HEAR YE, HEAR YE - One Bread, One Body, 05/09/2022

Monday, May 9, 2022,

Acts 11:1-18
Psalm 42:2-3; 43:3-4
John 10:1-10
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HEAR YE, HEAR YE
"They will not follow a stranger; such a one they will flee, because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." —John 10:5

Did you ever unknowingly put yourself in a situation which in retrospect was definitely not God’s will? Obviously you weren’t hearing the Lord. He must have warned you hundreds of times, but you must have missed it time after time. This seems to indicate that Jesus’ voice is strange to you. You’re in trouble. When you don’t hear Jesus, you don’t hear the Word (Jn 1:1) and the Truth (Jn 14:6). You don’t hear the only One Who can rightly direct your life. You’re out of control.

To hear the Lord, we must:

1)      Repent of the sins impairing our hearing. Go to Confession.

2)      Totally commit our lives to Him. Jesus said: “Anyone committed to the truth hears My voice” (Jn 18:37).

3)      Set a time each day for listening prayer.

4)      Pray, read, and live the Bible. Hearing comes by the Word of God (see Rm 10:17).

5)      Be quiet for a while each day. Shut off or throw out the TV and put down the handheld electronic devices.

6)      Simplify our lifestyle.

Prayer: Father, may I hear every word You speak (Jn 8:47).

Promise: "As I began to address them the Holy Spirit came upon them, just as It had upon us at the beginning." —Acts 11:15

Praise: Robert and Alice read Scripture and pray together at least once a day.

(To help you read the Bible every day, listen to, download or order our series Overview of the Bible starting with CD 10A-1 or DVD 10A 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 April 1, 2022 through May 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, August 3, 2021"

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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FILL UPS - One Bread, One Body, 05/08/2022

Sunday, May 8, 2022, Fourth Sunday of Easter

Acts 13:14, 43-52
Revelation 7:9, 14-17
Psalm 100:1-3, 5
John 10:27-30

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FILL UPS
"The disciples could not but be filled with joy and the Holy Spirit." —Acts 13:52

What if the only thing you knew how to do was “to be filled with joy and the Holy Spirit”? After Sts. Paul and Barnabas were violently abused and thrown out of town, the disciples knew how to react in only one way — not with violence, fear, unforgiveness, or bitterness but “with joy and the Holy Spirit.”

What if we were rejected, insulted, or falsely accused? We would probably know how to react with something other than joy. However, Jesus’ early disciples could be filled with joy even in terrible circumstances (Acts 5:41) because they were also filled with the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit crucifies our flesh with its passions and desires (Gal 5:24). We no longer know how to react in our old carnal ways. The Spirit cries out “Abba” in our hearts (Rm 8:15; Gal 4:6), proclaims “Jesus is Lord” (1 Cor 12:3), and fills us with love (Rm 5:5). Under these circumstances, we forgive and love our enemies and know only how to be filled with joy. Only those filled with the Spirit can react to persecution this way. Therefore, “happy are you when you are insulted for the sake of Christ, for then God’s Spirit in Its glory has come to rest on you” (1 Pt 4:14).

Prayer: Father, may I react to my enemies in such a way as to puzzle non-Christians.

Promise: "My sheep hear My voice. I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish." —Jn 10:27

Praise: "The Lord shall reign forever; your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia" (Ps 146:10). Praise the risen Jesus!

(For a related teaching, listen to, download or order our Life in the Spirit Seminar on CD 8A-1, CD 8A-3, CD 8B-1 and CD 8B-3 or our DVD 8A and DVD 8B 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 April 1, 2022 through May 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 3, 2021"

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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YOU’RE OUT! - One Bread, One Body, 05/07/2022

Saturday, May 7, 2022,

Acts 9:31-42
Psalm 116:12-17
John 6:60-69
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YOU'RE OUT!
"Many of His disciples broke away." —John 6:66

The beginning of the persecution of the Church caused many of the disciples to “go out” into the world (see Acts 8:1). This intense persecution was an opportunity to spread the Gospel (Acts 8:4). Unfortunately, in the Gospel passage for today’s Mass, other disciples also went out; they “broke away [from Jesus] and would not remain in His company any longer” (Jn 6:66). The hard words of the Lord were “too much for them” (Mk 6:3).

St. Peter would not leave Jesus (Jn 6:68-69), but Peter also “went out,” going into the world, “making numerous journeys” (see Acts 9:31). He went on mission to Lydda and Joppa, healing a paralytic and raising a dead woman (Acts 9:34, 40). He went far out of his comfort zone, bringing the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to numerous non-Jewish believers (Acts 10:23ff).

