“HE OFFERED HIMSELF” (Heb 7:27) - One Bread, One Body, 01/21/2023

Saturday, January 21, 2023, St. Agnes

Hebrews 9:2-3, 11-14
Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9
Mark 3:20-21

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"HE OFFERED HIMSELF" (Heb 7:27)
Jesus "achieved eternal redemption." ––Hebrews 9:12

The Holy Bible is often called God’s love letter to humanity. In a particular sense, the Letter to the Hebrews is God’s love letter to Jewish converts to the Christian faith. The author makes this clear when he references the Lord’s prophetic messages to the Hebrew people: “In times past, God spoke in fragmentary and varied ways to our fathers through the prophets” (Heb 1:1).

But Hebrews contains a lesson important for all of us. Specifically, Jesus Himself has replaced the Old Testament sacrifices. A priest of the Old Covenant needed “to offer sacrifice day after day, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; [Jesus] did that once for all when He offered Himself” (Heb 7:27).

Today’s first Eucharistic reading paints a beautiful picture of this reality: “When Christ came as High Priest of the good things which have come to be, He entered once for all into the sanctuary, passing through the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made by hands, that is, not belonging to this creation. He entered, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood, and achieved eternal redemption” (Heb 9:11-12).

This allows us to live as free children of God (see Jn 8:36; cf Gal 5:13). We don’t need to live in bondage, concerned about which ritual is necessary for forgiveness (see Acts 13:38-39). Accept the atonement Jesus offers for you. Follow Jesus. Be free!

Prayer: Father, grace me to follow Your Son wherever He leads me.

Promise: "For the Lord, the Most High, the awesome, is the great king over all the earth." ––Ps 47:3

Praise: St. Agnes took Jesus' words to heart: "Some there are who have freely renounced sex for the sake of God's reign" (Mt 19:12). It won her the crown of martyrdom.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team)
(Step back and take time to renew your commitment to following Christ. Check out our retreat schedule on our website www.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 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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THE COST OF DISUNITY - One Bread, One Body, 01/20/2023

Friday, January 20, 2023, Pope St. Fabian &
St. Sebastian

Hebrews 8:6-13
Psalm 85:8, 10-14
Mark 3:13-19

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THE COST OF DISUNITY
"They were likewise to have authority to expel demons." —Mark 3:15

Jesus created His Church and gave it the power to expel demons (Mk 3:15). We are authorized to be the Church Militant and drive out the demons of abortion. A battle rages fiercely in the USA over the future of legalized abortion in the various states, dividing the nation sharply.

This coming week will feature a time of prayer for Christian unity. The teaching of the Catholic Church on abortion is united in truth; however, the Church’s members are not united, much less all the members of Christian denominations. We have a civil war going on in our hearts (Jas 4:1; Jer 17:9). If the New Covenant were truly written on our hearts (Heb 8:10), we wouldn’t be so splintered and divided. If we followed God’s New Covenant and lived as His royal and united people (Heb 8:10; cf Jer 31:33), we wouldn’t so readily allow millions of babies in the womb to be murdered.

“Today, if you should hear His voice, harden not your hearts” (Heb 3:7-8; Ps 95:7-8). Repent! “Open wide your hearts” (2 Cor 6:13). Let the Holy Spirit work on your heart as He wishes (see Rm 5:5).

Prayer: "My heart is ready, God, my heart is ready" (Ps 57:7, JB).

Promise: "I will forgive their evildoing, and their sins I will remember no more." —Heb 8:12

Praise: Pope St. Fabian promoted missionary work and condemned heresy, even to the point of giving his life.

(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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THE BEST OF TIMES - One Bread, One Body, 01/19/2023

Thursday, January 19, 2023,

Hebrews 7:25—8:6
Psalm 40:7-10, 17
Mark 3:7-12

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THE BEST OF TIMES
"The main point in what we are saying is this: we have such a High Priest, Who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, Minister of the sanctuary and of that true tabernacle set up, not by man, but by the Lord." —Hebrews 8:1-2

Jesus is a better Priest (Heb 7:28) with a better ministry in “a better covenant, founded on better promises” (Heb 8:6). The Jewish people did not think of God’s work with them as completed. They were waiting for the Messiah to give them the new covenant. The writer of Hebrews maintained that Jesus was the Messiah, the Fulfillment of the law, the ultimate High Priest Who made the once-and-for-all sacrifice (Heb 7:27) and tore open the curtain separating us from God’s presence in the Holy of Holies (Mt 27:51).

