THE TWELVE - One Bread, One Body, 09/09/2025

Tuesday, September 9, 2025, St. Peter Claver

Colossians 2:6-15
Psalm 145:1-2, 8-11
Luke 6:12-19

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THE TWELVE
"At daybreak He called His disciples and selected twelve of them to be His apostles." —Luke 6:13

Jesus chose twelve apostles in whom He invested the last three years of His life. We, as followers of Jesus, are also called to invest our lives in not just a nuclear family or a circle of friends, but in a small Christian community. By virtue of our Baptisms, we are called to live as brothers and sisters in Christ. We should be brothers and sisters not only in name but in practice. We are called to devote ourselves “to the apostles’ instruction and the communal life, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42). “The community of believers were of one heart and one mind” (Acts 4:32), and we are called to be the same. “Behold, how good it is, and how pleasant, where brethren dwell at one!” (Ps 133:1) We are not only called to go to church together, work together, and pray together. Our unity is not to be superficial. We are called to Trinitarian unity — to be one as Jesus and the Father are one (Jn 17:21).

The Holy Spirit makes us one (Eph 4:3). Repent! Stir into flame the gift of the Holy Spirit (2 Tm 1:6-7). In obedience to the Lord, accept twelve disciples with whom the Lord is calling you to share your life. Be one. Be holy. Be Christian.

Prayer: Father, free me to live my baptismal brotherhood or sisterhood to the fullest.

Promise: "Continue, therefore, to live in Christ Jesus the Lord, in the spirit in which you received Him." —Col 2:6

Praise: St. Peter Claver spent the final forty-four years of his life serving slaves in Colombia who had been kidnapped from Africa. He called himself the "slave of the slaves forever."

(For more teaching on this subject, view, download or order our booklet Introduction to Small Christian Communities 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 August 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 8, 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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NOT ON THE MAP - One Bread, One Body, 09/08/2025

Monday, September 8, 2025, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Micah 5:1-4 or Psalm 13:6
Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23
Romans 8:28-30

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NOT ON THE MAP
"But you, Bethlehem-Ephrathah, too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for Me One Who is to be Ruler in Israel." —Micah 5:1

The “little town” of Bethlehem was too small to be on the map of the tribe of Judah, even though it lay within Judah’s borders. God, however, has a different map, and Bethlehem was big in His plans, for it would be the birthplace of the Ruler of Israel and Savior of the world (Lk 2:4).

Mary was a humble teenage girl from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. Nazareth was not well regarded (see Jn 1:46) and neither was the region of Galilee (see Jn 7:52; Mt 4:15). Nazareth and Galilee were not on the spiritual map of the Jews, nor was a teenage virgin girl from that town. Yet that which is last in the eyes of the world would become first in the eyes of God (see Mt 20:16). Mary said “Yes” to the Lord and became the mother of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. So the young girl in the town too small for the map bore a Son Whose greatness reached beyond all four corners of the world (see Mi 5:3).

Perhaps you are insignificant in the eyes of the world. Nonetheless, you are on God’s map. You are precious in His sight and your name is carved upon His hands (Is 49:16). He will do great things through your obedient, faithful service to Him (see Jn 14:12). Therefore, “go out now and take your place” on God’s map (see Acts 5:20).

Prayer: Father, You are in the center of my map. Let it be done to me according to Your will.

Promise: "His greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth; He shall be Peace." —Mi 5:3-4

Praise: Alleluia! Jesus became man in the womb of Mary (see Lk 1:31-32). Praise the Lord for His loving-kindness!

(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 August 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 8, 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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IT’S ALL YOURS, LORD - One Bread, One Body, 09/07/2025

Sunday, September 7, 2025, 23rd Sunday Ordinary Time

Wisdom 9:13-18
Philemon 9-10, 12-17
Psalm 90:3-6, 12-17
Luke 14:25-33
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IT'S ALL YOURS, LORD
"None of you can be My disciple if he does not renounce all his possessions." —Luke 14:33

The author of the book of Wisdom writes that “the corruptible body burdens the soul, and the earthen shelter weighs down the mind that has many concerns” (Wis 9:15). Whether referring to home or body (see 2 Cor 5:4), the earthen shelter is a possession which weighs down our minds, and from which we struggle to be detached. Jesus says we are to renounce our possessions to be His disciple (Lk 14:33). That doesn’t necessarily mean we sell our house, but that we are to be detached from it. To bear fruit as Jesus’ disciples, we must be detached from our possessions (Mk 4:19-20; Lk 14:33).

