URBAN DEVELOPER - One Bread, One Body, 02/07/2021

Sunday, February 7, 2021, 5th Sunday Ordinary Time

Job 7:1-4, 6-7
1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23
Psalm 147:1-6
Mark 1:29-39

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URBAN DEVELOPER
"After sunset, as evening drew on, they brought Him all who were ill, and those possessed by demons. Before long the whole town was gathered outside the door." —Mark 1:32-33

Job faced reality head on and declared: “Life on earth” is “a drudgery” (Jb 7:1). He described life as being “assigned months of misery” (Jb 7:3). Nights are long; days are short (Jb 7:4, 6) and, when we reach the end of them, we are without hope (Jb 7:6).
The only Answer to the drudgery of human existence is Jesus. Jesus is the only Hope for humanity, but the only Hope we need. Jesus walks into the typical town filled with suffering, sick, and even demon-possessed people. He both announces the Good News and creates it. He begins by healing a woman with a fever, and before long He’s healed many sick people and driven out countless demons (Mk 1:31-34). It is Good News when Jesus comes to town. He turns a miserable little village into a paradise of health, happiness, and true freedom.
In transforming the village of Simon and Andrew, Jesus began by grasping the hand of Simon’s mother-in-law. A new life and a new town begins with someone putting a hand in Jesus’ hand. This is not just a handshake; it is expressing a total commitment to Jesus. We let go of everything we are holding on to for meaning and hope in life, and we hold on to Jesus, and only Jesus, for dear life. Then the Good News for ourselves and our town begins.

Prayer: Father, may I "move on to the neighboring villages so that I may proclaim the good news there also" (Mk 1:38).

Promise: "I do all that I do for the sake of the gospel in the hope of having a share in its blessings." —1 Cor 9:23

Praise: "To the One seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, be praise and honor, glory and might, forever and ever!" (Rv 5:13)

(This Lent, proclaim Jesus by using the Bible. For encouragement, order, listen to or download our series on Biblical Counseling on CD 13A-1, CD 13A-3, CD 13B-1 or DVD 13A and DVD 13B 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 One Bread, One Body covering the period from February 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio March 31, 2020"

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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LIFT UP YOUR LEADERS - One Bread, One Body, 02/06/2021

Saturday, February 6, 2021, St. Paul Miki & Companions

Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21
Psalm 23:1-6
Mark 6:30-34
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LIFT UP YOUR LEADERS
"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over you as men who must render an account. So act that they may fulfill their task with joy, not with sorrow, for that would be harmful to you." —Hebrews 13:17

At this morning’s Mass, I am seated next to the Head Director of Presentation Ministries. When I heard the above passage proclaimed by the lector, my heart went out to my brother in Christ. He pours out his heart and his life to lead all of us. He and I also happen to belong to the same home-based community, so for years I have been blessed to witness his life of prayer and sacrificial love for all of us in Presentation Ministries. He resembles Jesus, the Good Shepherd, Who lays down His life for His sheep (Jn 10:11). 
It's difficult to be a leader. It demands much accountability and responsibility. Numerous problems must be addressed. Yet the Scripture above teaches that we can enable and empower our leaders to serve “with joy” (Heb 13:17). So pray for all those in authority  (1 Tm 2:2). Elevate your leaders by your love, service, docility, encouragement, and prayers. “With a leader to break the path,” we shall burst open the walls of the kingdom of darkness and bring many to healing and freedom (Mi 2:13).

Prayer: Father, give me an ever-increasing measure of docility, courage, love, and faith.

Promise: "Through Jesus Christ may [God] carry out in you all that is pleasing to Him." —Heb 13:21

Praise: The martyrdom of St. Paul Miki and his companions illustrates the universality of the Church. Priests and laymen of both Japanese and European heritage gave up their lives for Jesus.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.) (Lent is coming. To help you have a fruitful Lent, consider reading the Bible. Order, view, or download our leaflet A Prophetic Lent on our website.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from February 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio March 31, 2020"

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 ULTIMATE SECURITY - One Bread, One Body, 02/05/2021

Friday, February 5, 2021, St. Agatha

Hebrews 13:1-8
Psalm 27:1, 3, 5, 8-9
Mark 6:14-29
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THE ULTIMATE SECURITY
"Do not love money but be content with what you have, for God has said, 'I will never desert you, nor will I forsake you.' " —Hebrews 13:5