When the Lord calls us to “go out” and spread the Good News, He is also calling us to go out of our comfort zone. His hard words shake our faith (Jn 6:61) and shake us out of our complacency. How is your current situation in life an opportunity to bring the Good News of Jesus to others? “Make the most of the present opportunity” (Eph 5:16). Go out and spread the Good News (Ps 19:5; Acts 5:20).

Prayer: Father, shake me right into the arms of Jesus, Your Son. Use me to shake thousands into His arms and into the center of His Sacred Heart.

Promise: "Turning to the dead body, [Peter] said: 'Tabitha, stand up.' She opened her eyes, then looked at Peter and sat up." —Acts 9:40

Praise: Inspired by the movement of the Holy Spirit found in Acts of the Apostles, Regina prays for new Pentecost after new Pentecost.

(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 April 1, 2022 through May 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, August 3, 2021

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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INSISTING ON GREAT FAITH - One Bread, One Body, 05/06/2022

Friday, May 6, 2022,

Acts 9:1-20
Psalm 117:1-2
John 6:52-59
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INSISTING ON GREAT FAITH
"Thereupon Jesus said to them: 'Let Me solemnly assure you, if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.' " —John 6:53

Jesus promised He would give us His flesh to eat (Jn 6:51). This is very difficult to understand and even offensive, especially to Jews. Therefore, “the Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, ‘How can He give us His flesh to eat?’ ” (Jn 6:52) At this point, Jesus did not modify or explain His statement. Rather, He repeated it four times (Jn 6:53, 54, 55, 56). In the Greek, the writer of John’s Gospel changed the word for “eat” to a word which can be translated “chew” (Jn 6:53). In effect, Jesus insisted we are receiving His Body and Blood in Holy Communion.

This is not contradictory to reason. For example, a baby in the womb feeds on his mother’s flesh and blood. Similarly, Jesus has given us His Body and Blood to sustain our life in Him. However, the baby does not need to believe in his mother. But, although we see only what appears to be bread and wine, Jesus insists that we must believe that He is really present as the Eucharist. St. Thomas Aquinas maintained that believing in the Eucharist is the most challenging act of faith. Jesus does not want us to walk by little faith or by no faith (see 2 Cor 5:7). He challenges and graces us to live by great faith, especially in His gift of Himself as the Eucharist.

Prayer: Father, may I believe so deeply in the Eucharist that I will die for Jesus.

Promise: "When [Ananias] entered the house he laid his hands on Saul and said, 'Saul, my brother, I have been sent by the Lord Jesus Who appeared to you on the way here, to help you recover your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.' Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes and he regained his sight. He got up and was baptized." —Acts 9:17-18

Praise: George spends time before and after each Mass 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 the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2022 through May 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, August 3, 2021

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 REST OF THE STORY” - One Bread, One Body, 05/05/2022

Thursday, May 5, 2022,

Acts 8:26-40
Psalm 66:8-9, 16-17, 20
John 6:44-51
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"THE REST OF THE STORY"
" 'How can I,' the man replied, 'unless someone explains it to me?' " —Acts 8:31 Jesus, crucified and risen, is the fulfillment of the Old Testament Scriptures (Mt 5:17). Jesus is not merely a great teacher or prophet. Jesus is the Messiah (Mk 14:61-62). He is God! (Jn 1:1; 8:58)

Traveling on the road to Gaza, Philip the deacon imitated what Jesus did on the road to Emmaus (Lk 24:16ff) by interpreting a passage of Scripture which referred to Jesus (Acts 8:35; Is 53:7-8). “Philip launched out with this Scripture passage as his starting point, telling [the Ethiopian] the good news of Jesus” (Acts 8:35; see also Lk 24:27ff). He explained that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Scriptures and taught the necessity of Baptism. Philip’s instruction was so well done that the Ethiopian was ready to be baptized as soon as he saw a body of water (Acts 8:37-39).

When we unpack the Bible and show Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Scriptures, people’s hearts burn within them (see Lk 24:32). Therefore, we should make our home in the Word of God (Jn 8:31-32). Like Philip, let’s be ever ready (1 Pt 3:15) to share the Good News of Jesus with others.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, may my heart burn with the Good News of Jesus the Messiah, Lord, Savior, and God. Make me a fruitful ambassador of the Gospel (2 Cor 5:20).

