5

Love can push out of our lives the fear of human beings, the fear of pain, and the fear of death (see 1 Jn 4:18). To love, we must have faith in the Lord, for love is an expression of faith (see Gal 5:6). To have a deep faith, we need the fear of the Lord, that is, an awe of God’s presence (see Prv 9:10). Thus, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of faith, love, and fearlessness. Consequently, “he who fears the Lord is never alarmed, never afraid; for the Lord is his Hope” (Sir 34:14). For example, Isaiah fearlessly volunteered to be sent by the Lord on a daunting prophetic mission because he had been overtaken (see Acts 2:43) by the fear of the Lord (Is 6:1ff).

At our Confirmations, each of our bishops or his delegate specifically prayed for us to receive the fear of the Lord (see Is 11:2-3). Therefore, we have this gift. Thus, if we deepen our fear of the Lord (see Acts 9:31), we will deepen our faith and love, and we will be fearless and free.

Renew your Confirmation. Ask for a deeper fear of the Lord — no matter what it takes. Only the God-fearing are fearless.

Prayer: Father, may I be awed in Your presence. Raise up great, God-fearing, fearless men and women of God.

Promise: "Do not be afraid of anything. You are worth more than an entire flock of sparrows. Whoever acknowledges Me before men I will acknowledge before My Father in heaven." —Mt 10:31-32

Praise: St. Henry was a leader of a nation who sought neither personal pleasure, power, nor wealth. His sole interest was for the greater glory of God (1 Cor 10:31) and the upbuilding of the Church.

(For a related teaching on Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Evangelization, listen to, download or order our CD 58-3 or DVD 58 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, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 4, 2023"

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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ASKING FOR IT? - One Bread, One Body, 07/12/2024

Friday, July 12, 2024,

Hosea 14:2-10
Psalm 51:3-4, 8-9, 12-14, 17
Matthew 10:16-23

View Readings

ASKING FOR IT?
"Straight are the paths of the Lord, in them the just walk, but sinners stumble in them." —Hosea 14:10

As a child, did you readily obey your parents when they quietly told you to do something? Or did you tend to ignore the first command, not respond well to the quiet approach, or even not get serious about obedience until confronted with punishment?

As we get older, we don’t necessarily change for the better. We can make our hearts even harder. Consequently, the Lord commands us not to harden our hearts (Ps 95:8). Yet if we insist on hardness of heart, then the Lord in His mercy will raise His voice, shake us up to wake us up, and “continue the punishment of the wicked up to the day of judgment” (2 Pt 2:9). The Lord is kind to the humble, but the arrogant and hard of heart require His sternness (1 Pt 5:5; Prv 3:34).

Are you creating a scenario in your life where the best thing the Lord can do for you is to permit tragedies to befall you? Are you insisting that the Lord pay you the wages of sin? (Rm 6:23) Are you almost asking the Lord to let you “hit rock bottom”? “Take with you words, and return to the Lord” (Hos 14:3). Let the Lord love you freely and turn away His wrath from you (Hos 14:5). “Let him who is wise understand these things; let him who is prudent know them” (Hos 14:10).

Prayer: Father, may I quit being so stubborn.

Promise: "When they hand you over, do not worry about what you will say or how you will say it. When the hour comes, you will be given what you are to say. You yourselves will not be the speakers; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you." —Mt 10:19-20

Praise: After his wife divorced him and his children married unbelievers, Donald rediscovered his Lord. Now he prays daily for them.



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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, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 4, 2023"

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 ON YOUR FEET - One Bread, One Body, 07/11/2024

Thursday, July 11, 2024, St. Benedict

Hosea 11:1-4, 8-9
Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16
Matthew 10:7-15

View Readings

LIGHT ON YOUR FEET
"I will not let the flames consume you." —Hosea 11:9

Decades ago, my house caught on fire. My son was asleep in the bedroom next to the room where the fire raged. He and I fled through the smoke without time to save any of his possessions. Hours later, after the firemen extinguished the blaze, we were allowed to return to the house to inspect the damage. My son’s room was charred, and many of his possessions were destroyed in the fire. His guitar, which he uses frequently to lead people in worshipping God, had been lying unprotected by his bed. It was covered with soot and ashes. Though the fire had blazed around the guitar, incredibly it was undamaged, and miraculously was still in tune.

God wants us to be like that guitar. We are instruments of God, to be used for His glory. A fiery, spiritual battle rages around us, and we’re naturally afraid of getting burned. But God is our Protector, and He promises: “When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned; the flames shall not consume you” (Is 43:2).