Our greed and discontent are based on our fear of rejection. Throughout our life, we have been rejected many times. We have even half-believed the devil’s lie that God will reject us because of our sins. But would Jesus die for our sins and then reject us because of them?
Sin does not cause God to reject us; rather, it is a sign of our rejecting Him. Jesus has never rejected and will never reject anyone (Jn 6:37). He does not even reject those in hell, although they have rejected Him. Therefore, we need not try to buy security or be upset with what we don’t have, as if possessions protected us. Instead, we can live as free people and “say with confidence: ‘The Lord is my Helper, I will not be afraid; what can man do to me?’ ” (Heb 13:6) We have nothing to worry about. Our heavenly Father will always provide. He even sent His Son Jesus to die for us. “What shall we say after that? If God is for us, who can be against us? Is it possible that He Who did not spare His own Son but handed Him over for the sake of us all will not grant us all things besides?” (Rm 8:31-32)
I am secure because of my Father’s love, my Brother’s death, and the Spirit’s indwelling. I cannot be rejected by the Lord. I am free.

Prayer: Father, may I be fearless in situations where I've always previously been afraid.

Promise: "The Lord is my Light and my Salvation; whom should I fear? The Lord is my life's Refuge; of whom should I be afraid?"

Praise: Pious tradition tells us St. Agatha was courted for marriage by an influential local official. She chose to consecrate her chastity to Jesus. The local official was furious and arranged her torture and martyrdom.



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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from February 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio March 31, 2020"

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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CRUTCHES - One Bread, One Body, 02/04/2021

Thursday, February 4, 2021,

Hebrews 12:18-19, 21-24
Psalm 48:2-4, 9-11
Mark 6:7-13
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CRUTCHES
"With that they went off, preaching the need of repentance. They expelled many demons, anointed the sick with oil, and worked many cures." —Mark 6:12-13

Many Christians have accepted Jesus as Lord, been converted, and even have been baptized in the Holy Spirit. Yet still the great harvest has few workers (Lk 10:2). Few make the transition from basic Christian commitment to ministry. What’s our problem?
After Jesus summoned and sent forth the apostles with “authority over unclean spirits” (Mk 6:7), “He instructed them to take nothing on their journey” (Mk 6:8). He even enumerated “no food, no traveling bag, not a coin,” no second tunic, and no accommodations (Mk 6:8-10). Few have ever trusted the Lord so as to go forth without any crutches, totally dependent on Him. However, this is basic training for Christian ministry.
This may be the cause of our problem, the great harvest with few workers. We don’t need more training as much as more trusting. We don’t need more crutches; instead we need to lean more on Jesus. In our weakness, His power will reach perfection (2 Cor 12:9). We don’t need more “stuff,” but more faith.

Prayer: Lord, forgive and heal me. May I throw away my crutches.

Promise: "You have drawn near to Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to myriads of angels in festal gathering, to the assembly of the first-born enrolled in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus, the Mediator of a new covenant." —Heb 12:22-24

Praise: Marty and Louise prayed for God's number of children in their marriage and were blessed with triplets.



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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 One Bread, One Body covering the period from February 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio March 31, 2020"

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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AMAZING FAITH - One Bread, One Body, 02/03/2021

Wednesday, February 3, 2021, St. Blase St. Ansgar

Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15
Psalm 103:1-2, 13-14, 17-18
Mark 6:1-6
View Readings

AMAZING FAITH
"...so much did their lack of faith distress Him." —Mark 6:6

Jesus was amazed at the Syro-Phoenician woman’s faith (Mt 15:28). He was amazed at the centurion’s faith (Mt 8:10).  He was amazed at the lack of faith of the people of Nazareth (see Mk 6:6).How do we get amazing faith? 
1) We must ask God for it. Faith is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22). 
2) We must accept the discipline of the Lord (Heb 12:5ff). That in itself gives evidence of our faith. By humbling ourselves and changing our lifestyles to obey the Lord’s commands, we show that we believe the Lord is shaping our lives and we are in His hands. 
3) We must not hold anything back from God. “My just man will live by faith, and if he draws back I take no pleasure in him” (Heb 10:38). 
4) We obey His commands as set forth in the Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the teachings of the Church. We actually call this “The Faith.” 
May Jesus be amazed at our faith. May we accept eagerly the discipline of the Lord and trust in Him. Jesus, “increase our faith” (Lk 17:5).

