ONLY JESUS CRUCIFIED - One Bread, One Body, 02/05/2023

Sunday, February 5, 2023, 5th Sunday Ordinary Time

Isaiah 58:7-10
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Psalm 112:4-9
Matthew 5:13-16
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ONLY JESUS CRUCIFIED
"I determined that while I was with you I would speak of nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified." —1 Corinthians 2:2

In seventeen days, the season of Lent will begin. What if you tried the following suggestion for the next seventeen days? In imitation of St. Paul (see 1 Cor 11:1), you would speak of nothing but the crucified Christ (1 Cor 2:2) until Ash Wednesday.  It would take “the power of God” (1 Cor 2:5) to speak only of Jesus crucified for seventeen days. Yet the Gospel of Jesus crucified is “the power of God leading...to salvation” (Rm 1:16).

How do we keep the cross of Christ from losing “its flavor” or going “flat”? (Mt 5:13) We “keep our eyes fixed on Jesus” (Heb 12:2). How do we keep from losing our love of Jesus? (see Rv 2:4) When we speak and think of the crucified Jesus, we picture His pain, His outpoured blood, and His unfailing love for us; in this way, we don’t lose our flavor, go flat, or stop loving Him. It would pain Him too much if we “turned aside” from our love for Him (Rv 2:4).

Will we follow a Man Who had nail marks in His hands and feet? To follow in His footsteps, we must follow His bloodstained footprints all the way to Calvary. Who would want to follow such a religion? It’s so contrary to the world’s way of thinking (see 1 Cor 1:18; 2:14). But when the world observes our joy-filled, Spirit-filled love for the crucified Jesus despite any suffering it might cost, they might be convicted (Jn 16:8) and drawn to Jesus (Jn 12:32). Speak daily of the crucified Jesus.

Prayer: Father, nail me to the cross with Jesus so that I may never abandon Him.

Promise: "Your faith rests not on the wisdom of men but on the power of God." —1 Cor 2:5

Praise: "God is a saving God for us; the Lord, my Lord, controls the passageways of death" (Ps 68:21). Risen and merciful Jesus, when it's time, call me home.

(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 February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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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ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE - One Bread, One Body, 02/04/2023

Saturday, February 4, 2023,

Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21
Psalm 23:1-6
Mark 6:30-34

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ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE
"The apostles returned to Jesus." —Mark 6:30

When Jesus first summoned and named the apostles (Mk 3:13), all hell broke loose. Jesus’ relatives declared He was out of His mind (Mk 3:21), and the religious leaders claimed He was possessed by the devil (Mk 3:22).

When “Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two, giving them authority over unclean spirits” (Mk 6:7), St. Mark believed that all hell broke loose again, for, at this point in his Gospel, he inserted the account of Herod’s beheading of St. John the Baptizer (Mk 6:14ff).

When Jesus, through Pope St. John XXIII, summoned the successors of the apostles, that is, the bishops of the world, to the Second Vatican Council, all hell seemed to break loose.

Jesus, however, has never let that bother Him. When all hell breaks loose, Jesus summons and gathers His apostles once again (see Mk 6:30ff). He shepherds, teaches, and feeds His Church (Mk 6:34ff). He does a miracle of multiplication (see Mk 6:41ff) and “makes all things work together for the good of those who love” Him (Rm 8:28).

Jesus works through His Church, which holds the keys to God’s kingdom (Mt 16:19). She can attack the gates of hell, which cannot prevail against her (Mt 16:18). Our bishops, as successors of the apostles, and we, who are under their authority, are a threat to the devil. The apostolic Church has authority and victory. Love the Church (Eph 5:25), her Head Jesus Christ, and her bishops.

Prayer: Father, may I, as a member of the Church, be such a threat to the devil that all hell breaks loose, and all hell is defeated.

Promise: "Through [Jesus] let us continually offer God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which acknowledge His name." —Heb 13:15

Praise: Don interviewed for his dream job three times, and each time another co-worker was hired. He trusted God, and was amazed to discover that had he obtained that job, his new department would have been outsourced and he unemployed.



