THE CUTTING-EDGE WORD - One Bread, One Body, 01/14/2023

Saturday, January 14, 2023,

Hebrews 4:12-16
Psalm 19:8-10, 15
Mark 2:13-17

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THE CUTTING-EDGE WORD
"God's word is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword." —Hebrews 4:12

Like a surgeon’s scalpel, the Word of God cuts to the center of our heart and hits the correct spot. Jesus is the Word (Jn 1:1), and “nothing is concealed from Him; all lies bare and exposed to the eyes of Him to Whom we must render an account” (Heb 4:13). God’s Word is a scalpel and a sword (see Eph 6:17).

We trust ourselves to the care of expert surgeons, to wield their scalpels precisely and effectively. Will we trust ourselves to the scalpel of Jesus, the Living Word? To determine if you trust Jesus the Surgeon, read His Word every day. Let the Word of God operate on you — with major surgery, minor surgery, and cosmetic surgery. “God’s word is living and effective” (Heb 4:12). Yet God’s powerful, mighty Word is a Person, Jesus, Who is sharp as a scalpel and gentle as a Lamb.

Put away your swords of anger, violence, and unforgiveness.Beat them into plowshares, ready to plow the ground of hard human hearts (see Is 2:4). Take up “the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God” (Eph 6:17). The Word of God is sharp, strong, piercing, and mighty, yet sweet, healing, gentle, and encouraging. It cuts to our hearts and divides us from sin (Heb 4:12). We treasure the Word in our hearts to keep us from further sin (Ps 119:11). We reflect upon that Word stored in our hearts (Lk 2:51) so that we will remain rooted in the Lord. Live your lives with devotion to the Word of God, Jesus, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity.

Prayer: Father, may I devote my life to making my home in Your Word and sharing it with others (Jn 8:31).

Promise: "The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul." —Ps 19:8

Praise: Janice repented of a promiscuous lifestyle, put her life in the hands of Jesus, and now receives the Eucharist daily.

(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 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

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 HELICOPTER APPROACH - One Bread, One Body, 01/13/2023

Friday, January 13, 2023, St. Hilary

Hebrews 4:1-5, 11
Psalm 78:3-4, 6-8
Mark 2:1-12

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A HELICOPTER APPROACH
"They began to gather in great numbers. There was no longer any room for them, even around the door." —Mark 2:2

In the Gospels, especially in Mark’s Gospel, we read about Jesus being surrounded by such large crowds that it was almost impossible to approach Him. Consequently, some people thought up various ways to get through, around, or over the crowds. They stepped on one another (Lk 12:1), pushed each other (Mk 3:10), climbed a tree (Lk 19:4), and even made a hole in the roof of the house where Jesus was staying (Mk 2:4).

There can often be major obstacles between us and Jesus. The media, our jobs, our lifestyles, and the whole culture of death can crowd us out of a deep and intimate relationship with Jesus. We need:

• stretcher bearers, that is, intercessors, to carry us around and over the crowd to Jesus (see Mk 2:3ff),
• to look foolish and take risks so as to get to Jesus (see Mk 2:4),
• our sins forgiven (Mk 2:5), and
• to make a stand for Jesus (Mk 2:11).

By faith, make like a helicopter. Get over the crowd. Get to Jesus no matter what it takes.

Prayer: Father, make me want to be close to Jesus more than I want to live.

Promise: "Let us strive to enter into that rest." —Heb 4:11

Praise: St. Hilary grew up in France shortly after the Edict of Milan, which mandated Christianity be tolerated within the Roman Empire. Later in life, he fought heresy as Bishop of Poitiers.

(For a related teaching on Risen Life, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order our CD 4A-1 and CD 4A-3 or DVD 4A 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 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

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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SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE? - One Bread, One Body, 01/12/2023

Thursday, January 12, 2023, St. Marguerite Bourgeoys
Hebrews 3:7-14
Psalm 95:6-11
Mark 1:40-45

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SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE?
" 'Not a word to anyone, now,' He said. 'Go off and present yourself to the priest.' " —Mark 1:44

The leper in today’s Gospel wanted social acceptance. Jesus offered this social acceptance by commanding him to show himself to the priests (Mk 1:44). Thus healed by Jesus and pronounced clean by the priests, the leper could fully and officially integrate himself back into Jewish society. Yet he apparently wanted to establish his own social acceptance, and so he disobeyed Jesus’ command by publicizing “the whole matter” and “making the story public” (Mk 1:45).

