LOVING CHRISTMAS - One Bread, One Body, 01/07/2026

Wednesday, January 7, 2026, St. Raymond of Peñafort

1 John 4:11-18
Psalm 72:1-2, 10, 12-13
Mark 6:45-52

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LOVING CHRISTMAS
"If we love one another God dwells in us." —1 John 4:12

We love God and others, but we need to grow deeper in love, to be perfected in love by God’s grace (see 1 Jn 4:17). By obedience to the truth, we can purify ourselves for a genuine love of our brothers and sisters (1 Pt 1:22). As our love becomes deeper, more mature, and perfected, this “perfect love casts out all fear” (1 Jn 4:18). We can be so much in love and so free from fear “that we should have confidence on the day of judgment” (1 Jn 4:17).

Have you had a good Christmas season so far? By “good,” I don’t mean presents and parties, but love. Each day of this Christmas season, are you growing more deeply in God’s love? If so, you are having a wonderful Christmas. You are preparing for a fearless new year and for confidence even on Judgment Day.

Let us pray for the love of God to be “poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us” (Rm 5:5). Come, Holy Spirit and Christmas Spirit of love!

Prayer: Father, may I accept Your grace to love my brothers and sisters so much that I would die for them (1 Jn 3:16).

Promise: "He shall rescue the poor man when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him. He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor He shall save." —Ps 72:12- 13

Praise: St. Raymond was a confessor to Pope Gregory IX. He also succeeded St. Dominic as head of the Dominican order.

(Do you know about our Bible Telephone Line? 513-823-3111 is the number for an inspiring message each day based on the Scripture readings for the daily Mass.)

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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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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.

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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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OFFERING YOUR SON - One Bread, One Body, 01/06/2026

Tuesday, January 6, 2026, St. André Bessette

1 John 4:7-10
Psalm 72:1-4, 7-8
Mark 6:34-44

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OFFERING YOUR SON
"Love, then, consists in this...that [God] has loved us and has sent His Son as an Offering for our sins." —1 John 4:10

I have three sons, and many of you have sons as well. When I look at God’s love for us through His selfless offering of His own Son for our sins (1 Jn 4:10), I realize how far short I fall of the love that God the Father reveals. I can’t even conceive of a situation in which I would love a group of sinful and rebellious people enough to let one of my sons be born in a cave and placed in a manger, or be beaten and killed on their behalf.

“Yes, God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him may not die but may have eternal life” (Jn 3:16). “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). “God is Love” (1 Jn 4:8), and “love is of God” (1 Jn 4:7). God says to you: “With age-old love I have loved you” (Jer 31:3). He wants you to “grasp fully...the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ’s love, and experience this love which surpasses all knowledge” (Eph 3:18-19).

As the last week of the Christmas season concludes, look again at the Christ-Child, God’s only Son, Who is the incarnate Love of God poured out into the world and into our hearts (Rm 5:5). “Live in His love” (Jn 15:10).

Prayer: "O wonder of Your humble care for us! O love, O charity beyond all telling, to ransom a slave You gave away Your Son!" (from the Easter Vigil Exsultet)

Promise: "Everyone who loves is begotten of God and has knowledge of God." —1 Jn 4:7

Praise: St. André has been instrumental in the healing of many through his powerful intercession to St. Joseph.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(For a related teaching on Divine Love, listen to, download or order our AV 52-3 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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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.

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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 ANTICHRIST - One Bread, One Body, 01/05/2026

Monday, January 5, 2026, St. John Neumann

1 John 3:22—4:6
Psalm 2:7-8, 10-12
Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

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THE ANTICHRIST
"This is how you can recognize God's Spirit: every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ come in the flesh belongs to God, while every spirit that fails to acknowledge Him does not belong to God. Such is the spirit of the antichrist." —1 John 4:2-3

The antichrist “will appear as part of the workings of Satan, accompanied by all the power and signs and wonders at the disposal of falsehood — by every seduction the wicked can devise” (2 Thes 2:9-10). Thus it is humanly impossible to recognize the deceptions of the antichrist who will come at the end of the world and of the spirit of the antichrist which “is in the world already” (1 Jn 4:3). However, the Lord has provided a way to prevent us from being deceived. The spirit of the antichrist is recognizable because it refuses to acknowledge Jesus in the flesh (1 Jn 4:2).