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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 February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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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PURE COURAGE - One Bread, One Body, 02/03/2023

Friday, February 3, 2023, St. Blaise
St. Ansgar

Hebrews 13:1-8
Psalm 27:1, 3, 5, 8-9
Mark 6:14-29

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PURE COURAGE
"John had told Herod, 'It is not right.' " —Mark 6:18

St. John the Baptizer had the love and courage to tell Herod: “It is not right for you to live with your brother’s wife” (Mk 6:18). The writer of the book of Hebrews had the love and courage to clearly and bluntly teach: “Let marriage be honored in every way and the marriage bed be kept undefiled, for God will judge fornicators and adulterers” (Heb 13:4). St. Paul spoke the truth in love (Eph 4:15) when he repeatedly, clearly, and emphatically proclaimed: “Make no mistake about this: no fornicator, no unclean or lustful person — in effect an idolater — has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with worthless arguments. These are sins that bring God’s wrath down on the disobedient; therefore have nothing to do with them” (Eph 5:5-7; see also 1 Cor 6:9ff; Gal 5:21; Rm 1:18-32; 1 Thes 4:7-8). Jesus, the Truth (Jn 14:6) and Love Himself (1 Jn 4:16), taught: “What I say to you is: anyone who looks lustfully at a woman has already committed adultery with her in his thoughts. If your right eye is your trouble, gouge it out and throw it away!” (Mt 5:28-29)

If we are disciples of Jesus and truly love Him and His people, we will be pure and call others to purity. If we don’t tell the Herods of the world that their adulteries and sexual sins are not right, we will quietly acquiesce to the murders, brutalities, and beheadings that they commit. If we don’t stand up for purity, we won’t stand up for life.

Be pure. Lose your life, not your soul. Stand up for purity.

Prayer: Father, grace me with love, courage, and purity.

Promise: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." —Heb 13:8

Praise: Zeal to evangelize led St. Ansgar to Scandinavia to spread the gospel.

(The role of the lay person is explored in our upcoming retreat Feb. 17-18, Discovering the Essential Role of the Lay Person in God's Plan of Salvation. Call 937-587-5464 or see our website to register.)

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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 February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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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DIE AND SHINE - One Bread, One Body, 02/02/2023

Thursday, February 2, 2023, Presentation of the Lord

Malachi 3:1-4
Hebrews 2:14-18
Psalm 24:7-10
Luke 2:22-40
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DIE AND SHINE
"For my eyes have witnessed Your saving deed displayed for all the peoples to see: A revealing Light to the Gentiles." —Luke 2:30-32

Today, throughout the world, the Church proclaims that Jesus is the Light to the nations and the Glory of Israel (Lk 2:32). However, “the Light came into the world, but men loved darkness rather than Light because their deeds were wicked” (Jn 3:19). Thus, Jesus was and is a “sign of contradiction” for “the downfall and the rise of many in Israel” (see Lk 2:34). The message of today’s feast day, the Presentation of Jesus, is highly controversial.

Jesus has promised to confirm the proclamation of the Gospel, including today’s Gospel passage, with signs and wonders (Mk 16:20). Tomorrow, we will use the candles which are blessed today. Through the blessing of throats tomorrow at the liturgy of St. Blaise, many will be healed and freed from the influence of the evil one. This will encourage all of us to accept the message of today’s feast — to accept Jesus as the Light of the world and the Light of our life (see Jn 8:12; cf Jn 1:9).

If we accept Jesus as our Light, we will become lights ourselves (Mt 5:14). We will be like candles, giving forth light by being consumed. Yet we are hesitant to lose our life in order to give our light. By the graces of today and tomorrow, die and shine.

Prayer: Father, may darkness not overcome my light (see Jn 1:5).

Promise: "He is like the refiner's fire, or like the fuller's lye. He will sit refining and purifying." —Mal 3:2-3

Praise: Praise Jesus, God Incarnate, Who was made subject to the law for our sakes.

(For a related teaching on Purification/Presentation and Illumination, listen to, download or order our CD 89-1 or DVD 89 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 February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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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HAVING OUR DIFFERENCES - One Bread, One Body, 02/01/2023

Wednesday, February 1, 2023,

Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15
Psalm 103:1-2, 13-14, 17-18
Mark 6:1-6

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HAVING OUR DIFFERENCES
"Do not disdain the discipline of the Lord." —Hebrews 12:5

When many of today’s Christians hear about the discipline of the Lord, they think of getting up early for Mass, being faithful to daily prayer and Bible reading, fasting, and persevering in a commitment to serve the Lord. When the writer of Hebrews thought of discipline, he thought of Christians having their blood shed (Heb 12:4) and being martyred. The people to whom the book of Hebrews was addressed also knew discipline to be public insult and trial, imprisonment, and the confiscation of their possessions by the government (Heb 10:33-34). Our disciplines seem to be luxuries compared with their discipline.

