FREEING LOVE - One Bread, One Body, 04/01/2021

Thursday, April 1, 2021 , Holy Thursday

Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Psalm 116:12-13, 15-18
John 13:1-15

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FREEING LOVE
"As I have done, so you must do." —John 13:15

The night before He died, the Lord instituted the way He would remain with us forever. He could have remained with us in awesome majesty, in fire and cloud, as He did with the Israelites (Ex 19:16ff; 40:34-38). Instead, Jesus set aside His majesty and humbled Himself (Phil 2:6-8). He decided to remain with us in His Eucharistic Body and Blood.

Jesus’ Last Supper took place on the eve of the Jewish feast of Passover. The first Passover brought freedom from physical slavery and from the tyranny of Pharaoh (Ex 12:39ff). The New Passover (1 Cor 5:7), the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, brings freedom from slavery to sin and from the tyranny of Satan and his kingdom of darkness. We are freed from sin and free to love God and to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters in Christ (1 Jn 3:16).

To help us understand this, Jesus gave us an example. He washed the feet of His beloved disciples (Jn 13:5). Washing feet was the duty of a slave. Though Jesus was free, His amazing love for us led Him to make Himself a slave (Phil 2:7). In Baptism, Jesus has set us free (Jn 8:36). Though we are free, in imitation of Jesus we freely decide to make ourselves the servants and even slaves of the Lord and of others.

Do you want Jesus to set you free?  Then receive the Body and Blood of Jesus often at Mass, even daily if at all possible. Receive His freeing, healing love. Then go forth to love and serve the Lord and His beloved people.

Prayer: "Sweet Sacrament, we Thee adore. O make us love Thee more and more."

Promise: "This is My body, Which is for you." —1 Cor 11:24

Praise: Praise Jesus, Who gives Himself to us as daily Bread. Lord, I bow down before You.

(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 One Bread, One Body covering the period from April 1,2021 through May 31, 2021 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 5,2020"

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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“WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?” (Jn 1:38) - O=?utf-8?Q?ne_Bread,_One_Body,_03/31/2021?=

Wednesday, March 31, 2021, Holy Week

Isaiah 50:4-9
Psalm 69:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34
Matthew 26:14-25
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"WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?" (Jn 1:38)
"From that time on [Judas] kept looking for an opportunity to hand [Jesus] over." —Matthew 26:16

Judas Iscariot spent some of Holy Week with his eyes fixed on Jesus (Heb 3:1; 12:2). But Judas wasn’t watching Jesus for the purpose of growing as His disciple, though outwardly Judas was an apostle. In fact, Judas was apparently a powerful enough apostle that when Jesus mentioned at the Last Supper that one of the Twelve would betray Him, none of the other eleven disciples thought to accuse Judas of being that betrayer. Instead, they considered themselves more likely to be the betrayer, saying, “Is it I, Lord?” (see Mt 26:22)
What about us? What are we looking for this Holy Week and Triduum? Are we watching the calendar counting down the days for Lent to be over so we can eat chocolate or indulge in other pleasures?  Or are we looking at Jesus to become more like Him in every way? Seek to “remain with Him” while He suffers and dies for our salvation (see Mt 26:38).

Prayer: Father, is it I? Show me every way in which I turn my back on Your Son.

Promise: "The Lord God is my Help, therefore I am not disgraced." —Is 50:7

Praise: Sister Alice radiates the love of Jesus everywhere she goes. Her love and peacefulness attract many hurting people to the Lord.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.) (For a related teaching on Be Holy, For I Am Holy, order, view or download our leaflet 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 One Bread, One Body covering the period from February 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio March 31, 2020"

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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NIGHT-LIGHT? - One Bread, One Body, 03/30/2021

Tuesday, March 30, 2021, Holy Week

Isaiah 49:1-6
Psalm 71:1-6, 15, 17
John 13:21-33, 36-38
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NIGHT-LIGHT?
"No sooner had Judas eaten the morsel than he went out. It was night." —John 13:30

