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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer: Father, unchain my heart.

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

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

(For a related teaching on Power in the Spirit, listen to, download or order AV 64-1 or V 64 on our website.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 22, 2025"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE - One Bread, One Body, 05/21/2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(For a related teaching on Spiritual Warfare, view, download or order our leaflet on our website.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 22, 2025"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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THE GIFT OF TEARS - One Bread, One Body, 05/20/2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 22, 2025"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 22, 2025"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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HOW IS PEACE PRODUCED? - One Bread, One Body, 05/18/2026

Monday, May 18, 2026, Pope St. John I
Pentecost Novena — Day 4

Acts 19:1-8
Psalm 68:2-7
John 16:29-33

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HOW IS PEACE PRODUCED?
“I tell you all this that in Me you may find peace. You will suffer in the world. But take courage! I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33

Jesus promises us that we will find peace in Him and that we will suffer. Some people find this a strange combination. However, the Lord does not give us peace as the world gives peace (Jn 14:27). He gives us peace “beyond all understanding” (Phil 4:7) and beyond circumstances. Jesus gives us peace in suffering.

In fact, a certain kind of suffering — suffering in the pattern of Jesus’ death (see Phil 3:10) — is not contradictory to peace but may also be the very means of attaining peace. We can find our joy in suffering (Col 1:24); we may also be able to find our peace in suffering. When we suffer because of our sins, we fall apart; we become disintegrated. When we suffer for being Christians (see 1 Pt 4:16), we become integrated. When we suffer for love of Jesus, we see life differently. The things we “used to consider gain” we have “reappraised as loss” (Phil 3:7). We have God’s shalom-order in our lives. We have Jesus’ peace.

The Holy Spirit produces the fruit of peace in our lives (Gal 5:22). The Holy Spirit may lead us into suffering “chains and hardships” (Acts 20:23) and into being “insulted for the sake of Christ” (1 Pt 4:14). The Holy Spirit produces peace through redemptive suffering. Come, Holy Spirit!

Prayer: Father, on this fourth day of the Pentecost novena, give me Your peace in Your way.

Promise: “As Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came down on them and they began to speak in tongues and to utter prophecies. There were in the company about twelve men in all.” —Acts 19:6-7

Praise: Pope St. John I preached love even for heretical Arians and died of starvation from his imprisonment for his orthodox faith.



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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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GIFTS FROM ABOVE - One Bread, One Body, 05/17/2026

Sunday, May 17, 2026, Ascension
Pentecost Novena — Day 3

Acts 1:1-11
Ephesians 1:17-23
Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9
Matthew 28:16-20
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GIFTS FROM ABOVE
“Go, therefore, and make disciples…” —Matthew 28:19

In the moments before He ascended, Jesus told His disciples: “See, I send down upon you the promise of My Father” (Lk 24:48-49). “Then He led them out near Bethany, and with hands upraised, blessed them. As He blessed, He left them, and was taken up to heaven” (Lk 24:50-51), “and took His seat at God’s right hand” (Mk 16:19). “When He ascended on high, He…gave gifts to men…[He] ascended high above the heavens, that He might fill all men with His gifts” (Eph 4:8, 10).

In the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8), we “are clothed with power from on high” (Lk 24:49). In this Holy Spirit power, let us use our spiritual gifts to go and make disciples (Mt 28:19). This is God’s plan. Jesus had to leave planet earth so we could go out on mission. Jesus ascended (Eph 4:8-13) so we could rise up and get to work.

Let’s wait for the promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit (Lk 24:49). “Receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn 20:22), and all the gifts of the Spirit He offers to you. Then let’s carry out the mission Jesus entrusted to us.

Prayer: “May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, grant you a spirit of wisdom and insight to know Him clearly” (Eph 1:17).

Promise: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes down on you.” —Acts 1:8

Praise: “Then, after speaking to them, the Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven and took His seat at God’s right hand” (Mk 16:19).

