“OUR GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE” (Heb 12:29) - One Bread, One Body, 06/08/2022

Wednesday, June 8, 2022,

1 Kings 18:20-39
Psalm 16:1-2, 4-5, 8, 11
Matthew 5:17-19
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"OUR GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE" (Heb 12:29)
"The God Who answers with fire is God." —1 Kings 18:24

God’s fire cannot be controlled, tamed, or extinguished. He is “the God Who answers with fire” (1 Kgs 18:24). Despite total opposition, despite being overwhelmingly outnumbered (see 1 Kgs 18:19), despite the world throwing cold water on all our efforts to spread the Word of God, the fire of the Holy Spirit cannot be controlled, tamed, or extinguished.

“Our God is a consuming fire” (Heb 12:29). Out of His sheer mercy, God turns down the heat of His fire so we can bear life on this earth. Nonetheless, God answers by fire. He came with “tongues as of fire” on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:3). Jesus said: “I have come to light a fire on the earth. How I wish the blaze were ignited!” (Lk 12:49) Moses was attracted to the presence of God in the bush which burned with fire, but was not consumed (Ex 3:2ff). Jesus has revealed Himself to us in the vision of His Sacred Heart, burning with fire.

Our eternal destiny is to be consumed by fire. Which fire will you choose: the flames of hell (Lk 16:24) or the consuming fire of the eternal, purifying love of God in heaven (Heb 12:29)? “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and enkindle in us the fire of Your love.”

Prayer: "Set a fire down in my soul, that I can't contain, that I can't control. I want more of You, God."

Promise: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets. I have come, not to abolish them, but to fulfill them." —Mt 5:17

Praise: Regina agreed to teach religious education out of a desire for her children to grow up in the sacramental life of the Church, but she didn't know the Lord herself. She applied herself to learn her faith and soon came to a personal knowledge of Jesus. She now receives Jesus daily in the Eucharist and is passing on a rich faith in Jesus to her children.

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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SAY WHAT? - One Bread, One Body, 06/07/2022

Tuesday, June 7, 2022,

1 Kings 17:7-16
Psalm 4:2-5, 7-8
Matthew 5:13-16
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SAY WHAT?
"I have designated a widow there to provide for you." —1 Kings 17:9

God told Elijah that He had provided a benefactor to care for him. Was this benefactor a rich man touched by Elijah’s life-changing prophecies or a wealthy relative with a large annuity in the bank? No, God told Elijah not to worry because He had designated a widow to provide for Him (1 Kgs 17:9). Moreover, this would not be a rich widow living from her husband’s estate. Instead, she would be a poor widow with less than one day of provisions. Nonetheless, Elijah had seen God provide miraculously. While Elijah was a refugee in the wilderness, God arranged for ravens to bring him daily bread and meat (1 Kgs 17:6).

When Elijah arrived in drought-ridden Zarephath, he was surely hungry and thirsty after a long journey. Then he learned that this widow chosen by God was penniless, lacking enough to prepare even one meal. Despite this bleak circumstance, Elijah still acted in confident faith, not in bitter spite. He trusted God, and saw Him multiply her oil and flour (1 Kgs 17:15-16).

When tough times come, do we Christians lose the freshness of our faith? Do we go flat (Mt 5:13) just because circumstances don’t break in our favor? Like Elijah, “trust in [God] at all times” (Ps 62:9). “Walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7).

Prayer: Father, "You put gladness into my heart, more than when grain and wine abound" (Ps 4:8). I prefer You to riches. Your love is better than life (see Ps 63:4).

Promise: "Your light must shine before men so that they may see goodness in your acts and give praise to your heavenly Father." —Mt 5:16

Praise: Robert trusted in God's provision and refused a promotion that would have required him to spend much more time away from his family.

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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MOTHER OF FORGIVENESS - One Bread, One Body, 06/06/2022

Monday, June 6, 2022, Mary, Mother of the Church

Genesis 3:9-15 or
Acts 1:12-14
Psalm 87:1-3, 5-7
John 19:25-34
View Readings

MOTHER OF FORGIVENESS
"Together they devoted themselves to constant prayer. There were some women in their company, and Mary, the mother of Jesus." —Acts 1:14

The conception of Jesus required the union of the Holy Spirit, the Divine, and Mary, representing humanity (Lk 1:35, 38). Likewise, the birth of the Church involved both the Holy Spirit, the Divine, and Mary, who was with the apostles in the upper room (see Acts 1:14). Thus, we refer to Mary under the titles of Mother of God and Mother of the Church.

