IT’S YOUR TURN - One Bread, One Body, 10/21/2025

Tuesday, October 21, 2025,

Romans 5:12, 15, 17-21
Psalm 40:7-10, 17
Luke 12:35-38

View Readings

Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

IT'S YOUR TURN
"I tell you, He will put on an apron, seat them at table, and proceed to wait on them." —Luke 12:37

There is a reversal of roles in today’s Gospel passage. For a master to serve slaves would turn the social order of the time upside down (Lk 12:37). Yet Jesus washed His disciples’ feet to be an example for them (Jn 13:5, 15). Jesus turned the world upside down through His death and Resurrection (see Rm 5:19ff). The missionary apostles also turned the world upside down (see Acts 17:6, RSV-CE). The Bible is filled with one good turn after another.

We disciples of Jesus are to be always vigilant, alert for the Master’s return (Lk 12:36). In the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, God turns heaven and earth upside down, returning every day to serve us and wait for us to return to Him. He returns in the poor and needy, in the wounded and broken. Jesus returns in His Mystical Body, the Church.

How upside down is this? The Master serves, the King of the Universe appears humbly in the form of bread and wine, the weak are strong (2 Cor 12:9-10), the proud are humbled, and the poor and meek inherit the land (Mt 5:5). The Kingdom of God is not the kingdom of this world (Jn 18:36). It is upturned, upside-down soil that allows the seed to germinate, grow, and bear fruit. Let Jesus do any upturning and upheaval needed. Let Him turn your family, workplace, marriage, and life upside down. In Jesus, upside down is right-side-up.

Prayer: Father, may I not take the role of victim but of victor.

Promise: "Despite the increase of sin, grace has far surpassed it." —Rm 5:20

Praise: Tim and Bernadette attend Mass and Eucharistic Adoration together several mornings each month.

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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 October 1, 2025, through November 30, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 2, 2025"

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to https://www.presentationministries.com/subscribe/email

To remove your e-mail address from this list, click here..

INDEPENDENCE DAY - One Bread, One Body, 10/20/2025

Monday, October 20, 2025, St. Paul of the Cross

Romans 4:20-25
Luke 1:69-75
Luke 12:13-21

View Readings

Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

INDEPENDENCE DAY
"I will say to myself: You have blessings in reserve for years to come. Relax!" —Luke 12:19

The man in today’s Gospel was already rich (Lk 12:16). He had several grain bins on his property (Lk 12:18). It had been a year since his last harvest, and still he had no room to store this year’s harvest. Therefore, his grain bins contained at least a year’s foodstores in reserve. Then he “had a good harvest” (Lk 12:16), so large he was bursting at the seams. God blessed this man in ways foretold by the prophets (see Am 9:13-14; Is 30:23-25).

Yet this man’s speech reveals his heart (Lk 6:45). Though rich, he was worried about his future. He could have thanked God for a bountiful harvest; instead, he told himself he was finally financially secure enough to “relax” (Lk 12:19). He could have shared his plenty with the hungry, thus growing rich for God. Instead, he only thought of growing rich for himself (Lk 12:21).

When deciding how to handle his harvest, he consulted himself rather than God. Now he would be self-sufficient, independent of a God he never mentions or thanks. His actions and words show he does not trust the very God Who continues to bless him so abundantly, Who cannot be outgiven, and Who continues to provide for him. In His mercy, God reserved a place for this man and all others who insist upon being independent of Him “for years to come” (Lk 12:19). It’s called hell.

We could also fall into this “trap” of desiring to be secure for the rest of our life (1 Tm 6:9). Repent! Trust in God alone.

Prayer: Father, I trust You alone for my daily needs (Mt 6:11). May I never turn from You in times of prosperity (Prv 30:7-9).

Promise: "Our faith will be credited to us also if we believe in Him Who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead." —Rm 4:24

Praise: St. Paul of the Cross founded the Congregation of the Passion, also known as the Passionists, a religious order devoted to spreading the memory of the Passion of Jesus (see 1 Cor 2:2).

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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 October 1, 2025, through November 30, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 2, 2025"

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to https://www.presentationministries.com/subscribe/email

To remove your e-mail address from this list, click here..

GIVE ME A HAND - One Bread, One Body, 10/19/2025

Sunday, October 19, 2025, 29th Sunday Ordinary Time

Exodus 17:8-13
2 Timothy 3:14—4:2
Psalm 121:1-8
Luke 18:1-8
View Readings

Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

GIVE ME A HAND
Jesus "told them a parable on the necessity of praying always and not losing heart." —Luke 18:1

“As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight, but when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight. Moses’ hands, however, grew tired; so they put a rock in place for him to sit on. Meanwhile Aaron and Hur supported his hands…and Joshua” won the battle (Ex 17:11-13).

