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Tuesday, April 6, 2010

GENERATION OR GENERATOR? - One Bread, One Body, 4/6/2010

We at Presentation Ministries wish you a very blessed and holy Easter.
Praise Jesus our risen LORD!

Read about your Risen Life in Christ
http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/RisenLife.asp
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Tuesday, April 6, 2010, Easter Week

Acts 2:36-41, Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22, John 20:11-18
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/040610.shtml

GENERATION OR GENERATOR?

Peter "kept urging, 'Save yourselves from this generation which has gone
astray.' Those who accepted his message were baptized; some three thousand
were added that day." —Acts 2:40-41

Mary Magdalene believed in the risen Jesus on the first Easter morning.
The apostles, however, did not come to a life-transforming faith in the
risen Christ until fifty days later. Jesus tried to give His apostles a
resurrection-faith on the evening of the first Easter Sunday. He breathed
on them and commanded them to receive the Holy Spirit (Jn 20:22), but they
were unable to let the Spirit open them to faith in the risen Christ on
Easter evening.

The apostles could not immediately receive the Holy Spirit and faith in
the risen Jesus because they were afraid. They realized that to rise we
must first die. Therefore, to share in Jesus' resurrection includes
sharing in His sufferings and death (Phil 3:10). The apostles intuitively
realized that if they believed in Jesus risen, they would be rejected and
crucified by the same generation that killed Jesus Himself. The choice was
either fitting into society and thereby rejecting Jesus, or believing in
Jesus and thereby being rejected by their generation. This was the central
issue, so when Peter witnessed for the risen Christ at Pentecost, he "kept
urging, 'Save yourselves from this generation which has gone astray' "
(Acts 2:40).

Will you let yourself be rejected by this generation, your peer group,
your colleagues, and this secularized society? Or will you reject the
grace to believe in the risen Christ?


Prayer: Father, may I be willing to die for Your risen Son.

Promise: "Go to My brothers and tell them, 'I am ascending to My Father
and your Father, to My God and your God!' " —Jn 20:17

Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who sends His Spirit upon us all!

(Prepare for a life-changing Pentecost on Pentecost Sunday by praying the
Pentecost Novena. For supporting teaching, order our leaflet "Pentecost
Novena" or on audio AV 103-1 or video V-103.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from April
1, 2010 through May 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, October 9, 2009

The rescript 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 ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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/obob/obob.asp

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Copyright © 2010 Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
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Monday, April 5, 2010

"ONLY SAY THE WORD..." - One Bread, One Body, 4/5/2010

Monday, April 5, 2010, Easter Week

Acts 2:14, 22-33, Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11, Matthew 28:8-15
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/040510.shtml

"ONLY SAY THE WORD..."

"This is the Jesus God has raised up, and we are His witnesses." —Acts
2:32

On Pentecost, Peter stood up before several thousand people to witness for
the risen Jesus. Peter didn't mention how many times he saw the risen
Christ. He didn't mention touching Jesus' risen body or the time he ate
with Him after the resurrection. Peter even omitted the fact that several
hundred people simultaneously saw the risen Christ (1 Cor 15:6). Rather,
Peter witnessed for the risen Christ by quoting three Old Testament
passages: Joel 3, Psalm 16, and Psalm 110 (see Acts 2:17, 25, 34). Peter
knew that the way we meet the risen Christ is through hearing God's word,
not by seeing Jesus' risen body.

That explains why Jesus spent the first Easter Sunday afternoon
interpreting for two of His disciples "every passage of Scripture which
referred to Him" (Lk 24:27). Moreover, Jesus spent the first Easter Sunday
evening opening the apostles' "minds to the understanding of the
Scriptures" (Lk 24:45).

When God's word comes alive in our hearts, we realize that Jesus is alive.
If the Lord has His way, these next forty-nine days of Easter will be a
time of very intense Bible learning and teaching. Try to read the entire
New Testament this Easter season by reading seven to ten pages daily. In
addition, try to hear and share the preaching of God's word more
frequently. As you do this, your faith in the risen Christ will grow (see
Acts 20:32), your life will be transformed, and you will be a witness for
the risen Christ as never before. Faith in the risen Jesus comes through
hearing God's word (Rm 10:17).


Prayer: Father, may Your word burn in my heart (Lk 24:32).

Promise: "Jesus said to them, 'Do not be afraid! Go and carry the news to
My brothers.' " —Mt 28:10

Praise: Praise You Jesus, the Living Word! Praise You for opening our
minds to the Scriptures.