Jesus offered a superior social acceptance through the priest’s official declaration of the healing. However, the former leper disobeyed, and Jesus had to pay the price of having to live in desert places (Mk 1:45).

In social media, people look for affirmation and friendship. This is understandable. Nonetheless, Jesus has a better plan (see Heb 11:40). He plans to make you His partner (see Heb 3:14).

Becoming a partner with Jesus is worth losing everything. Would you obey Jesus even if it meant losing some friends? Gain the Lord and gain all the acceptance you need (Phil 3:8-9).

Prayer: Father, may I never try to establish my own righteousness, but instead seek only that righteousness which comes from living in Jesus (Mt 6:33).

Promise: "We have become partners of Christ only if we maintain to the end that confidence with which we began." —Heb 3:14

Praise: St. Marguerite Bourgeoys was born in France and, in 1653, courageously traveled to the colony of Quebec. She established a school in a horse stable, sacrificing worldly comforts to teach religion to the local 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 December 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

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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GIVE HIM THE KEY TO THE CITY - One Bread, One Body, 01/11/2023

Wednesday, January 11, 2023,

Hebrews 2:14-18
Psalm 105:1-4, 6-9
Mark 1:29-39

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GIVE HIM THE KEY TO THE CITY
"Before long the whole town was gathered outside the door." —Mark 1:33

Capernaum was like most towns. Many of its people “through fear of death had been slaves their whole life long” (Heb 2:15). Of course, there were many “who were variously afflicted” (Mk 1:34), including Simon’s mother-in-law who “lay ill with a fever” (Mk 1:30). Also, demons had oppressed the people of Capernaum for as long as anyone could remember (see Mk 1:34).

However, this day was going to be different. Jesus came to town and demons, sickness, and fear left town. This was the best day in Capernaum’s history.

Jesus got up very early the next morning. His Father told Him not to stay at Capernaum but to “move on to the neighboring villages” and “proclaim the good news there also” (Mk 1:38).

Jesus is willing to come to your town. Will you give Him the “key to the city” and the key to your heart? Let Jesus be Lord of your town and your life.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I will let You have Your way.

Promise: "Rising early the next morning, He went off to a lonely place in the desert; there He was absorbed in prayer." —Mk 1:35

Praise: "Rising early the next morning, He went off to a lonely place in the desert; there He was absorbed in prayer." —Mk 1:35

(An important retreat for all God's faithful lay members will be held on Feb. 17-18 in the Cincinnati area, Discovering the Essential Role of the Lay Person in God's Plan of Salvation. The Church needs strong lay leaders to bring new life and love into the Church and the world. E-mail retreats@presentationministries.com 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 December 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

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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JESUS FIGHTS EVIL - One Bread, One Body, 01/10/2023

Tuesday, January 10, 2023,

Hebrews 2:5-12
Psalm 8:2, 5-9
Mark 1:21-28

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JESUS FIGHTS EVIL
"There appeared in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit that shrieked." —Mark 1:23

As we begin “ordinary” time, we are already reading about Jesus driving out demons (Mk 1:25-26). Throughout the year, we will hear reading after reading about the Lord’s victory over the evil one. We will meet St. Michael the archangel and several saints, who were each victorious over the evil one. At the Masses on Easter Sunday, in every Catholic church in the world, the Church will invite us to publicly renounce Satan, all his works, and all his empty promises.

What are we to make of all these references to the devil? Because of the effects of secular humanism on us, we are tempted to consider the traditions of the Church and the Bible to be backward and unenlightened. This modern attitude is so arrogant that it serves as a good example of Satan’s deceptions, even while it denies such things. However, to be intellectually honest, we must admit that the Church and the Bible intend to be taken literally when they speak of Satan (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 391).

Christianity believes that Satan is a rebellious angel. He is not symbolic or just an evil force. He is a creature with a will and intelligence. Satan has several thousand or even millions of other fallen angels in his company. These are called “demons” or “devils” (Catechism, 414). They are real and powerful (see 2 Pt 2:4). They would destroy us if not for Jesus, but we can drive them out by Jesus’ power (Mk 16:17; Mt 10:1).