In the upper room, Mary had to choose reconciliation with the apostles. Peter denied knowing Jesus (Mt 26:70-74). When the apostles abandoned Jesus to death on the cross and fled (Mk 14:50), that meant they also abandoned Mary, who was with Jesus at the foot of the cross (Jn 19:25). Mary chose to forgive Peter and the apostles, and all of us as well. Her forgiveness enabled the apostles to seek the Holy Spirit in freedom and peace.

From the cross, Jesus said to John, representing the Church, “Behold your mother.” From that hour onward, John took Mary into his home (see Jn 19:27). Jesus chose to speak these words from the cross, while hanging in agony. This emphasizes their importance. Do what Jesus tells you (see Jn 2:5). Take Mary into your home –– as Mother of the Church and your mother as well.

Prayer: Father, thank You for generously giving Mary to us as our mother and model discipler. May I lovingly take her into my home as Jesus wishes.

Promise: "One of the soldiers thrust a lance into His side, and immediately blood and water flowed out." —Jn 19:34

Praise: Father, You chose Mary as our mother for all eternity. We praise You for making us "her offspring...who keep God's commandments and give witness to Jesus" (see Rv 12:17

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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BREATHE ON ME - One Bread, One Body, 06/05/2022

Sunday, June 5, 2022, Pentecost

Acts 2:1-11
Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34
Romans 8:8-17 or 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13
John 20:19-23 or John 14:15-16, 23-26

View Readings

BREATHE ON ME
"All were filled with the Holy Spirit." —Acts 2:4

On this Pentecost Sunday, Jesus, Who is the same today as He was yesterday (Heb 13:8), is breathing on us and commanding us: “Receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn 20:22). To receive the Spirit and thereby a renewal of our Baptisms and Confirmations, we must repent, forgive, and be forgiven (see Acts 2:38; Mt 6:12; Jn 20:23). Then we will express ourselves “in foreign tongues and make bold proclamation as the Spirit” prompts us (Acts 2:4). We will see a miracle of unity. As the divisions between races, nations, spouses, family members, and church members break down (see Acts 2:8-11; 1 Cor 12:13), the world will believe that God the Father has sent Jesus as the Savior of the world (Jn 17:21). The Holy Spirit will renew the face of the earth (Ps 104:30).

Therefore, “come, Holy Spirit, come!...Heal our wounds, our strength renew; on our dryness pour Your dew; wash the stains of guilt away. Bend the stubborn heart and will; melt the frozen, warm the chill; guide the steps that go astray” (Pentecost sequence). Come, Holy Spirit of Pentecost!

Prayer: Father, like Mary, may I visit others and bring to them the Holy Spirit and a new Pentecost (see Lk 1:39ff).

Promise: "No one can say: 'Jesus is Lord,' except in the Holy Spirit." —1 Cor 12:3

Praise: "When You send forth Your Spirit...You renew the face of the earth" (Ps 104:30).

(Renew your commitment to the Lord, deepen your understanding of the faith, and grow in your spiritual gifts through the 40 Day Discipleship Formation Retreats. Attend all, some or one retreat and begin your journey. The retreats occur from June 24 through Aug. 3. See our website or e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com for information about the program.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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END UP WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT - One Bread, One Body, 06/04/2022

Saturday, June 4, 2022, Pentecost Novena — Day 9

Acts 28:16-20, 30-31
Psalm 11:4-5, 7
John 21:20-25
View Readings

END UP WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
"Your business is to follow Me." —John 21:22

In today’s Mass readings, we heard two conclusions, one from the Acts of the Apostles and the other from the Gospel of John.

As we read through Acts of the Apostles, we meet Saul of Tarsus, who brought many Christians to trial in chains (Acts 9:2). At the conclusion of Acts, Saul (now known as Paul), is himself a Christian (Acts 28:31) and is in chains (Acts 26:29) for his steadfast belief in Jesus, Whom he earlier persecuted (Acts 9:4). At the conclusion of John’s Gospel, Jesus says to Peter, “Follow Me” (Jn 21:19). That’s also what Jesus said to Peter (then Simon) at the very beginning (see Mk 1:17).

Thus we hear the endings of two stories, which echo each story’s beginning. These endings are meant to launch us into a new beginning in our life in the Spirit. Jesus is “the Beginning and the End” (Rv 21:6), “the First and the Last” (Rv 1:17), the Master of all the beginnings and endings in our lives.