(Equip yourself to serve the Lord and share His Word through our
"Proclaiming God's Word" retreat, Apr 19-22. Call 937-587-5464.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from April
1, 2010 through May 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, October 9, 2009

The rescript 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 ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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/obob/obob.asp

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © 2010 Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
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Sunday, April 4, 2010

PM eNewsletter Easter Sunday

April 4th Easter Sunday


Thank You, Jesus, You have risen from the dead and gave us a new and
everlasting covenant of love.

Jesus, You are the way, the truth and the life, and only in You will we
ever find rest and peace.

Jesus, thank You for loving us so much that You died a horrible death
and defeated satan for all time.

Thank You, Jesus, that Your death on the cross covered the forgiveness
of sin for everyone, always.

Thank You, Jesus, for Your unconditional love.

Amen and Amen.

Thank you Lord, for loving us totally.
________________________________________________

For more on the teachings of Father Al Lauer see the home
page of Presentation Ministries? Please take a look.
http://presentationministries.com/home/home.asp

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp
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One Bread, One Body

This weeks readings and reflections

Sunday FRESH BREAD
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=4/4/2010

"Get rid of the old yeast to make of yourselves fresh dough,
unleavened loaves, as it were; Christ our Passover has been
sacrificed." —1 Corinthians 5:7

Alleluia! Jesus has risen! He's alive! Alleluia!

For many Christians, the good news of Jesus' resurrection from
the dead isn't "news" anymore. It's old. They've heard it (or not
heard it) for years. Instead of being evangelized to Christianity,
they have been immunized to it. They mistakenly think that the
lukewarm version of Easter they've received is all there is to the
good news.

We must get rid of the old yeast of sin. We must repent of
compromising with the values of the world and of thereby letting
the risen Christ be upstaged by NCAA basketball, major league
baseball, spring break, chocolate Easter bunnies, or even
marshmallow chicks. We must proclaim Jesus' resurrection with
power by making major financial moves and lifestyle changes —
all because of the risen Christ (see Acts 4:33-35).

Jesus died and was buried because of our sins. Unless we break
out of the tomb of sin, we will not be witnesses for the risen Christ
but anti-witnesses. We will conceal the risen Lord rather than
reveal Him. Therefore, we must ask for the forgiveness of our sins
through His name (Acts 10:43). On the first Easter Sunday evening,
Jesus offered us forgiveness (Jn 20:23). We must repent if we are
to be credible witnesses for the risen Jesus.


Monday "ONLY SAY THE WORD..."
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=4/5/2010

"This is the Jesus God has raised up, and we are His witnesses." —Acts
2:32

Tuesday GENERATION OR GENERATOR?
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=4/6/2010

Peter "kept urging, 'Save yourselves from this generation which
has gone astray.' Those who accepted his message were baptized;
some three thousand were added that day." —Acts 2:40-41

For more readings and inspiration from Presentation Ministries,
check us out at
http://presentationministries.com/home/home.asp

Share an OBOB e-mail with a friend today! It's easy and
quick and it will make Jesus smile!
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobDriveEmail.asp
________________________________________________

Brochures

" Over 90 Biblically based brochures. Many on topics you
don't usually hear addressed."

This Week's Featured Brochures

Risen Life
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/RisenLife.asp

The Secret of Confession
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/SecretConfession.asp

The Secret of Fasting
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/SecretFasting.asp


Brochures by Topic
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/brochures.asp
________________________________________________

PM Internet Prayer Requests
http://www.presentationministries.com/prayer/prayer.asp

I would like praywer for my lack of committment to Christ.
(A.A., Austin, TX, United States, 4/3/2010 3:40:25 PM)

Fear is useless; What is needed is trust. LORD give me trust
and love. Trust that YOU will answer all our petitions in a way
that is best for us as YOU will it. Give us love for YOU first and
our neighbor as our self. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
(J., Wisconsin, United States, 4/3/2010 3:21:12 PM)