Are you living the fulfilled life, or are you back in B.C.? Do you realize that “absolute fullness” resides in Jesus? (Col 1:19) Are you living the new covenant of Baptism to the fullest? Do you know and live both the Old and New Testaments? Do you focus your life on the Eucharist, the perpetuation of Jesus’ once-and-for-all sacrifice on Calvary? Do you tell the world that Jesus has done it all and is our All in all? In Christ, we have everything we will ever need (see 2 Cor 6:10; 1 Cor 3:21).

Rejoice that you are alive in Jesus, in the Messianic age, the end times, the new covenant.

Prayer: Father, I know that "when much has been given a man, much will be required of him" (Lk 12:48). May I live appropriately to what I have received from You.

Promise: "Because He had cured many, all who had afflictions kept pushing toward Him to touch Him." —Mk 3:10

Praise: "For You, O Lord, bless the just man; You surround him with the shield of Your good will" (Ps 5:13).



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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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HOW WE BECAME PRIESTS - One Bread, One Body, 01/18/2023

Wednesday, January 18, 2023,

Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17
Psalm 110:1-4
Mark 3:1-6

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HOW WE BECAME PRIESTS
"You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek." — Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 7:17

Like almost all peoples throughout history, the Jewish people believed that sacrifice was one of the essential elements for dealing with sin and setting humanity free (see Lv 4:13-14). The person who offers sacrifices to God on behalf of the people is called a priest. Thus, priests are an essential part of God’s plan of salvation. Consequently, because Jesus is the Savior of the world, He must be a priest. For the Jews, all priests descended from the tribe of Levi. Yet Jesus was from the tribe of Judah. How can Jesus be a priest?

In the book of Genesis, we hear about the priest Melchizedek (Gn 14:18-20). He was a priest before there were the tribes of Israel. He was a mysterious figure “without father, mother or ancestry, without beginning of days or end of life” (Heb 7:3). The psalmist prophesied that Melchizedek’s priesthood would continue (Ps 110:4). The writer of the book of Hebrews proclaimed that Jesus is a priest in the order of Melchizedek. Jesus sacrificed Himself on the altar of the cross. He is truly the Savior of the world, and we who are baptized into Him share in His priesthood (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1546;1 Pt 2:9; Rv 5:10). Through our Baptism “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 28:19), we are priests in the order of Melchizedek. Alleluia!

Prayer: Father, may I live my baptismal priesthood to the full. I offer You my body as a living sacrifice (Rm 12:1).

Promise: "Then He said to the man, 'Stretch out your hand.' The man did so and his hand was perfectly restored." —Mk 3:5

Praise: "May my mouth speak the praise of the Lord, and may all flesh bless His holy name forever and ever" (Ps 145:21).

(For a related teaching on Developing A Deep, Personal Relationship with Jesus, listen to, download or order our CD 52-1 or DVD 52 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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THEY DO RUN, RUN, RUN... - One Bread, One Body, 01/17/2023

Tuesday, January 17, 2023, St. Anthony

Hebrews 6:10-20
Psalm 111:1-2, 4-5, 9-10
Mark 2:23-28

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THEY DO RUN, RUN, RUN...
"Our desire is that each of you show the same zeal to the end." —Hebrews 6:11

Life in Christ is like running a race (see 2 Tm 4:7; Phil 3:12; 1 Cor 9:24). We must “show the same zeal to the end” and “not grow lazy” (Heb 6:11, 12). We are able to keep running no matter what because we are loved by God and fully assured of inheriting God’s promises (Heb 6:11-12). Love keeps us running for God (see 2 Cor 5:14), and we love because God first loved us (1 Jn 4:19). He sent His Son to die for us, gave us a new nature, adopted us into His family, and made us His heirs.

“See what love the Father has bestowed on us in letting us be called children of God! Yet that is what we are” (1 Jn 3:1). The Lord “has bestowed on us the great and precious things He promised” (2 Pt 1:4), and He will continue to fulfill His promises perfectly. That’s what love is all about. Therefore, “do not grow lazy, but imitate those who, through faith and patience, are inheriting the promises” (Heb 6:12).