Promise: "Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from Him comes to Me." —Jn 6:45

Praise: Martha often prays, "Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! Alleluia! Praise the Holy Name of Jesus!"

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Expand your faith family while serving the Lord at our annual 40 Hours Devotion and Family Campout June 17-19 at our beautiful Discipleship Retreat Center in Adams County, Ohio. We'd love to meet you. Call 513-373-2397 or e-mail us to register retreats@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 April 1, 2022 through May 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, August 3, 2021"

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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HARD TIMES ARE GOOD TIMES - One Bread, One Body, 05/04/2022

Wednesday, May 4, 2022,

Acts 8:1-8
Psalm 66:1-7
John 6:35-40
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HARD TIMES ARE GOOD TIMES
"Saul, for his part, concurred in the act of killing. That day saw the beginning of a great persecution of the Church." —Acts 8:1

We can be witnessing for the risen Christ by preaching (Acts 2:14ff), healing (Acts 3:7), rejoicing (Acts 3:8; 8:8), worshiping (see Jn 20:28), suffering (Acts 5:40), and dying (Acts 7:60). We can also witness for the risen Christ by continuing to serve the Lord, especially during hard times. For example, “devout men buried Stephen, bewailing him loudly as they did so. After that, Saul began to harass the Church. He entered house after house, dragged men and women out, and threw them into jail. The members of the Church who had been dispersed went about preaching the word” (Acts 8:2-4). In terrible times, the Church continued to focus on its work of preaching the good news of the risen Christ.

Our natural reactions to hard times are to shut down or to compensate. When things are bad, we tend to lose our motivation or busily exhaust ourselves on escapist activities. Only disciples of Jesus can witness, preach, forgive, and love from the cross. When we persevere and even accelerate our service to the Lord in difficult times, we witness to the love and power of the risen Christ. Paradoxically, the cross is the prime place from which to proclaim Jesus’ Resurrection. Make hard times good times. Keep keeping on.

Prayer: Jesus, pour out Your love in my heart (Rm 5:5) so that I will never reject You but constantly worship You.

Promise: "I Myself am the Bread of Life. No one who comes to Me shall ever be hungry, no one who believes in Me shall ever thirst." —Jn 6:35

Praise: Sharon personally handed out many thousands of One Bread, One Body booklets with a smile, a hug, and a "Praise Jesus." She died on the feast of the Immaculate Conception.



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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 April 1, 2022 through May 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, August 3, 2021"

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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“IT IS TRUE!” (Lk 24:34) - One Bread, One Body, 05/03/2022

Tuesday, May 3, 2022, Sts. Philip & James

1 Corinthians 15:1-8
Psalm 19:2-5
John 14:6-14
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"IT IS TRUE!" (Lk 24:34)
"Next He was seen by James; then by all the apostles." —1 Corinthians 15:7

The risen Christ “was seen by Cephas, then by the Twelve. After that He was seen by five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still alive, although some have fallen asleep. Next He was seen by James; then by all the apostles. Last of all He was seen by” Paul (1 Cor 15:5-8). These are only a few of many eyewitnesses who saw Jesus risen from the dead. Moreover, well over a billion people from all nations for about two thousand years have believed in Jesus’ Resurrection. His Resurrection is one of the most confirmed facts in history.

Furthermore, the works of the risen Christ testify that He is risen from the dead (see Jn 14:11). Anything we ask in Jesus’ name He will do (Jn 14:14). Jesus’ works in response to our asking show He is alive.

Throughout Christian history, the lives of millions of people have been dramatically changed by meeting the risen Christ. For example, how can we explain the change in Sts. Philip, James, the other apostles, and countless other saints and martyrs? Fearful, selfish men and women suddenly became fearless, self-sacrificing servants of God who even gave their lives for the Lord. Why would anyone give his life for someone he does not even know? They must have met the risen Christ.

Jesus is risen (Lk 24:6). To deny this is to deny reality. Therefore, meet the risen Christ, believe in Him, live and die for Him, and be His witness.

Prayer: Father, may I live as though I saw a dead Man come out of the grave.

Promise: "I solemnly assure you, the man who has faith in Me will do the works I do, and greater far than these." —Jn 14:12

Praise: "Philip sought out Nathanael and told him, 'We have found the One Moses spoke of in the law — the prophets too — Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth' " (Jn 1:45). St. Philip, pray for us!



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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 April 1, 2022 through May 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, August 3, 2021"

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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