Jesus, nailed upon the cross, battled with the kingdom of darkness for our souls. His hands grew weary as He stretched them out in prayer for us. Though He had no one to hold up His weary arms, the nails held up His hands so He could keep them stretched out in prayer and win the battle.

Perhaps you are alone in your faith and have no Aaron and Hur to support your hands and spirit as you pray. Your cross is heavy, your hands are growing tired, and it’s hard to keep them upraised in confident prayer. So if you “have been crucified with Christ” (Gal 2:19), it could be that the nails holding you to your cross are your “Aaron” and “Hur,” keeping your hands upheld and stretched out in persistent prayer. 

Perhaps if circumstances were more favorable in your life, you might be tempted to relax and stop praying. But your cross, the nails, and the suffering keep your hands outstretched in prayer and lead you to victory in your spiritual battle. “So strengthen your drooping hands” (Heb 12:12). Pray persistently, as Jesus directs (see Lk 18:1). “Wear Him out” with your prayers (see Is 62:6-7).

Prayer: Lord, when I grow tired for You, may I never grow tired of You.

Promise: "My help is from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth." —Ps 121:2

Praise: "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever" (Ps 136:1).

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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 October 1, 2025, through November 30, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 2, 2025"

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to https://www.presentationministries.com/subscribe/email

To remove your e-mail address from this list, click here..

“WE ARE ONE IN THE SPIRIT” (see Eph 4:4) - One Bread, One Body, 10/18/2025

Saturday, October 18, 2025, St. Luke

2 Timothy 4:10-17
Psalm 145:10-13, 17-18
Luke 10:1-9

View Readings

Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

"WE ARE ONE IN THE SPIRIT" (see Eph 4:4)
"I have no one with me but Luke." —2 Timothy 4:11

St. Luke is the great teacher on the Holy Spirit. His is the Gospel of the Holy Spirit, and his Acts of the Apostles is the account of the Holy Spirit creating and developing the Church. Because Luke is filled with the Spirit, he emphasizes God’s call to unity and community, for the Spirit is the Source of our unity (Eph 4:3; 1 Cor 12:13). Luke recounted that Jesus sent out His disciples two by two (Lk 10:1). Luke himself was St. Paul’s partner on some of his missions (see 2 Tm 4:11). Luke also noted that Jesus wanted His disciples to make people’s homes their base for evangelization (Lk 10:7; Acts 16:15). Moreover, Luke emphasized that the Holy Spirit of Pentecost calls us to devote ourselves to the communal life (Acts 2:42).

In our lonely world of isolation, with the Church often divided rather than united, when marriages and families keep breaking up, when Christian community is seen more as a cult than a calling — we need more than ever Luke’s emphasis on the Holy Spirit of unity. Read Luke; live Luke. Be “of one heart and one mind” in the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:32).

Prayer: Father, unite me much more deeply with several of my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Promise: "The harvest is rich but the workers are few; therefore ask the Harvest-Master to send workers to His harvest." —Lk 10:2

Praise: Because of St. Luke, the world knows about the Annunciation and the Nativity, resulting in fervent worship of Jesus throughout the centuries.

(For a related teaching on An Introduction to Small Christian Communities, view, download or order our booklet on our website.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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 October 1, 2025, through November 30, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 2, 2025"

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to https://www.presentationministries.com/subscribe/email

To remove your e-mail address from this list, click here..

HOW SATAN USES FEAR AGAINST US - One Bread, One Body, 10/17/2025

Friday, October 17, 2025, St. Ignatius of Antioch

Romans 4:1-8
Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 11
Luke 12:1-7

View Readings

Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

HOW SATAN USES FEAR AGAINST US
"I say to you who are My friends: Do not be afraid." —Luke 12:4

God’s grace continues to be lavishly poured out on us to free us to love Him with all our hearts. In that love, we have the power to transform the world. However, Satan tries to block our reception of God’s grace and love. He does this by tempting us to sin, and he manipulates us into sinning in many ways, especially through fear. Therefore, the Lord commands 365 times in the Bible: “Do not be afraid” (see Lk 12:4).

We can refuse to be manipulated through fear by:

• fearing God instead of anything else (see Lk 12:5; Sir 34:14),
• realizing our worth (Lk 12:7). To give in to fear is beneath our dignity as God’s sons and daughters,
• faith (see Mk 5:36), and
• complete love for everyone, even our enemies (1 Jn 4:18).

God’s grace is always sufficient for everything (2 Cor 12:9), but we must accept it. Sin is the rejection of God’s grace, and fear is one of Satan’s most effective ways of setting us up to sin. Therefore, accept God’s grace to never give in to fear, for if you fear, you will probably give in to sin and reject further graces.