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Join us for 40 Hours Devotion & Family Campout on June 5-7. Pray and play while you enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Adams County, Ohio. Call 513-373-2397 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 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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AM I PRAYING RIGHT? - One Bread, One Body, 05/16/2026

Saturday, May 16, 2026, Pentecost Novena — Day 2

Acts 18:23-28
Psalm 47:2-3, 8-10
John 16:23-28

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AM I PRAYING RIGHT?
“On that day you will ask in My name.” —John 16:26

Jesus promised: “I give you My assurance, whatever you ask the Father, He will give you in My name” (Jn 16:23). Jesus said: “I give you My word, if you are ready to believe that you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer, it shall be done for you” (Mk 11:24). He also promised: “I solemnly assure you, the man who has faith in Me will do the works I do, and greater far than these. Why? Because I go to the Father, and whatever you ask in My name I will do” (Jn 14:12-13). Jesus commands: “Ask and you shall receive, that your joy may be full” (Jn 16:24).

Do you get the impression we don’t know how to pray as we ought, that our prayers are merely a shadow of what they could be? If we are to pray as the Lord means for us to pray, we need to pray in the Spirit (see Jude 20). The Spirit “helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought” (Rm 8:26). Until “the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us” (Rm 8:26), we aren’t praying by God’s standards and much of the Biblical teaching on prayer seems far-fetched.

On this second day of the novena to the Holy Spirit, let’s pray for the Holy Spirit to help us in the weakness of our prayers. Then we will have a new Pentecost.

Prayer: Father, in these next eight days, may we together devote ourselves to constant prayer (Acts 1:14).

Promise: “When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him home and explained to him God’s new way in greater detail.” —Acts 18:26

Praise: Diego lived for pleasure alone until he found Jesus. His daily Mass and prayer time now give him more happiness than he ever had before (see Ps 4:8).

(For a related teaching on Praying for a New Pentecost, 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 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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NOVENAS AND PREGNANCIES - One Bread, One Body, 05/15/2026

Friday, May 15, 2026, St. Isidore the Farmer
Pentecost Novena — Day 1

Acts 18:9-18
Psalm 47:2-7
John 16:20-23

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NOVENAS AND PREGNANCIES
“In the same way, you are sad for a time, but I shall see you again; then your hearts will rejoice with a joy no one can take from you.” —John 16:22

Today, we begin the annual Pentecost novena. These nine days of prayer are analogous to the nine months of pregnancy. As a pregnant woman changes from sadness to joy, so during this novena we may experience grief, which will be “turned into joy” (Jn 16:20). As is often the case in pregnancy, the beginning and end of this novena may be times of greater sadness or stress. Under these circumstances, we will be pressured to abort the new life of the Spirit conceived within us. We will be tempted to avoid the painful reconciliation, repentance, and healing which are often part of a novena. We will feel like forgetting about Pentecost and seeking escape through various pleasurable distractions. Therefore, let’s decide right now to persevere (see Mt 24:13).

“Do not grow slack but be fervent in spirit; He Whom you serve is the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient under trial, persevere in prayer” (Rm 12:11-12). Pray and persevere through sorrows into joy. Come, Holy Spirit!

Prayer: Father, “You changed my mourning into dancing; You took off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my soul might sing praise to You without ceasing; O Lord, my God, forever will I give you thanks” (Ps 30:12-13).

Promise: “Do not be afraid. Go on speaking and do not be silenced, for I am with you. No one will attack you or harm you. There are many of My people in this city.” —Acts 18:9-10

Praise: St. Isidore the Farmer put God first by attending daily Mass and praying for hours each day. Pious tradition holds that his employer often observed angels assisting St. Isidore in his work in the fields.

(Children ages 5-13 are invited to join Camp Adventurers June 15-19 for a fun-filled, faith-filled experience. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com for details.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 22, 2025"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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THE ETERNAL FRUIT OF LOVE - One Bread, One Body, 05/14/2026

Thursday, May 14, 2026, St. Matthias

Acts 1:15-17, 20-26
Psalm 113:1-8
John 15:9-17
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THE ETERNAL FRUIT OF LOVE
“As the Father has loved Me, so I have loved you.” —John 15:9

God is love (1 Jn 4:16). The Persons of the Holy Trinity love each other eternally. The Father and the Son love each other eternally, and the eternal Fruit of this love is the Holy Spirit. Thus, the Holy Spirit not only produces fruit (Gal 5:22) but is Himself the Fruit of the love of the Father and the Son.In receiving the Holy Spirit, we receive the power to obey God’s very first command to the human race: “Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it” (Gn 1:28). In the Spirit, we bear abundant (Jn 15:5), lasting fruit (Jn 15:16).