Jesus is in the flesh in His physical body, His Eucharistic body (see Jn 6:51ff), and in the members of His Body the Church. The spirit of the antichrist will deny or de-emphasize Jesus’ Incarnation. This can be done by proclaiming Jesus’ divinity to the exclusion of His humanity or by denying Jesus’ divinity, making Jesus’ conception and birth no different than those of anyone else. The spirit of the antichrist may also ignore Jesus’ Eucharistic presence. It would make Holy Communion just a symbol and not central to Christianity. Finally, the spirit of the antichrist relegates the Church to being just a human organization. The antichrist promotes a churchless, individualized Christianity. Because it pretends that the Church is Christ’s Body only figuratively and not really, the spirit of the antichrist will not submit itself to the authority of the Church. “Such is the spirit of the antichrist” (1 Jn 4:3). “Thus do we distinguish the spirit of truth from the spirit of deception” (1 Jn 4:6).

Prayer: Father, by my obedience to You in Your Word in Your Church, may 2026 be a year of truth and not of deception.

Promise: "This is how we know that He remains in us: from the Spirit that He gave us." —1 Jn 3:24

Praise: St. John Neumann was the first bishop in the U.S. to introduce the Eucharistic devotion of "Forty Hours."



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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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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.

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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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LET HIM HAVE IT - One Bread, One Body, 01/04/2026

Sunday, January 4, 2026, 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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LET HIM HAVE IT
"All kings shall pay Him homage; all nations shall serve Him." —Psalm 72:11

Today’s great feast of the Epiphany celebrates the manifestation of Jesus to the nations. The wise men traveled a great distance, at much inconvenience, bringing valuable gifts to honor Jesus. The presence of the Baby Jesus manifested the love in their hearts.

King Herod likewise had his love of power made manifest for all the world to see. He pretended to be a worshipper to deceive the Magi (Mt 2:7-8). Eventually, his deception was made manifest, and all could see clearly the malice in Herod’s heart (see Mt 2:16ff).

Things inside us will also be made manifest. If we treasure anything besides Jesus, that attachment will eventually be made manifest to the world (see Mt 10:26-27; Lk 12:3). Is anything in your life more important than Jesus? You cannot give yourself to God and mammon; you will hate the one and love the other. You cannot have two masters (Mt 6:24).

What will be made manifest to the world in your life? Like the magi, lay it before Jesus as a complete self-offering. Let Him have it, before the whole world sees. Jesus will replace that with His grace, so what is displayed from your life to the world is “goodness” (Mt 5:16) and “good deeds” (Eph 2:10).

Prayer: Jesus, fill me with an insatiable desire to worship You.

Promise: "Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow." —Is 60:5

Praise: Praise You, Jesus, King of the universe. Alleluia!

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.) (As you make plans for the New Year, include time for spiritual growth. Attend one or more retreats at our Discipleship Center in Adams County, Ohio. See our website for more information.)

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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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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.

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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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A NAME TO PURIFY - One Bread, One Body, 01/03/2026

Saturday, January 3, 2026, Most Holy Name of Jesus

1 John 2:29—3:6
Psalm 98:1, 3-6
John 1:29-34

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A NAME TO PURIFY
"Everyone who has this hope based on Him keeps himself pure, as He is pure." —1 John 3:3

How can we ever keep ourselves pure, as Jesus is pure? (1 Jn 3:3)

• The name of Jesus. On this memorial of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, “our help is in the name of the Lord” (Ps 124:8). God purifies our lips (see Zep 3:9; Is 6:6-8) that we may call upon His name (Ps 116:13).
• Frequent Confession. In this Sacrament, God provides “a fountain to purify from sin and uncleanness” (Zec 13:1).
• The Holy Eucharist. We, who struggle to be pure, might think, “If only there was some medicine I could take that would give me the strength to be pure...” There is such medicine: the Holy Eucharist, “the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn 1:29). Desire to receive Holy Communion often, daily if possible.
• Daily Prayer. It’s easier to keep something pure that is cleansed daily. Sin “clings to us” (Heb 11:1), but daily prayer combats the impurity that is trying to keep a toehold in our lives. It’s like brushing our teeth daily; the impurities can’t readily cling to our teeth.
• The Holy Spirit. The Spirit fights against the flesh (Gal 5:17) and works to make us holy.
• The Word of God. Immerse yourself in the “purifying...bath of water by the power of the Word” (Eph 5:26; see also Jn 15:3).