Jesus died during a darkening of the sun (Mk 15:33). Jesus died when midafternoon seemed like midnight. He died because of the night of our sins which the prince of darkness (see Eph 6:12) used to crucify the Light of the world (see Jn 8:12). When we betray, deny, ignore, or disobey Jesus, we turn out our light and enter into the night (Jn 3:19ff). However, when we repent, give ourselves totally to Jesus, and live our Baptisms, we too are the light of the world (Mt 5:14). Even we, who were darkness, are now light in the Lord (Eph 5:8).
In four days, at Easter Vigil, after it is dark, we will enter a dark church led by the light of the Paschal candle. Because this light pierces the darkness of sin, death, and Satan, at Easter Vigil we will proclaim the light of Christ and exult in thanksgiving for Jesus, the Light of life (Jn 8:12). For those in Christ, “the Light shines on in darkness, a darkness that did not overcome it” (Jn 1:5). “The night shall be no more” (Rv 22:5).

Prayer: Father, may my baptismal light be so bright as to pierce the darkness.

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: In one healing prayer session, Jesus delivered Brenda from years of depression and darkness.



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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 One Bread, One Body covering the period from February 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio March 31, 2020"

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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WHOLLY WEAK? - One Bread, One Body, 03/29/2021

Monday, March 29, 2021, Holy Week

Isaiah 42:1-7
Psalm 27:1-3, 13-14
John 12:1-11
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WHOLLY WEAK?
"Be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord." —Psalm 27:14

If you have a weakness in your faith life, the pivotal events of Holy Week will serve to bring that flaw to the surface. Holy Week is like a refiner’s fire (Mal 3:2-3) that burns away impurities and melts down imperfections. It is a test of our faith, a trial by fire (1 Pt 1:6-7; Sir 2:5).
The critical action in Holy Week is to turn to the Lord for aid, and not turn to anyone else. Judas Iscariot spent Holy Week with Jesus physically, but his heart and mind were elsewhere. Judas spent Holy Week making deals with Jesus’ opponents and “looking for an opportunity to hand [Jesus] over” (Mt 26:16). The other apostles were tried and failed their tests, but they did turn to Jesus and tried their best to persevere.
Jesus knows we are weak; that’s why He gave us His Body and Blood during Holy Week. This Holy Week, fall on your knees before the Lord. Tell Him that you want His will to be done. Remain with Jesus throughout the trials of Holy Week. Will you let Jesus take you through the cross to the resurrection into a new, victorious life in His freedom? “No test has been sent you that does not come to all men. Besides, God keeps His promise. He will not let you be tested beyond your strength. Along with the test He will give you a way out of it so that you may be able to endure it” (1 Cor 10:13).

Prayer: Jesus, I am weak, but You are strong. Keep me near You and near Your cross.

Promise: "I have grasped you by the hand." —Is 42:6

Praise: Keeping a prayer journal prevents Ricardo from forgetting all God has done for him.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.) (For a related teaching on Hold Fast to the Faith, order, listen to, or download our CD 71-1 or DVD 71 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 One Bread, One Body covering the period from February 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio March 31, 2020"

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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FORGET ME NOT - One Bread, One Body, 03/28/2021

Sunday, March 28, 2021, Passion (Palm) Sunday

Mark 11:1-10 or John 12:12-16 (Entrance Processional)
Isaiah 50:4-7
Philippians 2:6-11
Psalm 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24

Mark 14:1--15:47

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FORGET ME NOT
"Once again the high priest interrogated Him: 'Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?' Then Jesus answered: 'I AM.' " ––Mark 14:61-62

Jesus has entered Jerusalem. Our forty-day penitential journey nears completion. Lent ends when we begin the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday evening. Ash Wednesday seems like only yesterday. Have we answered the Lord’s call to prayer, fasting and almsgiving? It’s not too late! Our procrastination keeps good company. The apostles were also often slow to catch on to the Lord’s revelations (see Jn 12:16). Don’t despair. Cling to the Church’s liturgical schedule over the upcoming week — it may turn out to be the best week of our lives.
As we enter Holy Week, be eager to tell others about the amazing liturgies awaiting us. With the Psalmist say, “I will proclaim Your name to my brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will praise You” (Ps 22:23).
On Holy Thursday, be awed as Jesus ordains His first priests and gifts us His Body and Blood (see Lk 22:17-20). At the celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday, reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice. “And it was thus that He humbled Himself, obediently accepting even death, death on a cross!” (Phil 2:8) Then rejoice with the Church as many new Catholics enter into full communion with His Body at Holy Saturday’s Easter Vigil. Finish with a flourish on Resurrection Sunday, “for it was impossible that death should keep its hold on Him” (Acts 2:24).
Where will you spend your time over the next seven days?