However, we live in a contraceptive, abortifacient society. As Pope St. John Paul II taught, we live in a “culture of death.” This is true both physically and spiritually. For example, many Christians in the Western world would never even entertain the thought of trying to bear fruit by evangelizing. Even those who will share their faith under ideal circumstances abort their attempts to evangelize when they see they will have to die to themselves to bear fruit (see Jn 12:24).

As Pentecost approaches, we must decide whether we want the Holy Spirit, the Fruit of the love of the Father and the Son, or if we want to remain in the “culture of death.” “Choose life” (Dt 30:19) and life in the Spirit.

Prayer: Father, I choose life, love, fruitfulness, and death to self.

Promise: “He raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill He lifts up the poor.” —Ps 113:7

Praise: St. Matthias and the other apostles performed great signs and wonders among the people of Jerusalem. As a result, “more and more believers, men and women in great numbers, were continually added to the Lord” (Acts 5:12-14).

(For a related teaching on Divine Love, listen to, download or order AV 52-3 or V 52 on our website.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 22, 2025"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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BOTH “IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH” (Jn 4:24) - One Bread, One Body, 05/13/2026

Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Our Lady of Fatima

Acts 17:15, 22­—18:1
Psalm 148:1-2, 11-14
John 16:12-15

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BOTH “IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH” (Jn 4:24)
“When He comes, however, being the Spirit of truth He will guide you to all truth.” —John 16:13

Many say, “I’m not religious, but I am a spiritual person.” Jesus says in today’s Gospel that the Holy Spirit will guide us to all truth (Jn 16:13). He says that “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit” (Jn 4:24). Indeed, being a spiritual person is an integral part of worshipping God.

However, many who are involved in New Age rituals are also spiritual persons. Even the evil spirits, who are spiritual beings, believe in God “and shudder” (Jas 2:19). Thus we must not only worship God in spirit; we must also worship Him in truth (Jn 4:24). Satan is a spirit, but an evil spirit. Satan “has never based himself on truth; the truth is not in him. Lying speech is his native tongue; he is a liar and the father of lies” (Jn 8:44).

This is the danger of living as a spiritual person without the safeguard of the truth. Satan, who operates in the spiritual world, is “prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Pt 5:8). Spiritual people who do not remain within the truth are particularly vulnerable to being devoured by Satan’s lies.

It is in the Holy Spirit that we can worship God both in Spirit and in truth. The Spirit has done this through the revelation in Scripture and in magisterial Church teaching, particularly through the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The truth of divine revelation means that worshipping in Spirit (Jn 4:24) has guardrails, that is, the safe boundaries of truth. The Holy Spirit is Truth (Jn 16:13). So, search for the truth and search for the Holy Spirit. Worship God in Spirit and truth (Jn 4:24).

Prayer: Father, help me to follow the Spirit’s lead (Gal 5:25) to the Church, the “pillar and bulwark of truth” (1 Tm 3:15).

Promise: “In Him we live and move and have our being.”—Acts 17:28

Praise: “My God, I believe, I adore, I hope, and I love Thee!”

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 22, 2025"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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A LAWYER IN HEAVEN!!! - One Bread, One Body, 05/12/2026

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 , Sts. Nereus & Achilleus
St. Pancras

Acts 16:22-34
Psalm 138:1-3, 7-8
John 16:5-11

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A LAWYER IN HEAVEN!!!
“If I fail to go, the Paraclete will never come to you, whereas if I go, I will send Him to you.” —John 16:7

The Greek word “Paraclete,” which Jesus uses to refer to the promised Holy Spirit, can be translated as “Defense Lawyer.” Picture yourselves in the place of Jesus’ disciples. After following the Master for three years, He tells you that He is suddenly leaving you tomorrow. But that’s not all: as His replacement, you’re getting a lawyer! We can understand why His disciples, who had recently heard Jesus publicly vilify lawyers (see Lk 11:46-52),  would be “overcome with grief” (Jn 16:6) at this double whammy.