Today is Holy Saturday IN THIS HOUR we pray and offer our
prayers, petitions and requests. IN THIS HOUR Dear Jesus You
said to St. Faustina, You will refuse nothing to the soul that
makes a request of Me in virtue of My Passion…. Dear Jesus, we
know You said: "Mankind will not have peace until it turns with
trust to My mercy." Dear Jesus, we know You also said: "The
Prayer most pleasing to Me is prayer for the conversion of
sinners." Dear Jesus of Divine Mercy, we request that all mankind
open their eyes, minds and hearts and turn with trust to Your
mercy, and we pray for the conversion of sinners.
JESUS I TRUST IN YOU!
(K., Texas, 4/3/2010 2:02:21 PM)

for all the petitions in this wonderful prayer room. for my brother,
my son, my mother, my sister and her family. for me Lord.
Forgive us Lord for crucifying you. Virgin Mary pray for us. Holy
Spirit soften our hearts. that we may have a good, loving wkend.
(Anonymous, 4/3/2010 1:26:36 PM)

Dear Heavenly Father, I surrender my job situation of finding a
job to you. Nothing is impossible for you Lord. Please give me
strenght and grace as I wait with a expectant heart for your mercy
and goodness regarding finding a job for me. Please grant me this
favour and I promise that I will give my first-fruits to the church
and help others. Thank you Jesus Dhanmatie
(Anonymous, 4/3/2010 12:06:40 PM)


Please follow link to additional prayer intentions.
http://www.presentationministries.com/prayer/prayer.asp
________________________________________________

MP3 4 You

The internet ministry for PM is highlighting our downloadable
tapes online. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
are featured as are The Acts of the Apostles Part 1 thru 4, 1
Corinthians Part 1 & 2, and Romans Parts 1-3. Also available,
many MP3 formatted Audio tapes of most epistles in the bible
and numerous 15 minute Bible studies by Fr. Al Lauer.

Take a moment and check the link below
http://presentationministries.com/tapes/tape.asp?pubID=269
________________________________________________

Small Christian Communities

We believe the Lord is calling us to build hundreds of more
communities by raising up leaders who will form communities

PM's Small Christian Community Network

Learn about the Communities in our Network
http://presentationministries.com/community/hbcNetwork.asp

Small Christian Community Resources

Introduction to Small Christian Community
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/IntroCommunity.asp

"Unless the Lord Build the House..." — Psalm 127:
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/UnlessTheLordBuild.asp

Building Small Christian Communities (Team Manual)
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/CommunityManual.asp

Building Small Christian Communities (Guide Book)
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/CommunityGuidebook.asp

For more information contact: community@presentationministries.com
________________________________________________

Bible Telephone Line

** Please check these listings as a number of changes have been made.**

Cincinnati 859 291-7000
Cleveland 440 572-4366
Columbus 614 470-0020
Detroit 734 720-1852
Indianapolis 317 767-5413
Long Island 631 778-5015
Los Angeles 213 455-0872
Miami 305 356-7638
Toledo 419-464-9880
________________________________________________

Listen Online!
Inspired teaching on the daily Scripture readings
of the Catholic Church by Fr. Al Lauer

Best of Daily Bread Radio Program
http://www.presentationministries.com/dbread/dbread.asp
________________________________________________

Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth
http://presentationministries.com/BST/bst2010-03.asp?navlink=latest


Notable quotations from Pope Benedict XVI and official
teachings of the Roman Catholic Church

WITNESS AWAKENS VOCATIONS


"ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE"

Personal witness, in the form of concrete existential choices, will
encourage young people... to make demanding decisions
concerning their future. Those who would assist them need to
have the skills for encounter and dialogue which are capable of
enlightening and accompanying them, above all through the
example of life lived as a vocation.


MARY AND VOCATIONS

May the Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, watch over each tiny
seed of vocation in the hearts of those whom the Lord calls to
follow Him more closely, may she help it to grow into a mature tree,
bearing much good fruit for the Church and for all humanity.

(Source: Message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations [4/25/2010], issued
11/13/ 2009)

http://presentationministries.com/BST/bst2010-01.asp?navlink=latest
________________________________________________

PM Ministry List

" The Lord works through PM in many different ways. Below
you can find information about some of our ministries.