Beloved, run fast for God all the way across the finish line to “life on high in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:14). Run, beloved, run!

Prayer: Father, You are faithful to Your promises. You are Love (1 Jn 4:16). I love You.

Promise: "The Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath." —Mk 2:28

Praise: St. Anthony of Egypt was a prominent leader among the Desert Fathers and paved the way for Christian monasticism. He is revered in both Eastern and Western rites of the Church.



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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 LIFE OF LOVE - One Bread, One Body, 01/16/2023

Monday, January 16, 2023,

Hebrews 5:1-10
Psalm 110:1-4
Mark 2:18-22

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A LIFE OF LOVE
"How can the guests at a wedding fast as long as the groom is still among them?" —Mark 2:19

Jesus is our Bridegroom (Mk 2:19). First and foremost, our relationship with Him is to be a love relationship. We live our Christian lives not by compulsion, but by love. “We, for our part, love because He first loved us” (1 Jn 4:19).

We do everything as a loving response to Jesus. He is our Spouse, our Bridegroom. We live our Christian life as though we are in a wedding feast. We love others and forgive them because Jesus loved us first (1 Jn 4:19) and so we are in love with Jesus. Every day is a rich opportunity to drink more deeply of the fountain of the love of Jesus.

The Holy Mass is the wedding feast of the Lamb. Heaven is the wedding of God and mankind (Rv 19:7). We go to Mass, “the wedding feast of the Lamb” (Rv 19:9), to deepen our life of “nuptial” love with Jesus. We suffer because we love Jesus and so we joyfully imitate Him (Heb 5:8).

Each day, grow more deeply in love with Jesus. Love Him by loving your neighbor as yourself, for man was created in God’s image and likeness (see Gn 1:26). “Live in His love” (Jn 15:10). Love the Lord Jesus with your all (Lk 10:27).

Prayer: Father, pour out Your love into my heart through the Holy Spirit (Rm 5:5).

Promise: "Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered; and when perfected, He became the Source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him." —Heb 5:8-9

Praise: Ken was addicted to drugs. One weekend, he intended to get high. Instead God granted him a heavenly vision. For three days, Ken sat in his room swept up in the love of God. The experience so transformed him that he became a brother in a religious order and joyfully lives a life of consecrated service to the Lord.

(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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BAPTIZED IN THE SPIRIT - One Bread, One Body, 01/15/2023

Sunday, January 15, 2023, 2nd Sunday Ordinary Time

Isaiah 49:3, 5-6
1 Corinthians 1:1-3
Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-10
John 1:29-34
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BAPTIZED IN THE SPIRIT
"It is He Who is to baptize with the Holy Spirit." —John 1:33

Many people talk about being “baptized in the Spirit.” By this, they usually mean having a renewal of their life in the Spirit. However, the Bible considers being baptized in the Spirit to be the same as being baptized, and not a renewal of life in the Spirit. Thus, many people use the phrase, “baptized in the Spirit,” in an un-Biblical way.

Although these people are wrongly using biblical terminology, they are “correct” pastorally. We have a great need to renew our being baptized in the Spirit. Through sin and selfishness, many baptized people have stifled (1 Thes 5:19) and saddened the Holy Spirit (Eph 4:30). If we are to live the Christian life as the Lord intended it to be lived, we must stir into flame the gift of the Holy Spirit (2 Tm 1:6-7).

Today’s Scriptural readings invite us to renew our life in the Spirit. Look at Jesus, the Lamb of God (Jn 1:29). Let Him free you as He freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Let Him take away your sins and the sins of the world (Jn 1:29). “Follow the Lamb wherever He goes”; be pure and uncompromising with the ways of the world (see Rv 14:4). Receive a renewal of being baptized in the Spirit today.

Prayer: Father, may I want the Spirit as much as I want to breathe. Revive the graces of my Baptism and Confirmation.

Promise: "I will make you a light to the nations, that My salvation may reach to the ends of the earth." —Is 49:6

Praise: "I will proclaim Your name to my brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will praise You" (Ps 22:23). Risen Jesus, You are worthy of our praise.

(For a related teaching on Power in the Spirit, listen to, download or order our CD 64-1 or DVD 64 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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