However, those who follow Jesus desperately need to be defended. Sts. Paul and Silas discovered this at Philippi. They were seized and dragged “into the main square before the local authorities,” who “turned them over to the magistrates” (Acts 16:19-20). Before they could speak a word in self-defense, they were flogged severely, thrown into jail in maximum security, and chained to a stake like animals (Acts 16:22-24).

At this point, Paul and Silas placed a call from their “cell-phone” to their Defense Lawyer, the Holy Spirit. Since the Lawyer already understood the specifics of the case, Paul and Silas only had to converse with their Lawyer in His native language: tongues, prayer, and praise (Acts 16:25). The Holy Spirit appealed the case directly to the Judge, the Father, and the verdict “innocent” was reached immediately. The Holy Spirit sent an earthquake which set the prisoners free, converted the jailer and his family, and publicly vindicated Paul and Silas (Acts 16:26ff).

Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit! Come and set us free!

Promise: “When I called, You answered me; You built up strength within me...Your right hand saves me.” —Ps 138:3, 7

Praise: Sts. Nereus and Achilleus, Roman soldiers involved in the execution of Christians, knew well the horrors of martyrdom. Yet they converted to Christianity and died as martyrs for the Faith.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 22, 2025"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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AT HOME WITH JESUS - One Bread, One Body, 05/11/2026

Monday, May 11, 2026,

Acts 16:11-15
Psalm 149:1-6, 9
John 15:26—16:4

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AT HOME WITH JESUS
“If you are convinced that I believe in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” —Acts 16:15

Your house is one of your most important resources for evangelization. The Church teaches that your home should be a “domestic church” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1656).  Can you imagine these scenarios for your home?

• Picture a chair in your kitchen and remember when your neighbor, John, seated in that chair, gave his life to Jesus.
• You look out at the porch and remember when Kathy from work was filled with the Holy Spirit in that very spot of your house.
• Over there is the couch where Ted and Cindy sat, three years ago. They had come to announce their divorce. They left your home forgiving, forgiven, and reconciled.
• Next to the family altar is the table where you taught your children the Scriptures from their infancy (2 Tm 3:15).
• At the front door, you can see the holy water font where you blessed the kids a thousand times.
• On the buffet stands the statue of Mary — a little worse for wear. (You told the kids to be more careful.)
• Above the doorway hangs the crucifix. You still sometimes cry when you see His crucified love (see Gal 3:1).

This is home. This is love. This is life in Jesus. Amen!

Prayer: Father, make my home “a house of prayer” (see Is 56:7), evangelization, repentance, healing, hope, love, and life.

Promise: “When the Paraclete comes, the Spirit of truth Who comes from the Father — and Whom I Myself will send from the Father — He will bear witness on My behalf. You must bear witness as well.” —Jn 15:26-27

Praise: Andrew, age fourteen, discerned a vocation to the priesthood as a child and has followed it unswervingly ever since.

(For a related teaching on Counter-Cultural, listen to, download or order AV 17A-3 or V 17A on our website.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 22, 2025"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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“DID YOU RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT?” (Acts 19:2) - One Bread, One Body, 05/10/2026

Sunday, May 10, 2026, Sixth Sunday of Easter

Acts 8:5-8, 14-17
1 Peter 3:15-18
Psalm 66:1-7, 16, 20
John 14:15-21
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“DID YOU RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT?” (Acts 19:2)
“You can recognize Him (the Spirit of truth).” —John 14:17

At the time of the Apostles, it’s likely that the evidence that someone had received the Holy Spirit was praying audibly in tongues and uttering prophecy (see Acts 19:6). Although the charismatic gifts of the Spirit are readily visible to others, they are not the only indicators as to whether a person has received the Holy Spirit.