Bible Institute
http://presentationministries.com/bibleinst/bi2005Home.asp

Word Gifts Ministry
http://presentationministries.com/general/prophecies.asp
________________________________________________

2009 RETREATS
Online Registration

2009 RETREATS


· Seek First the Kingdom of God (Apr 16-17)
· The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church (Apr 19-22)
· The Liturgy of the Hours (Apr 23-24)

http://presentationministries.com/pjdc/retreatSchedule.asp
________________________________________________

· Sign-up for the OBOB daily e-mail list
http://presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

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FRESH BREAD - One Bread, One Body, 4/4/2010

Sunday, April 4, 2010, Easter Sunday

Romans 6:3-11, Acts 10:34, 37-43, Colossians 3:1-4 or, 1 Corinthians
5:6-8, (Vigil Readings), , , , , Luke 24:1-12, Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17,
22-23, John 20:1-9
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/040410.shtml

FRESH BREAD

"Get rid of the old yeast to make of yourselves fresh dough, unleavened
loaves, as it were; Christ our Passover has been sacrificed." —1
Corinthians 5:7

Alleluia! Jesus has risen! He's alive! Alleluia!

For many Christians, the good news of Jesus' resurrection from the dead
isn't "news" anymore. It's old. They've heard it (or not heard it) for
years. Instead of being evangelized to Christianity, they have been
immunized to it. They mistakenly think that the lukewarm version of Easter
they've received is all there is to the good news.

We must get rid of the old yeast of sin. We must repent of compromising
with the values of the world and of thereby letting the risen Christ be
upstaged by NCAA basketball, major league baseball, spring break,
chocolate Easter bunnies, or even marshmallow chicks. We must proclaim
Jesus' resurrection with power by making major financial moves and
lifestyle changes — all because of the risen Christ (see Acts 4:33-35).

Jesus died and was buried because of our sins. Unless we break out of the
tomb of sin, we will not be witnesses for the risen Christ but
anti-witnesses. We will conceal the risen Lord rather than reveal Him.
Therefore, we must ask for the forgiveness of our sins through His name
(Acts 10:43). On the first Easter Sunday evening, Jesus offered us
forgiveness (Jn 20:23). We must repent if we are to be credible witnesses
for the risen Jesus.


Prayer: Father, on this first day of Easter, I renew my baptismal
promises; I give my life to you.

Promise: "Since you have been raised up in company with Christ, set your
heart on what pertains to higher realms where Christ is seated at God's
right hand." —Col 3:1

Praise: Praise Jesus! He is risen! The tomb is empty! Alleluia!


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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from April
1, 2010 through May 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, October 9, 2009

The rescript 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 ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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/obob/obob.asp

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © 2010 Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r

Saturday, April 3, 2010

"AWAKE, O SLEEPER, ARISE FROM THE DEAD" - One Bread, One Body, 4/3/2010

Saturday, April 3, 2010, Holy Saturday

(no eucharistic readings),
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/040310.shtml

"AWAKE, O SLEEPER, ARISE FROM THE DEAD"

"Awake, O sleeper, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you
light." —Ephesians 5:14

What did Jesus do on the very first Holy Saturday? His body was in the
tomb. However, in the spirit He may have gone "to preach to the spirits in
prison" (1 Pt 3:19). "The reason the gospel was preached even to the dead
was that, although condemned in the flesh in the eyes of men, they might
live in the spirit in the eyes of God" (1 Pt 4:6). Thus, Jesus may have
spent at least part of the first Holy Saturday preaching the gospel to the
dead. That's one possible interpretation of these two unusual verses in
First Peter.

Accordingly, we may be called today to pray for the physically dead. We
should pray for the spirits being purified in preparation for heaven. We
should follow the Spirit's lead in praying for the dead because this is an
act of faith in Jesus' and our resurrection (see 2 Mc 12:44-45; 1 Cor
15:29).

Also, we should pray and fast today for the spiritually dead. "You were
dead because of your sins and offenses, as you gave allegiance to the
present age and to the prince of the air, that spirit who is even now at
work among the rebellious. All of us were once of their company; we lived
at the level of the flesh, following every whim and fancy, and so by
nature deserved God's wrath like the rest. But God is rich in mercy" (Eph
2:1-4). We should pray for millions of unbelievers to accept the Lord's
mercy, repent of sin, and give their lives to the Lord. This will make
Easter that much more glorious as millions living and dead share in
celebrating the risen Christ.