Prayer: Father, throughout this year may I fix my eyes on Jesus (Heb 12:2) and expel demons (Mk 16:17).

Promise: "We do see Jesus crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death." —Heb 2:9

Praise: Stephen rebelled against his parents. Finally, his Lord, the Hound of Heaven, caught him, and saved him from his ruinous lifestyle.



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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 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

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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BEGIN WITH BAPTISM - One Bread, One Body, 01/09/2023

Monday, January 9, 2023, Baptism of the Lord

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Acts 10:34-38
Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10
Matthew 3:13-17
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BEGIN WITH BAPTISM
"...beginning in Galilee with the baptism..." —Acts 10:37

Jesus’ Baptism is narrated in all four Gospels, indicating how important it is (Mt 3:13-17; Mk 1:9-11; Lk 3:21-22; Jn 1:29-34). Jesus voluntarily submitted Himself to St. John’s baptism of repentance, even though He had no need to repent of any sin. He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness (Mt 3:15). This is why Jesus came to earth. Jesus submitted to Baptism for each one of us. His Baptism is a manifestation of His self-emptying (see Phil 2:7). Jesus’ entire ministry is one of giving Himself completely, to the last breath and the last drop of His blood. In this way, Jesus released humanity from its bondage to sin.

“After His resurrection, Christ gives this mission to His apostles: ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them...teaching them...’ ” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1223). In Baptism we are made righteous again, through the blood of Christ.

Jesus’ Baptism inaugurated His public ministry.  At the Jordan, Jesus was already anticipating His own death. Out of love, Jesus consented to the baptism of His own death (see Lk 12:50). The Father was well-pleased by His Son’s obedience (Mt 3:17).

By His humble submission to Baptism (Mk 1:9), Jesus calls each of us to receive and live our Baptism. Renew your Baptism as His disciple today. Live your baptismal mission of prayer, dying to self, love, and service in risen power.

Prayer: Father, give me a much greater awareness of "the immense, extraordinary richness and responsibility" of my Baptism (Lay Members of Christ's Faithful People, Pope St. John Paul II, 10, 61).

Promise: "I, the Lord, have called you for the victory of justice."—Is 42:6

Praise: "He was born and was baptized so that by His submission He might purify the water" (Letter to the Ephesians, St. Ignatius of Antioch, 110 AD).

(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 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

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 THE VEIL - One Bread, One Body, 01/08/2023

Sunday, January 8, 2023, Epiphany

Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13
Matthew 2:1-12
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LIFT THE VEIL
"They were overjoyed at seeing the star." —Matthew 2:10

One of the prayers of the faithful for today’s Epiphany Mass reads: “That the Church, like the Star of Bethlehem, will draw the world to worship Jesus Christ.” Epiphany is a great feast of unveiling. Christmas was a revelation to the few; Epiphany is a revelation to the nations. In an unveiling, the veil is lifted, for all to see clearly. First, the Magi saw clearly, then, through them, all nations can see. We are to be like those who lift the veil.

In a wedding, the father traditionally lifts the veil from the bride, and then the husband can clearly see her. May we likewise help unveil Jesus — by teaching His Word, by healing, exhorting, by adoring and worshipping Jesus and letting our light shine and thus illuminating the way (Mt 5:14-16).

We are to lead people to be brides of Christ. The bride is veiled in preparation for the wedding. We help lift the veil so the bride can see her husband. Let us lead people to the crucified Christ by proclaiming His death. As Jesus died, the veil was torn away (Mt 27:51) and access to the Father was unveiled. Help people turn to the Lord so “the veil will be removed” (2 Cor 3:16). Then they will see the Lord “with unveiled faces” (2 Cor 3:18). Lift the veil.

Prayer: Father, may my life always lead others to Jesus.

Promise: "The lives of the poor He shall save." —Ps 72:13

Praise: "A star shall advance from Jacob, and a staff shall rise from Israel" (Nm 24:17). Risen Jesus, through Your Epiphany, may our freshly unveiled eyes recognize the harvest (see Jn 4:35).

(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 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"

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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