How can others recognize whether or not you have received the Holy Spirit? “You can recognize Him because He remains with you and will be within you” (Jn 14:17). How can you recognize whether you received the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is unseen, but the fruit of the Spirit can be seen (Gal 5:22). Thus Jesus tells us to look for good fruit to discern whether or not someone has received the Spirit (Mt 7:16-20). Some examples are:

• You keep Jesus’ commandments (Jn 14:15ff).
• You live in the truth, by the Spirit of truth (Jn 14:17).
• You persevere over time amid trials (see Rv 2:3).
• You love those who persecute you (Mt 5:44).
• Your life bears lasting, enduring fruit (Jn 15:5, 16).
• You witness to Jesus, for that’s what the Spirit does (Jn 5:16).
• You live a life of holiness, for the Spirit is holy (see 1 Pt 1:15-16).

You received the Spirit in the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, but are you living by the Spirit? (see Gal 5:25) “Did you receive the Holy Spirit?” (Acts 19:2)

Prayer: Father, I beg You to fill me with the Holy Spirit (Lk 11:13).

Promise: “He who loves Me will be loved by My Father. I too will love him and reveal Myself to him.” —Jn 14:21

Praise: “Glory be to this only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Majesty, too, be His, might and power from ages past, now and for ages to come. Amen” (Jude 25).

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 22, 2025"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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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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GROW - One Bread, One Body, 05/09/2026

Saturday, May 9, 2026,

Acts 16:1-10
Psalm 100:1-3, 5
John 15:18-21

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GROW
“The congregations grew stronger in faith and daily increased in numbers.” —Acts 16:5

The Lord is very interested in the growth of individuals and congregations. He delights in our growth as a parent delights in their child’s first step or first word. The Lord wants congregations to grow both in faith and in numbers (see Acts 16:5). Growing in quality and quantity are not two separate types of growth, but eventually go together. If we truly have a strong faith, we will be strong in evangelizing and leading many to Christ.

The Lord wants every Christian and every congregation to grow in age, wisdom, and grace as He did (see Lk 2:40, 52). He commands us: “Be as eager for milk as newborn babies — pure milk of the Spirit to make you grow unto salvation” (1 Pt 2:2). So let us “grow to the full maturity of Christ the Head. Through Him the whole body grows” (Eph 4:15-16).

The second letter of Peter is possibly the last book of the Bible chronologically. In the last verse of the last chapter of what may be the last book of Holy Scripture, the Lord commands us: “Grow rather in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Glory be to Him now and to the day of eternity! Amen” (2 Pt 3:18). The last word is “grow.”

Prayer: Father, in these last two weeks of the Easter season may I grow by leaps and bounds.

Promise: “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own; the reason it hates you is that you do not belong to the world. But I chose you out of the world.” —Jn 15:19

Praise: When Sarah was discouraged by her lack of spiritual growth in one area of her life, her confessor advised her to focus on the cross.

(For a related teaching on Evangelization, listen to, download or order AV 55-1 or V 55 on our website.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 22, 2025"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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THE CROSS IS A FRUIT TREE - One Bread, One Body, 05/08/2026

Friday, May 8, 2026,

Acts 15:22-31
Psalm 57:8-10, 12
John 15:12-17

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THE CROSS IS A FRUIT TREE
“It was I Who chose you to go forth and bear fruit.”—John 15:16

The Lord commands, graces, and chooses us to bear fruit which is abundant (Jn 15:5) and lasting (Jn 15:16). This means that we are chosen to lead many people to a total commitment to the Lord and to disciple them so deeply that they will persevere in their commitment.

We bear this abundant, lasting fruit not by our power or efforts but by abiding in the Lord and letting Him abide in us (Jn 15:5). We bear abundant, lasting fruit both by being slaves of Jesus who obey Him even when we don’t understand Him, and by being friends of Jesus who know what our Master is about (Jn 15:15). We bear fruit by letting the Lord trim us clean by His Word (Jn 15:2-3). Ultimately, we bear the right quantity and quality of fruit by loving one another, even to the point of laying down our lives for each other (Jn 15:13). We bear fruit by denying our very selves, taking up the cross each day, and following Jesus (Lk 9:23). Jesus proclaims: “I solemnly assure you, unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat. But if it dies, it produces much fruit” (Jn 12:24).

