THE WORLD WAR - One Bread, One Body, 01/07/2022

Friday, January 7, 2022, St. Raymond of Peñafort

1 John 5:5-13
Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20
Luke 5:12-16
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THE WORLD WAR
"Who, then, is conqueror of the world?" —1 John 5:5

During the Christmas season, it becomes even more obvious that there is a battle between Christians and the world. The world is focused on selfishness, pleasure-seeking, the lusts of the flesh, and the pride of life (1 Jn 2:16, RSV-CE). Christians focus on Christ, the Father’s will, the gifts and the fruit of the Spirit, and humility. Consequently, the world hates Jesus’ disciples as it hates Him (Jn 15:18). Through the Holy Spirit, we Christians have proven the world wrong about sin, justice, and condemnation (Jn 16:8). Through the cross, we have been crucified to the world, and the world to us (Gal 6:14). Therefore, the world hates us. We are going to conquer the world through faith in Jesus as the Son of God (1 Jn 5:5) or be conquered by the world.

We are either “enemies of the cross” or enemies of the world (Phil 3:18; Jas 4:4). The world has already been defeated by Jesus, and it will soon pass away as Jesus returns in glory (1 Jn 2:17). However, we are in “a great war of ignorance” (Wis 14:22), “a great contest of suffering” (Heb 10:32), and “the great period of trial” (Rv 7:14) in which the defeated, departing world tries to deceive us into aligning ourselves with it and into being branded with the mark of the beast (see Rv 13:16-17).

Let us give our lives to Jesus, persevere in serving Him and His Church, and conquer the world. Let us be more than conquerors (Rm 8:37). Reject the world, the flesh, and the devil. Choose Jesus.

Prayer: Father, I will not walk by sight but walk and conquer by faith (2 Cor 5:7).

Promise: "He often retired to deserted places and prayed." —Lk 5:16

Praise: St. Raymond studied Arabic and the Koran to dialogue with Muslims. He utilized this knowledge in authoring the Order for the Redemption of Captives (to redeem Christian prisoners).



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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 December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

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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REFUSING CHRISTMAS PRESENTS - One Bread, One Body, 01/06/2022

Thursday, January 6, 2022, St. André Bessette

1 John 4:19—5:4
Psalm 72:1-2, 14-15, 17
Luke 4:14-22
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REFUSING CHRISTMAS PRESENTS
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me; therefore He has anointed Me." —Luke 4:18

Jesus, returning in the power of the Spirit, stands up in the synagogue and reads His job description from Isaiah 61. His first responsibility is to bring glad tidings to the poor (Lk 4:18). When He did that, He was accused of breaking the law by eating with tax collectors and sinners (Mt 9:11). The second part of His job is to proclaim liberty to captives (Lk 4:18). When He told the religious leaders and people that they were slaves of sin, they denied everything, maintaining they were children of Abraham and had never been slaves (Jn 8:33). Jesus’ third responsibility is to provide recovery of sight to the blind (Lk 4:18). After Jesus healed the man born blind, He implied the Pharisees were blind (Jn 9:40). They were greatly upset with Jesus for this.

It seems that every time Jesus does His saving work, people get upset. In fact, after Jesus finished reading His job description, He preached in such a way that the people tried to kill Him by throwing Him over a cliff (Lk 4:29).

What about you? Will you admit your slavery and blindness? Can Jesus say what He wants to you? Will you accept God’s lifesaving work in your life?

Prayer: Jesus, when You give me a gift, may I not refuse it and pretend I don't need it.

Promise: "Everyone begotten of God conquers the world, and the power that has conquered the world is this faith of ours." —1 Jn 5:4

Praise: St. André attracted many to the faith by his humble example of service. St. André offered healing prayers through the intercession of St. Joseph for countless visitors.