Prayer: Jesus, I feel as did Mary and Mary Magdalene on the day after You
died. "As the hind longs for the running waters, so my soul longs for You,
O God. Athirst is my soul for God, the living God. When shall I go and
behold the face of God?" (Ps 42:2-3)

Promise: (None)

Praise: (None)


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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from April
1, 2010 through May 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, October 9, 2009

The rescript 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 ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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/obob/obob.asp

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © 2010 Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
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Friday, April 2, 2010

ANSWERING THE HIGH PRIEST - One Bread, One Body, 4/2/2010

Friday, April 2, 2010, Good Friday

Isaiah 52:13—53:12, Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9, Psalm 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-17,
25, John 18:1—19:42
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/040210.shtml

ANSWERING THE HIGH PRIEST

"Is that the way to answer the high priest?" —John 18:22

In a scene dripping with irony, a temple guard spoke the above words to
Jesus and slapped His face, because Jesus had given a truthful response to
the Jewish high priest Annas (Jn 18:20-22). However, Jesus Himself is the
great High Priest (Heb 2:17; 4:15; 7:26; 8:1; 9:11). Both the guard and
Annas are guilty by their words and actions of mistreating Jesus, the true
High Priest. So are we. By our sins, we have abused and crucified Jesus,
the High Priest (Catechism, 598). "Is that the way to answer the High
Priest?" (Jn 18:22)

Jesus the High Priest stood battered and bleeding before the public. After
Jesus explained Himself in response to Pilate's questions, Pilate told the
soldiers to scourge the High Priest (Jn 19:1). The soldiers mocked and
slapped Him (Jn 19:3). "The chief priests and temple guards...shouted,
'Crucify Him! Crucify Him!' " (Jn 19:6) The Jews shouted, "Away with Him!
Crucify Him!" (Jn 19:15) "Is that the way to answer the High Priest?" (Jn
18:22)

Yet Jesus doesn't treat Annas, the guard, or any of us as our actions and
words deserve. Instead of punishing them or us, Jesus the High Priest
offered His life for us and died in our place.

This is the way to answer the High Priest. Praise Him. Thank Him.
Acknowledge His majesty and your sinfulness (Lk 18:13). Ask Him for
forgiveness and mercy. Beg Him for the Holy Spirit to help you carry your
daily cross as He did (Lk 9:23).


Prayer: Jesus, may I not treat Your gracious gift as pointless (Gal 2:21).
I repent of my sins, accept You as Lord, God, and Savior, and place my
life on Your altar as a living sacrifice to God (Rm 12:1).

Promise: "[Jesus] became the Source of eternal salvation for all who obey
Him." —Heb 5:9

Praise: (none)

(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 my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from April
1, 2010 through May 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, October 9, 2009

The rescript 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 ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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/obob/obob.asp

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © 2010 Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
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Thursday, April 1, 2010

CHRISTIANS' LIB - One Bread, One Body, 4/1/2010

Thursday, April 1, 2010, Holy Thursday

Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Psalm 116:12-13, 15-18, John
13:1-15
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/040110.shtml

CHRISTIANS' LIB

"If I washed your feet — I Who am Teacher and Lord — then you must wash
each other's feet. What I just did was to give you an example." —John
13:14-15

Jesus is the Lamb, the Paschal Lamb, the Symbol of liberation from slavery
(see Ex 12:3ff). However, Jesus did the work of a slave when He washed the
apostles' feet (Jn 13:4ff). How can Jesus be both the Liberator and the
Slave?

Jesus first liberates us not from the circumstances but in the
circumstances. Jesus did not seek to escape death but freely gave Himself
up to death. He was first free in death and then was free from death when
He rose from the dead. Jesus first freely emptied Himself and took the
form of a slave (Phil 2:7). Later, He was exalted and given the name above
every other name (Phil 2:9). Jesus first freely became sin in that He took
on our sinful human condition (2 Cor 5:21). Then, He set us free from sin.
Jesus first freely descended into the realm of the dead (1 Pt 3:18-19).
Then, He conquered death.

When Jesus washed the apostles' feet and died on the cross, He did the
work and died the death of a slave. However, He was the most liberated
Person Who has ever lived — even while He was a slave, not just when He
rose from the dead.

When we receive Holy Communion on this Holy Thursday, we are saying that
we want Jesus, the Slave-Liberator, to live within us. We tell Him we are
willing to be enslaved to and liberated by Him.


Prayer: Father, may I be awed by the implications of receiving Your
eucharistic, crucified, and risen Son.

Promise: "This is My body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of
Me." —1 Cor 11:24

Praise: Praise the eucharistic Jesus, Who humbles Himself for our sake!

(As Lent draws to a close, continue to grow in your faith through our
"Seek First the Kingdom "retreat, Apr 16-17. Call 937-587-5464.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from April
1, 2010 through May 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, October 9, 2009

The rescript 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 ecclesial permission 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
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