This may, for some, actually mean selling some of our possessions. For others, it means using our possessions for God’s kingdom. Jesus declared that no one can serve both God and earthly things, that is, mammon. If we focus on possessions, we will eventually not serve God and even despise Him (Mt 6:24). In today’s second reading, St. Paul asked Philemon to renounce his claim on his slave Onesimus, his “possession” (Phlm 10ff). Paul said that by releasing Onesimus, Philemon would actually “possess him forever” as more than a slave, as a brother in the Lord (Phlm 15).

Be a true disciple of Jesus. Renounce all your possessions so that Christ alone might be your wealth (Phil 3:8).

Prayer: Jesus, more than anything I want to be Your disciple. With Your all-consuming love, melt away anything in my life that is an obstacle to following You completely.

Promise: "Anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple." —Lk 14:27

Praise: Praise Jesus, Who was obedient unto death and was raised up on the third day (Lk 24:46).

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(The Good News is just a phone call away. Try our Bible telephone line, 513-823-3111.)

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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 August 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 8, 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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JESUS - One Bread, One Body, 09/06/2025

Saturday, September 6, 2025,

Colossians 1:21-23
Psalm 54:3-4, 6, 8
Luke 6:1-5

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JESUS
"But now Christ has achieved reconciliation for you."—Colossians 1:22

Without Jesus, we would die doomed to alienation from God, other people, the world, and ourselves (Col 1:21). Without Jesus, we would nourish hostility in our hearts (Col 1:21). “We went our way in malice and envy, hateful ourselves and hating one another” (Ti 3:3). We were dead because of our sins (Eph 2:1). We “gave allegiance to the present age and to the prince of the air, that spirit who is even now at work among the rebellious. All of us were once of their company; we lived at the level of the flesh, following every whim and fancy, and so by nature deserved God’s wrath like the rest. But God is rich in mercy; because of His great love for us He brought us to life with Christ” (Eph 2:2-5). “There is no condemnation now for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rm 8:1).

Jesus makes all the difference in the world and after the world. Jesus is the only Way to the Father (Jn 14:6). He is the Truth and the Life (Jn 14:6). Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life (Jn 11:25). Jesus is the “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Rv 19:16). Jesus is God (see Jn 20:28).

Therefore:

• give your whole life to Jesus,
• worship Jesus,
• renew your Baptism,
• pray always for all people to live for Jesus,
• tell everyone about Jesus,
• make disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19), and
• love Jesus.

Prayer: "To the One seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, be praise and honor, glory and might, forever and ever!" (Rv 5:13)

Promise: "The Son of Man is Lord even of the sabbath." —Lk 6:5

Praise: Studying the writings of the early Church Fathers led Warren, a staunch Protestant, to deeply desire the Eucharist. He converted to the Catholic faith soon afterward.



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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 August 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 8, 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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FAST FORWARD - One Bread, One Body, 09/05/2025

Friday, September 5, 2025, St. Teresa of Calcutta

Colossians 1:15-20
Psalm 100:1-5
Luke 5:33-39

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FAST FORWARD
"When the days come that the Groom is removed from their midst, they will surely fast in those days." —Luke 5:35

The word “fast” has two meanings. One refers to limiting our eating and the other indicates speed. Possibly God intends these two meanings to come together. Biblically, when God calls His people to fast, He is fast bringing His work to fulfillment in a certain area.

When Jesus fasted for forty days and nights, His public ministry and our salvation were fast approaching (Mt 4:2). When the early Church needed to raise up leaders fast, they fasted (Acts 13:3). When the Ninevites had only forty days to prevent their destruction, they had to do something fast, so they fasted (Jon 3:5). When Ahab was doomed to destruction and he needed a way out fast, he fasted (1 Kgs 21:27). When the enemy was about to overrun Jehoshaphat’s army, God called for a fast (2 Chr 20:3). When the Jews were on the verge of genocide, Esther fasted (Est 4:16). When something is yet to be done to deliver a person from certain demons, Jesus calls us to fast (Mt 17:21, NAB). When we must be freed fast, fast (see Is 58:6).

Is there anything in your life going slowly that needs to go fast? Seek God’s will. He may be calling you to go faster by fasting.