The difference in the ways we and the Hebrews look at discipline shows that we live in different times. Violent persecution has not hit that close to home for most of us. However, our differences may also indicate that our lives in Christ are watered-down, non-threatening to the devil, and sinfully bland. What do you think?

Prayer: Father, I come to light a fire on the earth (see Lk 12:49).

Promise: "Strive for peace with all men, and for that holiness without which no one can see the Lord. See to it that no man falls away from the grace of God; that no bitter root springs up through which many may become defiled." —Heb 12:14-15

Praise: Richard, a young man, continually prays for a rebirth of chastity in the world, particularly among the youth.

(For a related teaching on Mission Impossible?, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order our CD 46-1 or DVD 46 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 February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 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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THE TOUCH - One Bread, One Body, 01/31/2023

Tuesday, January 31, 2023, St. John Bosco

Hebrews 12:1-4
Psalm 22:26-28, 30-32
Mark 5:21-43

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THE TOUCH
" 'If I just touch His clothing,' she thought, 'I shall get well.' " —Mark 5:28

A woman who was hemorrhaging touched Jesus. According to Jewish law, this made Jesus unclean (cf Lv 15:25, 27). Instead, His touch made the woman healed and whole (Mk 5:29ff). Touching Jesus is unlike touching anyone else in the world.

Jesus reached out to touch and take the hand of a dead, twelve-year-old girl (Mk 5:41). According to Jewish law, this made Jesus unclean (see Nm 19:11). Instead, Jesus’ touch raised the girl from the dead (Mk 5:42). No one else’s touch can raise the dead.

Do you want to touch Jesus and be touched by Him? You can be touched by Jesus through the members of His Body, the Church. You can touch Jesus in the Sacraments, especially in the Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Christ. Get in touch with Jesus by loving His Church (Eph 5:25) and receiving Him in Holy Communion. In touch with Him, you are in touch with life, love, hope, peace, freedom, joy, purity, and victory. In touch with Jesus, you are in touch with healing and resurrection. You are in touch with God.

Prayer: Jesus, touch me, and "O, what joy shall fill my soul."

Promise: "Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, Who inspires and perfects our faith." —Heb 12:2

Praise: St. John Bosco was devoted to St. Francis de Sales and his teachings. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, St. John founded the Salesians, a religious order dedicated to caring for the young.

(For a related teaching on Healing: The Imitation of Christ, 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 1,2022 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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THE SCHOOL OF SOFT KNOCKS - One Bread, One Body, 01/30/2023

Monday, January 30, 2023,

Hebrews 11:32-40
Psalm 31:20-24
Mark 5:1-20

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THE SCHOOL OF SOFT KNOCKS
"The man who had been possessed was pressing to accompany" Jesus. —Mark 5:18

Some people will do anything for Jesus. They have “endured mockery, scourging, even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, sawed in two, put to death at sword’s point” (Heb 11:36-37). Other people will throw Jesus out of town just because He had something to do with their losing a few thousand pork chops, pounds of bacon, and hams (Mk 5:17).

Most people, even Christians, do not see themselves as extremely in love or in hate with Jesus. They don’t see themselves as martyrs because they often put selfish pleasures ahead of the Lord. Conversely, they don’t see themselves as throwing Jesus out of town. These people are neither hot nor cold toward Jesus, but lukewarm (Rv 3:16).

Jesus loves us too much to let this lukewarmness continue. He will quietly, respectfully, yet persistently keep calling each of us by name and knocking on our doors (Rv 3:20). Eventually, we will no longer be able to brush Jesus off. Each of us will have to give our whole life to Him or crucify Him (see Heb 6:6). Because of Jesus’ loving insistence that we abandon ourselves to Him, we eventually love or hate Him (Mt 6:24). We decide to be with Him forever in heaven or without Him forever in hell.

Jesus is knocking again. Answer the door.

Prayer: Jesus, may I do anything for You — even live and die for You.

Promise: "Go home to your family and make it clear to them how much the Lord in His mercy has done for you." —Mk 5:19

Praise: A visit to a Catholic church as a child was the seed that eventually drew Louise into the Church.

(Our retreat center in Adams County, Ohio is the perfect setting for getting equipped to serve the Lord in your life, wherever God has planted you. Visit our website www.presentationministries.com to learn about the upcoming retreats.)

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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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Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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