Prayer: Father, stir into flame the Spirit of faith in my life (see 2 Tm 1:6-7).

Promise: "Blest are they whose iniquities are forgiven, whose sins are covered over. Blest is the man to whom the Lord imputes no guilt." —Rm 4:7-8

Praise: St. Ignatius' love for God was so great that he courageously faced martyrdom in the Roman Colosseum. He was ardently devoted to the divinity and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

(For a related teaching on Spiritual Warfare, view, download or order our leaflet on our website.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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 October 1, 2025, through November 30, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 2, 2025"

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to https://www.presentationministries.com/subscribe/email

To remove your e-mail address from this list, click here..

“GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES” (see Mt 28:19) - One Bread, One Body, 10/16/2025

Thursday, October 16, 2025, St. Hedwig
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

Romans 3:21-30
Psalm 130:1-6
Luke 11:47-54

View Readings

Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

"GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES" (see Mt 28:19)
"All men are now undeservedly justified by the gift of God, through the redemption wrought in Christ Jesus." —Romans 3:24

Today I attended Mass at a parish which was having an all-school Mass. There were several hundred students, in grades K-8, present at the Mass. In his homily, the priest asked the students if they knew the mission of the Catholic Church. A student in the sixth grade raised his hand. Father called on him and the boy said: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Father, looking a bit stunned, smiled broadly and told the congregation that the boy’s answer was one of the best he had ever heard. Whether he realized it or not, the boy was quoting Matthew 28:19.

A disciple of Jesus Christ:

• is one who imitates Jesus in His character and in His ministry,
• accepts and lives the discipline of the Lord (Heb 12:5ff),
• professes Jesus as Lord and God (see Jn 20:28),
• dies to self and follows in the footsteps of Jesus (Lk 9:23),
• lives a lifestyle of holiness, prayer, worship, study, and service,
• receives the Holy Spirit (Jn 20:22) and follows the Spirit’s lead (Gal 5:25), and
• makes disciples who disciple others.

“Once you know all these things, blest will you be if you put them into practice” (Jn 13:17).

Prayer: Jesus, I will be Your disciple (see Lk 9:57). Teach me Your ways (see Ps 25:4-5).

Promise: "But with You is forgiveness, that You may be revered." —Ps 130:4

Praise: Bill smoked for decades. Jesus brought to his mind that his body was "a temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Cor 6:19). With that revelation came the grace to quit smoking permanently.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Join us Oct. 18-19 for a study of the Gospel of Mark. This is a great way to rekindle your love, knowledge and commitment to the Lord. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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 October 1, 2025, through November 30, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 2, 2025"

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to https://www.presentationministries.com/subscribe/email

To remove your e-mail address from this list, click here..

RELENTLESS REPENTANCE - One Bread, One Body, 10/15/2025

Wednesday, October 15, 2025, St. Teresa of Jesus

Romans 2:1-11
Psalm 62:2-3, 6-7, 9
Luke 11:42-46

View Readings

Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

RELENTLESS REPENTANCE
"Do you not know that God's kindness is an invitation to you to repent?" —Romans 2:4

Jesus told the religious leaders of His time that they were “neglecting justice and the love of God” (Lk 11:42). Because of their sinful pride, they were spiritually dead. They were “like hidden tombs over which men walk unawares” (Lk 11:44). Paul wrote to the Christians of Rome that they had “hard and impenitent” hearts and were “storing up retribution for the day of wrath” (Rm 2:5).

Many religious people often have repented of their sins. Yet, this is only a beginning. We need to repent to a much greater depth. However, because we have already repented, we think we have finished repenting. Instead of our initial repentance being a catalyst leading to greater repentance, it becomes in effect a vaccination. We use a little repentance to inoculate ourselves so that we never progress to deep repentance.

To keep our initial repentance from being used against us, we should:

• go to Confession at least monthly,
• ask the Sacred Heart of Jesus to reveal the thoughts and reflections of our hearts (Heb 4:12),
• silently look at a crucifix for at least one minute a day,
• use the Bible to examine our consciences daily, and
• ask the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin (Jn 16:8).

Prayer: Father, immerse me in repentance (Lk 3:3).

Promise: "He will repay every man for what he has done: eternal life to those who strive for glory, honor, and immortality by patiently doing right; wrath and fury to those who selfishly disobey the truth and obey wickedness." —Rm 2:6-8

Praise: St. Teresa of Jesus grew steadily in holiness as she learned to embrace suffering in imitation of the Lord.



-----------------------------------------------------------------

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 October 1, 2025, through November 30, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 2, 2025"

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to https://www.presentationministries.com/subscribe/email

To remove your e-mail address from this list, click here..