(For a related teaching on Accepting Correction, listen to, download or order our CD 77-1 or DVD 77 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 December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

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 MULTIPLIER EFFECT OF LOVE - One Bread, One Body, 01/05/2022

Wednesday, January 5, 2022, St. John Neumann

1 John 4:11-18
Psalm 72:1-2, 10, 12-13
Mark 6:45-52
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THE MULTIPLIER EFFECT OF LOVE
"Beloved, if God has loved us so, we must have the same love for one another." —1 John 4:11

St. John Neumann, at the age of forty-one, reflected God’s love for others (1 Jn 4:11), and took to heart the Lord’s command to go and teach all nations (see Mk 16:15). As bishop of Philadelphia, he reorganized the existing parochial school system under the diocese, and the number of pupils increased by almost twenty-fold shortly thereafter. St. John Neumann could testify that God’s love is brought to perfection in us (1 Jn 4:12) when we give our “all” to bring His Kingdom to a disordered world.

When we, out of love, give all that we have (Lk 21:4) to obtain Jesus our Treasure (Mt 13:44), we will receive the resources, both physical and spiritual, to accomplish God’s will (see e.g. Eph 1:3; Phil 4:19).

When we have our lives in right order, a godly order, when we receive and obey our instructions from Jesus, He multiplies our faith (see Mt 25:29). Then He multiplies our works done in obedience and love. This is as He has told us: whoever “has faith in Me will do the works I do, and greater far than these” (Jn 14:12).

Therefore, love one another as God has commanded (1 Jn 4:11). Lovingly give Jesus your all. “Serve the needs of all” (Mk 10:44) and see Jesus multiply your deeds of love (Mt 13:33).

Prayer: Father, give me the grace to die to my selfish agenda and work for You alone.

Promise: "If we love one another God dwells in us, and His love is brought to perfection in us." —1 Jn 4:12

Praise: During the Nineteenth Century, St. John Neumann labored tirelessly as he ministered to Catholic immigrants. He was canonized by Pope St. Paul VI in 1977.

(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 December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

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 TIME OF MY LIFE - One Bread, One Body, 01/04/2022

Tuesday, January 4, 2022, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

1 John 4:7-10
Psalm 72:1-4, 7-8
Mark 6:34-44
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THE TIME OF MY LIFE
"Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish, Jesus raised His eyes to heaven, pronounced a blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples to distribute." —Mark 6:41

Jesus can multiply five loaves and two fish to feed thousands. He can also take one day and make it worth a thousand years (2 Pt 3:8; Ps 90:4). Jesus wants to give you a Christmas present of multiplying time. Evangelizing the more than seven billion people on this earth will take many years, even with modern transportation and communications. Ask Jesus to multiply our time and do the job in the year 2022.

Restoring family life will take generations. Ask Jesus for a multiplication-miracle of family restoration in a few short months.

Renewing the local church has historically taken most of a century. Ask Jesus that it be miraculously done in our times.

In America, we don’t need food multiplied as much as time. Ask Jesus to multiply “Christmas time” to evangelize, restore, renew, and feed the world.

Prayer: Jesus, may I let You love and surprise me this Christmas season.

Promise: "Love, then, consists in this: not that we have loved God but that He has loved us and has sent His Son as an Offering for our sins." —1 Jn 4:10

Praise: Through her extraordinary leadership, St. Elizabeth laid the foundation for the American parochial school system.

(For a related teaching on I Believe in Miracles, listen to, download or order our CD 63-3 or DVD 63 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 December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

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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CHRISTMAS PRAYERS ARE SEEDS - One Bread, One Body, 01/03/2022

Monday, January 3, 2022, Holy Name of Jesus

1 John 3:22—4:6
Psalm 2:7-8, 10-12
Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25
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CHRISTMAS PRAYERS ARE SEEDS
"We will receive at His hands whatever we ask." —1 John 3:22

The great events at the end of the year will be prepared for by the simple prayers of faith at the beginning of the year. So let us begin the year walking by faith and prayer, and not by sight (see 2 Cor 5:7). The prayers of the Christmas season are seeds that will result in a great harvest later in the year. Therefore, let us sow bountifully so as to reap bountifully (see 2 Cor 9:6).

“The fervent petition of a holy man is powerful indeed” (Jas 5:16). Jesus 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). Therefore, let us pray always and not lose heart (Lk 18:1; 1 Thes 5:17).

St. John Chrysostom exclaimed: “Nothing is equal to prayer; for what is impossible it makes possible, what is difficult, easy” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2744). It is a privilege, power, and joy to pray. In the Holy Spirit, let us devote ourselves to prayer (Acts 2:42; Jude 20) to the Father, with Jesus, the great Intercessor (Heb 7:25). Pray!