The cross is the only fruit tree that bears abundant, lasting fruit. Bear the cross; bear fruit.

Prayer: Father, may I love You so much that I will die to bear fruit for You.

Promise: “When it was read there was great delight at the encouragement it gave.” —Acts 15:31

Praise: Warren made a commitment to the Lord to pray daily for a friend until he gave his life to Jesus. Warren was faithful to this commitment, and thirty years later, his friend accepted Jesus as his Lord, Savior, and God.

(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 AV 43-3 or V 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 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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LOVE WITH A CAPITAL “L” - One Bread, One Body, 05/07/2026

Thursday, May 7, 2026,

Acts 15:7-21
Psalm 96:1-3, 10
John 15:9-11
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LOVE WITH A CAPITAL “L”
“As the Father has loved Me, so I have loved you. Live on in My love.” —John 15:9

Christians are called not only to be loving or lovable but to be in Love — in the most profound and mysterious way. God is Love (1 Jn 4:8, 16), and Jesus is God (Jn 1:1). Therefore, Jesus is Love, and we have been baptized into Him (see Rm 6:3). Thus we are in Him, Who is Love. We are in Love literally, not just in love.

Thus, we “live in His love” (Jn 15:10). In Love, we love in amazing, impossible ways. For example, we love our enemies (Mt 5:44). We love especially the most unlovable. In Love, our love is stronger than death. We literally love forever. We are even able to “grasp fully, with all the holy ones, the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ’s love, and experience this love which surpasses all knowledge, so that [we] may attain to the fullness of God Himself” (Eph 3:18-19). We can see why Jesus said: “This is how all will know you for My disciples: your love for one another” (Jn 13:35).

Are you fully living your Baptism into Love? In Baptism, you are not only in God, Who is Love; but He, Who is Love, is in you. You don’t just have love in you; you have Love in you at the same time as you are in Love. In Love, your potential to love is inexpressible and overwhelming. How can you fully accept your awesome baptismal graces? Jesus simply promised: “You will live in My love if you keep My commandments” (Jn 15:10). Live in Love, and Love will live in you (1 Jn 4:16).

Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit to teach me the meaning of Love.

Promise: “All this I tell you that My joy may be yours and your joy may be complete.” —Jn 15:11

Praise: After years of confusion, Robert simply looked upon the crucifix as if for the first time. He understood and loved Jesus.

(The annual 40 Hours Devotion & Family Campout is June 5-7. Adore the Lord, hear teachings and have fellowship with others. See www.presentationministries.com for more info and 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 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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UNITED FRUIT PRODUCERS - One Bread, One Body, 05/06/2026

Wednesday, May 6, 2026,

Acts 15:1-6
Psalm 122:1-5
John 15:1-8

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UNITED FRUIT PRODUCERS
“My Father has been glorified in your bearing much fruit and becoming My disciples.” —John 15:8

We must bear abundantly the fruit of holiness (see Gal 5:22ff) and evangelization (Jn 15:5). Otherwise, we will be like “a withered, rejected branch, picked up to be thrown in the fire and burnt” (Jn 15:6). We bear fruit abundantly by being attached to and living in the Vine, Jesus Christ (Jn 15:5). We must be abiding in Jesus and He in us, and stay in communion with all the others who abide in Jesus.

In the last few centuries of Christianity, we have the anomaly of Christians who maintain they are abiding in Jesus and yet are cut off from the other branches joined to Jesus, the Vine. Have you ever seen a tree where the branches are connected to the trunk but not to all the branches of the rest of the tree? This is a logical and botanical impossibility. Can you imagine a tree where several of the branches are independent of the trunk? These are those who are not in full communion with the Church.

Of course, Jesus is speaking analogously, and an analogy can be pressed too far. Nevertheless, Jesus, using another analogy, makes it clear that those baptized into Christ have been “baptized into one body” (1 Cor 12:13). If we are united to Jesus, the Head of the body, we are to be united to all the other parts of the body. Jesus promised that the world would believe when Christians are one (Jn 17:21). In unity, we will bear the great harvest leading to Jesus’ final return.