Tomorrow is the great feast of Pentecost, the beginning of the Church. Obey Jesus’ command to “receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn 20:22). Begin by begging the Holy Spirit to be active in a new way in your life. Jesus has come to bring life to the full (Jn 10:10) to both yourself and to the world. Will you receive the Holy Spirit and use His gifts to renew the face of the earth? (Ps 104:30)

Prayer: Jesus, may I want to receive the Holy Spirit more than I want to take my next breath.

Promise: "The Lord is just, He loves just deeds; the upright shall see His face." —Ps 11:7

Praise: Jan spoke a prophecy at a prayer meeting that pierced Rhonda's heart and enabled her to surrender her fears to Jesus.

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

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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THROUGH JESUS TO THE SPIRIT - One Bread, One Body, 06/03/2022

Friday, June 3, 2022, St. Charles Lwanga
& Companions

Pentecost Novena — Day 8

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

THROUGH JESUS TO THE SPIRIT
"They differed with him over issues in their own religion, and about a certain Jesus Who had died but Who Paul claimed is alive." —Acts 25:19

Imagine investing your entire life to run after a Man Whom you have never seen and Who claims to be God risen from the dead. This is the decision that each Christian makes. We have decided not just to go to Church, say some prayers, or live a decent life, but to throw ourselves at Jesus’ feet, worship Him, deny our very selves, and follow Jesus even to the cross (see Lk 9:23). “We have become a spectacle to the universe, to angels and men alike. We are fools on Christ’s account” (1 Cor 4:9-10).

As we draw near to Pentecost, let us repent of our sins and be immersed in the person of Jesus. Then we will receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). We must be baptized into repentance (Lk 3:3) and into Jesus before we can receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Mk 1:8). Because Jesus baptizes us in the Spirit, we must come to Him, believe in Him (Jn 7:37-38), and love Him with all our hearts to receive the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, come to Jesus — on His terms. He is “rejected by men but approved, nonetheless, and precious in God’s eyes” (1 Pt 2:4). Come to Jesus, and the Spirit will come to you.

Prayer: Father, I accept Your grace to love You and Jesus with all my heart (see Mt 22:37). Come, Holy Spirit!

Promise: "When Jesus had finished speaking He said to him, 'Follow Me.' " —Jn 21:19

Praise: St. Charles Lwanga was burned at the stake on June 3, 1886. It was the Feast of the Ascension and his example inspired other persecuted Christians to refuse to deny their faith.

(For a related teaching on Accepting Jesus as Lord, Saviour and God, view, download or order our leaflet, or listen to, download or order our CD 43-1 or DVD 43 on our website.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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 GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING - One Bread, One Body, 06/02/2022

Thursday, June 2, 2022, Sts. Marcellinus & Peter
Pentecost Novena — Day 7

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

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING
"They are Your gift to Me." —John 17:24, RNAB

Jesus said that God the Father’s gift to Him was twelve men (Jn 17:24). That very night, one of these twelve would betray Him (Mt 26:20-25, 47-50). His hand-picked leader would deny that he knew Him (Lk 22:57-60). All the rest, except St. John, would abandon Him (Mk 14:50). What a “gift”!

Yet Jesus loves these apostles so deeply that He truly considers them a great gift. Jesus sees them not just for who they currently are, but for who they will become in Him and in the Holy Spirit. Thanks be to God that He loves us as we are, but yet He loves us too much to leave us as we are.

Let us then receive God’s gifts, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, on this seventh day of the Pentecost Novena. The gifts of the Holy Spirit have great power to penetrate hard human hearts. At our Confirmation, the Spirit gave gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord (Is 11:2-3). Additionally, the Spirit’s gifts include prophecy, healing, ministry, teaching, exhortation, generosity, leadership, and praying in tongues (see 1 Cor 12:7-10; Rm 12:6-8). Each gift of the Spirit has great power and is given for the common good.

Receive and exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Become even more of a true gift to the Lord.

Prayer: "And may the Son on us bestow the gifts that from the Spirit flow, the gifts that from the Spirit flow."

Promise: "I set the Lord ever before me; with Him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed." —Ps 16:8

Praise: Sts. Marcellinus & Peter were memorialized in a poem by Pope St. Damasus I and remembered in Eucharistic Prayer I

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.
(The Annual 40 Hours Devotion and Family Campout is held June 17-19. Start your summer with the Lord and meet other faith filled Catholic families. Call 513-373-2397 or e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com.)

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

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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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