Prayer: Father, may I desire to be with You as much as You desire to be with me.

Promise: "Clearly this man was the Son of God!" ––Mk 15:39

Praise: "Blessed is the reign of our father David to come! Hosanna in the highest!" (Mk 11:10)

(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 One Bread, One Body covering the period from February 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio March 31, 2020"

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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PROPHETS OF LIFE - One Bread, One Body, 03/27/2021

Saturday, March 27, 2021,

Ezekiel 37:21-28
Jeremiah 31:10-13
John 11:45-56
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PROPHETS OF LIFE
"You have no understanding whatever! Can you not see that it is better for you to have one man die [for the people]?" —John 11:49-50

How do we transform what Pope St. John Paul II called a “culture of death” into a covenant of life-giving peace? (see Ez 37:26) We must prophesy over the dry bones of this culture and these bones will begin to rattle and come to life (Ez 37:4ff).
The prophecy that changes the dead into the living is not just words; it is the ultimate prophecy of a self-sacrificing death for love. Paradoxically, death changes death into life. For example, Jesus was the Prophet (see Acts 3:22ff), Whose ultimate prophetic statement was His death on the cross. Caiaphas, as the high priest, prophesied about this ultimate prophecy. “He prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation — and not for this nation only, but to gather into one all the dispersed children of God” (Jn 11:51-52). Jesus solemnly assures us: “Unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat. But if it dies, it produces much fruit” (Jn 12:24). St. Paul taught: “Continually we carry about in our bodies the dying of Jesus, so that in our bodies the life of Jesus may also be revealed. While we live we are constantly being delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be revealed in our mortal flesh. Death is at work in us, but life in you” (2 Cor 4:10-12).
Will you be a prophet of life in a culture of death? If so, you must take up the daily cross (Lk 9:23), be crucified with Christ, and die to self (Gal 2:19-20). Then not only will you rise; many of the dead will also rise with you. This Holy Week, die with Christ. Then this Easter season, raise the dead.

Prayer: Father, pour out the Holy Spirit on Your servants and handmaids so that they prophesy (Acts 2:18).

Promise: "Many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did...put their faith in Him." — Jn 11:45

Praise: Meg spends at least five days each week in Eucharistic Adoration.



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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 One Bread, One Body covering the period from February 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio March 31, 2020"

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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MIXED EMOTIONS - One Bread, One Body, 03/26/2021

Friday, March 26, 2021,

Jeremiah 20:10-13
Psalm 18:2-7
John 10:31-42
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MIXED EMOTIONS
"I hear the whisperings of many." —Jeremiah 20:10

A week from today will be Good Friday. We almost cringe as we think of hearing the reading of Christ’s passion and death. How will we be able to endure venerating the cross by kissing His wounds? We naturally are upset when we recall the death of our older Brother and loving Savior. We are even more disturbed when we realize that, through our sins, we were part of the gang that murdered Him (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, 598).
At first, the blood Jesus shed horrifies us; but when we consider His sacrifice for us, we begin to rejoice in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (Gal 6:14). The horror of Calvary becomes the joy of Good Friday. What began as the worst day in the history of the human race ended as the greatest day. This was the day of our redemption. So “sing to the Lord, praise the Lord, for He has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the wicked!” (Jer 20:13)
Lord Jesus crucified, have mercy on us.

Prayer: Father, may the last week of Lent be among the most important weeks of my life.

Promise: " 'John may never have performed a sign,' they commented, 'but whatever John said about this Man was true.' In that place, many came to believe in Him." —Jn 10:41-42

Praise: JoAnn meditates on the Passion of Christ every Friday.

(For a related teaching on Redemptive Suffering, order, listen to, or download our CD 75-1 or DVD 75 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 One Bread, One Body covering the period from February 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio March 31, 2020"

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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