Prayer: Jesus, from this day forward give me Your mind and heart for fasting.

Promise: "It pleased God to make absolute fullness reside in [Jesus] and, by means of Him, to reconcile everything in His person, making peace through the blood of His cross." —Col 1:19-20

Praise: St. Teresa of Calcutta, known as Mother Teresa, was intensely devoted to relieving the thirst of the crucified Jesus (see Jn 19:28), particularly through works of mercy for the poor.

(For a related teaching on The Secret of Fasting view, download or order 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 the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from August 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 8, 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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FAST FORWARD - One Bread, One Body, 09/05/2025

Friday, September 5, 2025, St. Teresa of Calcutta

Colossians 1:15-20
Psalm 100:1-5
Luke 5:33-39

View Readings

Listen to Fr. Al Daily Bread Radio Program

FAST FORWARD
"When the days come that the Groom is removed from their midst, they will surely fast in those days." —Luke 5:35

The word “fast” has two meanings. One refers to limiting our eating and the other indicates speed. Possibly God intends these two meanings to come together. Biblically, when God calls His people to fast, He is fast bringing His work to fulfillment in a certain area.

When Jesus fasted for forty days and nights, His public ministry and our salvation were fast approaching (Mt 4:2). When the early Church needed to raise up leaders fast, they fasted (Acts 13:3). When the Ninevites had only forty days to prevent their destruction, they had to do something fast, so they fasted (Jon 3:5). When Ahab was doomed to destruction and he needed a way out fast, he fasted (1 Kgs 21:27). When the enemy was about to overrun Jehoshaphat’s army, God called for a fast (2 Chr 20:3). When the Jews were on the verge of genocide, Esther fasted (Est 4:16). When something is yet to be done to deliver a person from certain demons, Jesus calls us to fast (Mt 17:21, NAB). When we must be freed fast, fast (see Is 58:6).

Is there anything in your life going slowly that needs to go fast? Seek God’s will. He may be calling you to go faster by fasting.

Prayer: Jesus, from this day forward give me Your mind and heart for fasting.

Promise: "It pleased God to make absolute fullness reside in [Jesus] and, by means of Him, to reconcile everything in His person, making peace through the blood of His cross." —Col 1:19-20

Praise: St. Teresa of Calcutta, known as Mother Teresa, was intensely devoted to relieving the thirst of the crucified Jesus (see Jn 19:28), particularly through works of mercy for the poor.

(For a related teaching on The Secret of Fasting 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 August 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 8, 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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MORE AND MORE FRUIT - One Bread, One Body, 09/04/2025

Thursday, September 4, 2025,

Colossians 1:9-14
Psalm 98:2-6
Luke 5:1-11

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MORE AND MORE FRUIT
"They caught such a great number of fish that their nets were at the breaking point." —Luke 5:6

Spiritual fruitfulness is based on obeying Jesus, especially when He commands us to do something beyond our human understanding. When we obey the Lord for no reason other than that He said so, we will see the glory of God (see Lk 5:5).

When we are spiritually fruitful, a war explodes. The Lord is calling us to overcome fear, repent of sin, and do greater things than we, or even Jesus, have done before (Jn 14:12). In contrast, the evil one, because we have become a threat to him, rages at us (see Rv 12:12). In this war, if we die to ourselves (Jn 12:24) and live in Jesus (Jn 15:5), we bear abundant and even greater fruit. This dynamic continues so that we become more and more fruitful and holy as we resist the temptations of the evil one. This is the pattern we see in the early Church as described in Acts of the Apostles.

Obey Jesus; overcome evil; die to self; live in Him. Grow from grace to grace (see Jn 1:16) and “from glory to glory” (2 Cor 3:18).

Prayer: Father, may I bear increasingly abundant fruit.

Promise: The Father "rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son." —Col 1:13

Praise: Lauren prayed to God to enable her to finally conceive and God blessed her with triplets.

(The Holy Spirit will pour out love into your heart if you read the Bible daily. For encouragement, listen to, download or order any or all of these CDs or DVDs: Ignorance of Scriptures is Ignorance of Christ on AV82-1, How to Pray the Bible on AV82-3 or V82, How to Read the Bible on AV46-3 or V46 and/or Principles of Bible Interpretation on AV79-1 or V79 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 August 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 8, 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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Copyright © Presentation Ministries

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

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