Prayer: Father, give me Your heart for world evangelization and Church unity.

Promise: “The Church saw them off and they made their way through Phoenicia and Samaria, telling everyone about the conversion of the Gentiles as they went. Their story caused great joy among the brothers.” —Acts 15:3

Praise: Bethany, a teenager, abides in Jesus by attending daily Mass and being open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit.



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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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PAUL “ROCKS” LYSTRA - One Bread, One Body, 05/05/2026

Tuesday, May 5, 2026,

Acts 14:19-28
Psalm 145:10-13, 21
John 14:27-31

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PAUL “ROCKS” LYSTRA
“We must undergo many trials if we are to enter into the reign of God.” —Acts 14:22

St. Paul’s life had undergone a complete reversal. Paul (then known as Saul) approved the stoning of St. Stephen (Acts 7:58; 8:1). Now Paul was the one being stoned by the citizens of Lystra and being left for dead after preaching the Gospel (Acts 14:19).

Paul’s “disciples quickly formed a circle about him” and prayed (Acts 14:20). Paul was able to get up and was then courageous  enough to go right back into the same town that had just stoned him. Imagine seeing a man covered with bruises, who had been left for dead, and hearing him tell you, “We must undergo many trials if we are to enter into the reign of God” (Acts 14:22). Paul had instant credibility as an evangelist! Paul left the next day to evangelize another town. But before long he returned a final time to minister in Lystra (Acts 16:1).

Inspired by St. Paul, let us courageously stand up for the truth of the Gospel and endure the sufferings and hardships required in living out the Gospel. Paul called himself “the worst” of sinners (1 Tm 1:15). But he broke with sin by his sufferings, and Jesus set him free to worship without fear and to prepare the way of the Lord throughout Asia Minor (see Lk 1:74-75). We are to live in peace, as Jesus says in today’s Gospel (Jn 14:27). “If possible, live peaceably with everyone” (Rm 12:18). However, may we never be ashamed of the Gospel (Rm 1:16). “Christ suffered in the flesh; therefore arm yourselves with His same mentality. He who has suffered in the flesh has broken with sin” (1 Pt 4:1).

Prayer: Father, may I believe in You with the same courage and conviction of St. Paul.

Promise: “ ‘Peace’ is My farewell to you, My peace is my gift to you.” —Jn 14:27

Praise: Diego studied the Bible intensely as a young adult. He now teaches the Faith to thousands.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 22, 2025"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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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 SPIRIT RE-MINDS US - One Bread, One Body, 05/04/2026

Monday, May 4, 2026,

Acts 14:5-18
Psalm 115:1-4, 15-16
John 14:21-26

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THE SPIRIT RE-MINDS US
The Holy Spirit will “remind you of all that I told you.”—John 14:26

It’s so critical to fill our minds with the Word of God. Because the Holy Spirit will remind us of all the Lord has told us in His Word (Jn 14:26), we need to “deposit” the Word constantly into our mind. This allows the Holy Spirit to remind us of the appropriate word at the opportune time.

Similarly, it’s also so vital to fill our mind with holy thoughts (see Phil 4:8), godly insights through spiritual reading, and to hear godly preaching. The Holy Spirit specializes in bringing to mind the right Bible verse or insight at the right time. For example, to avoid sin, memorize this verse: “Within my heart I treasure Your promise, that I may not sin against You” (Ps 119:11). To avoid despair, an appropriate verse to memorize is: “But I will call this to mind, as my reason to have hope: The favors of the Lord are not exhausted, His mercies are not spent; they are renewed each morning, so great is His faithfulness” (Lam 3:21-23).

The Spirit also wants to “re-mind” us, that is, to make over our mind anew, to transform us by the renewal of our mind. Then the Spirit can bring to our renewed mind all that Jesus has taught us (Jn 14:26). Out of love for the Holy Spirit, let us offer Him our mind and allow the Spirit to transform us by the renewal of our mind (Rm 12:2). Let us love and serve the Lord with all our mind (Lk 10:27).

Prayer: Father, may Catholics find joy in memorizing Scripture passages.