We are also called to be like the burning bush, ablaze with the fire of the Spirit yet not burned out (Ex 3:2). We must let our God, Who is a consuming Fire (Heb 12:29), make of us a “lamp, set aflame and burning bright” (Jn 5:35).

Jesus has come to set a fire on the earth (Lk 12:49). Don’t be afraid of burnout. Be His lanterns. Be “the light of the world” (Mt 5:14).

Prayer: Father, may I not be so afraid of getting burned that I never catch fire for You.

Promise: "The reign of God is at hand!" —Mt 10:7

Praise: Through his motto, "Pray and work," St. Benedict and his monks helped restore a land ravaged by invaders.

(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, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 4, 2023"

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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“OTHER CHRISTS” - One Bread, One Body, 07/10/2024

Wednesday, July 10, 2024,

Hosea 10:1-3, 7-8, 12
Psalm 105:2-7
Matthew 10:1-7

View Readings

"OTHER CHRISTS"
Jesus "summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority to expel unclean spirits and to cure sickness and disease of every kind." —Matthew 10:1

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have Jesus in every city, neighborhood, and family? Jesus would walk among us, proclaim His kingdom of love, heal the sick, drive out demons, and give us salvation. The good news is that Jesus has provided for this very thing. Jesus is personally and powerfully present in millions of places throughout the world through His Body, the Church, in a special way as the Eucharist, and in each of His disciples.

Thus, Jesus commanded us to make disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19). When we live as His disciples by imitating Him, we become “other Christs.” We fill the world with Jesus and thereby help the Church become “the fullness of Him Who fills the universe in all its parts” (Eph 1:23). St. Teresa of Avila taught that Jesus has no hands but ours, no feet but ours, no voices but ours, etc. How can Jesus and the Church be strongly present to people who don’t acknowledge Jesus’ presence, listen to Him, or go to Church? You as disciples of Christ are His “walking tabernacles.” You bring Jesus and His Body, the Church, to those “without hope and without God in the world” (Eph 2:12).

Be other Christs. Bring hope and life to the lost, suffering, and enslaved. Be His disciples.

Prayer: Father, I offer my body and myself to You (Rm 12:1).

Promise: "It is time to seek the Lord, till He come and rain down justice upon you." —Hos 10:12

Praise: Sam was painfully shy and always sat in the back of the church at Mass. For several months, Jane and Veronica went out of their way to wish Sam peace and greet him at Mass. Now Sam is a leader in the church.



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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, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 4, 2023"

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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OH, TO BE YOURS, JESUS! - One Bread, One Body, 07/09/2024

Tuesday, July 9, 2024, St. Augustine Zhao Rong
& the Chinese Martyrs

Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13
Psalm 115:3-10
Matthew 9:32-38

View Readings

OH, TO BE YOURS, JESUS!
Jesus "said to His disciples, 'The harvest is good but laborers are scarce. Beg the Harvest Master to send out laborers to gather His harvest.' " —Matthew 9:37-38

People long for a chance to serve the winning sports team. If that team posted an advertisement asking for volunteers to pass out their T-shirts, many would proudly volunteer, eager to be associated with their beloved team.

Jesus is the Captain of the ultimate winning team. He has issued a call for helpers (Mt 9:38). Jesus doesn’t require our help, but He does desire it. Mysteriously, Jesus even seems to “need” our help. He chooses to work through us, the members of His body (Eph 4:15-16).

Jesus called the simple and unlearned (1 Cor 1:27-28). He didn’t so much call the qualified; rather, He has qualified the called. He poured out the Holy Spirit on them and gave them power (Mt 10:1). Therefore, we have no excuse when Jesus calls us to serve Him (cf Lk 14:18-21).

Can you listen diligently for His call in your life? He has come to call sinners (Mk 2:17) and then fill those who are called with “every spiritual blessing in the heavens” (Eph 1:3). Are you as joyful and proud to answer Jesus’ call for workers as sports fans are to help the winning team?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am all Yours. May I be more "fanatic" for You than the most rabid sports fan is for a beloved team.

Promise: "Our God is in heaven; whatever He wills, He does." —Ps 115:3

Praise: The 120 Chinese Martyrs, which included men, women, children, priests, religious, and lay people, showed the depth of their faith by giving everything, including their lives, to Jesus.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(For our summer retreat schedule, visit 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 June 1, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 4, 2023"

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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