Prayer: Father, "not my will but Yours be done" (Lk 22:42).

Promise: "Strive for peace with all men, and for that holiness without which no one can see the Lord." —Heb 12:14

Praise: St. Blase was bishop of Sebaste in Armenia. He was martyred around 316 AD during the persecution of Emperor Licinius. He is the patron saint of those suffering from throat ailments.

(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 One Bread, One Body covering the period from February 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio March 31, 2020"

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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PUBLIC SPEAKING - One Bread, One Body, 02/02/2021

Tuesday, February 2, 2021, Presentation of the Lord

Malachi 3:1-4
Hebrews 2:14-18
Psalm 24:7-10
Luke 2:22-40

View Readings

PUBLIC SPEAKING
"[Anna] talked about the Child to all." —Luke 2:38

The Baby Jesus could not speak for Himself at His Presentation in the Temple, for He was only forty days old. Others, however, spoke for Him. Joseph and Mary would have spoken to the temple officials as His parents, Simeon (Lk 2:29ff) and Anna (Lk 2:38) prophesied for Him. It’s still like this today.
Though the Baby Jesus did grow up and speak eloquently about the Kingdom of God, many are unable to hear Him. That’s why God has sent us. There are many who need to hear about this Child. God has placed us in their paths as siblings, children, parents,  co-workers, neighbors, enemies,  and so on. May we be as ready and willing to speak about the Child Jesus as were Simeon and Anna. They prepared to speak about Jesus through the discipline of a life of devotion.  When the appropriate moment came, they simply spoke out of the abundance of their hearts (Lk 6:45). Ask God for the Holy Spirit so you too may do the same (Lk 11:13).

Prayer: Father, may I love Jesus so much that it will cause me more distress to not speak of Him than to speak of Him (see Jer 20:9).

Promise: "Since [Jesus] was Himself tested through what He suffered, He is able to help those who are tempted." —Heb 2:18

Praise: "Consecrate to Me every first-born that opens the womb among the Israelites, both of man and beast, for it belongs to Me" (Ex 13:2). Thank you, Mary and Joseph, for your obedience.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.) (The Beatitudes are a blessing! Learn of the rich and necessary role they should play in your life at our Living the Beatitudes retreat, Feb. 19-20. Call 513-373-2397 or 937-587-5464 for location 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 One Bread, One Body covering the period from February 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio March 31, 2020"

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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OUT OF EGYPT? - One Bread, One Body, 02/01/2021

Monday, February 1, 2021,

Hebrews 11:32-40
Psalm 31:20-24
Mark 5:1-20
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OUT OF EGYPT?
"They were begging Him to go away from their district." —Mark 5:17

It is thought by some that the devotion of Catholics to the Crucified Jesus, to His Passion and sufferings, the Stations of the Cross, the Precious Blood of Jesus, and to the relics of martyrs is morbid. This is hard for a non-Catholic to understand.
Yet there is fascination with the macabre in the secular culture of death. Rock groups celebrate the Grateful Dead, the Satanic and Gothic. Halloween is often twisted into a straight-out celebration of the ungodly.
In today’s Gospel passage Jesus triumphs over the demons possessing the demoniac. Why did the Gerasenes beg Jesus to leave after He set their town free of many demons? (Mk 5:17) In His Gospel, St. John declares: “Men loved darkness rather than light” (Jn 3:19).
It’s even harder to get Egypt out of Israel than it was to get Israel out of Egypt at the Exodus. The Israelites in the desert often looked back with longing on the so-called “benefits” of their slavery in Egypt (see Ex 16:2-3). Likewise, we are often tempted to look back with fondness on our former captivity in sin (see Lk 5:39).
There is no neutral ground in the battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. Flee to Jesus. Cling to Him. Beg Him to deliver you fully from the infection of evil.

Prayer: Father, "deliver us from evil" (see Mt 6:13).

Promise: "God had made a better plan, a plan which included us. " —Heb 11:40

Praise: Steve separated from his drinking buddies and now has many brothers and sisters in Christ.

(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 One Bread, One Body covering the period from February 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio March 31, 2020"

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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