Promise: “May you be blessed by the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” —Ps 115:15

Praise: Danielle desired God’s wisdom. She set her computer password to be “James 1:5” and recited the verse to herself each time she typed her password: “If any of you is without wisdom, let him ask it from the God Who gives ungrudgingly to all, and it will be given him” (Jas 1:5).

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 22, 2025"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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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 TEMPTATION TO DO GOOD - One Bread, One Body, 05/03/2026

Sunday, May 3, 2026, Fifth Sunday of Easter

Acts 6:1-7
1 Peter 2:4-9
Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
John 14:1-12
View Readings

Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

THE TEMPTATION TO DO GOOD
“This will permit us to concentrate on prayer and the ministry of the word.” —Acts 6:4

“There is no chaining the word of God” (2 Tm 2:9), but the messengers of God’s Word can be chained. We are often chained through sin, selfishness, or fear. However, we can be chained in more subtle ways. For example, the devil tried to chain the apostles by making them think they needed to cut back temporarily on prayer and the ministry of the Word to deal with a disagreement in the early Church (Acts 6:2ff). He tempted them by encouraging them to do a good and needed work. Moreover, the devil didn’t tell them to completely quit their ministry of the Word but only to cut back just for a little while. However, once we deviate even slightly from our God-given call (even if we do it by performing good deeds), we are no longer doing God’s will. When we give an inch even for a moment, our inch turns into miles which can last forever.

Therefore:

• Do God’s deeds, not good deeds.
• Do nothing but His will.
• Don’t interrupt or postpone God’s work. Do it now.
• Don’t let up at all in proclaiming His Word in season and out of season (2 Tm 4:2).

•              Be a witness for the risen Christ full-time and forever.

Prayer: Father, by Your grace I will live my vocation to the full.

Promise: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Have faith in God and faith in Me.” —Jn 14:1

Praise: Alleluia! Praise Jesus, “the Resurrection and the Life” (Jn 11:25). He holds “the keys of death and the nether world” (Rv 1:18). Alleluia forever!

(Prepare for a life-changing Pentecost Sunday by praying the Pentecost Novena. For support, view, download or order our leaflet on our website.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 22, 2025"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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LIFE IN THE WORD - One Bread, One Body, 05/02/2026

Saturday, May 2, 2026, St. Athanasius

Acts 13:44-52
Psalm 98:1-4
John 14:7-14

View Readings

Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

LIFE IN THE WORD
“The word of the Lord was carried throughout that area.” —Acts 13:49

The Word of the Lord is being carried at this moment throughout your area and throughout the world. However, you will be manipulated into rejecting and opposing God’s Word (see Acts 13:45-46), if there is unrepentant sin in your life. But if you repent, you will believe in God’s Word, delight in it, and respond to it with praise (Acts 13:48). This may result in your being persecuted by those who reject God’s Word. Yet you will “be filled with joy and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:52), for you have been privileged not only to believe in God’s Word but also to suffer for it (see Phil 1:29). In your suffering for accepting God’s Word, the Holy Spirit will rest on you (1 Pt 4:14), and you will do greater works than Jesus did (Jn 14:12), for anything you ask in His name He will do (Jn 14:14).

When we accept God’s Word, we enter into a new way of life. In God’s Word, we move from grace to grace (see Jn 1:16). By living in God’s Word, we walk in the Truth Who sets us free (Jn 8:31-32). Accept, abide in, and carry God’s Word.

Prayer: Father, may I tremble at Your Word (Is 66:2).

Promise: “All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God.” —Ps 98:3

Praise: St. Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria, Egypt, was exiled five times for defending the divinity of Jesus against the Arian heretics. Praise be to Jesus, true God and true man!

(Love Jesus more by reading the Bible daily. For encouragement, listen to, download or order any or all of these on our website: Ignorance of Scripture is Ignorance of Christ, AV 82-1; How to Pray the Bible, AV 82-3; How to Read the Bible, AV 46-3; Principles of Bible Interpretation, AV 79-1.)

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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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Copyright © Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to https://www.presentationministries.com/subscribe/email

To remove your e-mail address from this list, click here..