Prayer: Father, in this Christmas season, may I pray as never before.

Promise: "A people living in darkness has seen a great light. On those who inhabit a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen." —Mt 4:16

Praise: "So that at Jesus' name every knee must bend in the heavens, on the earth, and under the earth, and every tongue proclaim to the glory of God the Father: JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!" (Phil 2:10-11)

(For a related teaching on Intercession, listen to, download or order our CD 15A-1 and CD 15A-2 or our DVD 15A 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 December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

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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STARRY-EYED - One Bread, One Body, 01/02/2022

Sunday, January 2, 2022, Epiphany

Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13
Matthew 2:1-12

View Readings

STARRY-EYED
They were overjoyed at seeing the star." —Matthew 2:10

For centuries, astronomers have tried to determine which celestial body was the star of Bethlehem. In the book of Numbers, it was prophesied that the star not only led the wise men to Jesus, but that the star was Jesus (Nm 24:17). Jesus is “the Morning Star shining bright” (Rv 22:16). Paul taught that not only was Jesus like a star, but also we, Jesus’ disciples, are like the stars in the sky while holding fast to the word of life in the midst of a twisted and depraved generation (see Phil 2:15-16).

We are either Herods or stars, either in the kingdom of darkness or the kingdom of light (see Col 1:13). In the physical world there is twilight, but not in the spiritual world. The light is either on or off. There is no in-between.

Therefore, “rise up in splendor! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the Lord shines, and over you appears His glory” (Is 60:1-2). “Awake, O sleeper, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light” (Eph 5:14). “There was a time when you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Well, then, live as children of light” (Eph 5:8). “You are the light of the world” (Mt 5:14).

Prayer: Father, may I be wise enough to give Your Son the gift of my life.

Promise: "They prostrated themselves and did Him homage." —Mt 2:11

Praise: "This has happened so that through Christ Jesus the blessing bestowed on Abraham might descend on the Gentiles" (Gal 3:14). Father, thank You for reconciling Jew and Gentile.

(Presentation Ministries' Discipleship Retreats equip you to imitate Christ in His character and mission. See our website www.presentationministries.com for more information on upcoming retreats.)

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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 December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

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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DIVINE MOTHER - One Bread, One Body, 01/01/2022

Saturday, January 1, 2022, Mary, Mother of God

Numbers 6:22-27
Galatians 4:4-7
Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8
Luke 2:16-21

View Readings

DIVINE MOTHER
"When the designated time had come, God sent forth His Son born of a woman, born under the law, to deliver from the law those who were subjected to it, so that we might receive our status as adopted sons." —Galatians 4:4-5

The name bestowed on the Blessed Virgin Mary, “Theotokos,” Greek for “God-bearer,” did not originate from an environment  of peace. The Council of Ephesus convened in the year 431 to bestow this title upon Mary amid much theological dissension.

This title, Theotokos, is worth fighting for. Was Mary merely the mother of Jesus’ humanity, but not of His divinity? Was she not also the mother of Jesus’ divinity? (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, 495) Was Mary only a half-mother or a full mother?

If Mary is not the mother of Jesus’ divinity, then Jesus doesn’t take our humanity to God for our salvation. Theotokos is a critical title, and therefore today’s feast, Mary, Mother of God, is a critical feast day. It is important enough to be ranked as a Holy Day of Obligation in the Roman Catholic Church (Catechism, 2177).

Do you believe that Jesus is God? (Jn 1:1ff) Do you believe that Jesus has divine power to forgive sins? (see Lk 5:24) Do you believe that Jesus is fully God and fully man? (Catechism, 464)In believing these truths, it follows that Mary is fully mother of a Child Who is fully God and fully Man (Catechism, 466).

Prayer: Father, thank You for sending Jesus to reconcile divinity and humanity, and for sanctifying Mary as the new Ark of the Covenant.

Promise: "The Lord let His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you." —Nm 6:25

Praise: "But who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Lk 1:43) Elizabeth was in awe; let us share in this wonder.

(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 December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

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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