Let Jesus take away your sins (see 1 Jn 3:5) and purify you.

Prayer: Jesus, refine and purify me like gold in the consuming fire of Your love (Mal 3:3; Heb 12:29).

Promise: "See what love the Father has bestowed on us in letting us be called children of God!" —1 Jn 3:1

Praise: The Holy Name of Jesus means "God saves." Praise You, Jesus, our Savior. Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess Your most adorable and holy name (Phil 2:9-11). Alleluia!

(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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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.

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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 CHRIST OF CHRISTMAS - One Bread, One Body, 01/02/2026

Friday, January 2, 2026, St. Basil the Great
St. Gregory Nazianzen

1 John 2:22-28
Psalm 98:1-4
John 1:19-28

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THE CHRIST OF CHRISTMAS
"...he who denies that Jesus is the Christ. He is the antichrist." —1 John 2:22

Jesus Christ is God. “All were created through Him, and for Him. He is before all else that is. In Him everything continues in being” (Col 1:16-17­). Primacy is “His in everything” (Col 1:18). “Absolute fullness reside(s) in Him” (Col 1:19). Jesus Christ is “the faithful Witness, the First-Born from the dead and Ruler of the kings of earth” (Rv 1:5). He is “the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and End” (Rv 21:6).

“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) Even Jesus’ enemies subtly imply His supremacy by being named “antichrists.” They are named in reference to Him. Jesus sets the standard. Everything is secondary to Him. Jesus is not called the anti-Satan or the anti­-evil. He is the Christ, and even antichrists can’t help but give witness (although unwillingly) to Jesus’ divinity.

We are in the middle of the Christmas season. Even time itself bows down before the Christ. Even antichrists exist in reference to Jesus.  How much more will true Christians proclaim the Christ of Christmas!

Prayer: "JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!" (Phil 2:11)

Promise: "Remain in Him now, little ones, so that, when He reveals Himself, we may be fully confident and not retreat in shame at His coming." —1 Jn 2:28

Praise: By the power of the Holy Spirit, St. Basil protected his diocese from heresy.

(For a related teaching on The Truth Will Set You Free, view, download or order our booklet 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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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.

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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 YEAR OF HOPE - One Bread, One Body, 01/01/2026

Thursday, January 1, 2026, Mary, Mother of God

Numbers 6:22-27
Galatians 4:4-7
Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8
Luke 2:16-21
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THE YEAR OF HOPE
"They went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby lying in the manger." —Luke 2:16

At the end of what may be the major document of the twentieth century, Vatican II’s teaching on the Church, the Blessed Virgin Mary is proclaimed as a sign of sure hope (Lumen Gentium, 68). We pray: “Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.” Yes, many of us are in the valleys and are experiencing the banishment due to our sins. Of course, Jesus is our only Hope. But the Lord has chosen Mary to be part of the way He gives us hope. Mary shows to us “the blessed Fruit of her womb, Jesus.”

Today, once again, the Church has called us to begin the year by praying for peace. Mary also has called us for decades to pray for peace. Nonetheless, we may feel like saying: “All too long have I dwelt with those who hate peace. When I speak of peace, they are ready for war” (Ps 120:6-7). Is there any hope for peace? Mary points to Jesus, our only Hope, and she commands us: “Do whatever He tells you” (Jn 2:5).

Is there any hope to stop abortion, starvation, racism, war, and other common atrocities? By faith, at the side of Mary, look to Jesus, our only Hope and the only Hope we need.

Prayer: Father, with my eyes fixed on Your Son Jesus, give me a new year characterized by an invincible hope (see Heb 12:2).

Promise: "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." —Gal 4:4-5

Praise: "God Who is mighty has done great things for me, holy is His name" (Lk 1:49).



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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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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.

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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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