The following reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager © 2017. Don's website is located at Dailyscripture.ServantsOfTheWord.org Meditation: Do you believe in the life-changing power of the Gospel and experience its transforming effect in your life? The core of the Gospel message is quite simple: the kingdom (or reign) of God is very near! What is the kingdom of God? It is that society of men and women who know God's love and mercy, and who willingly obey and honor God as their Lord and King. In the prayer which Jesus gave to his disciples (the Lord's Prayer or Our Father), he taught them to pray for God to reign in their daily lives and in the world around them: May your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. The power of the Gospel to heal and set free When Jesus proclaimed the good news of God's kingdom he also demonstrated the power of the Gospel with supernatural signs and wonders. Jesus healed people who suffered physical, emotional, and mental illnesses. He freed people from spiritual bondage to sin and demonic powers. Jesus gave his disciples the same authority he had to heal and set people free from spiritual bondage. The Gospel (which literally means "good news") which Jesus proclaimed is just as relevant and real today, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. If we believe in the Lord Jesus, the Word of God made flesh, and in the power of the Gospel, we will know and experience the freedom, joy, and power he gives us that enables us to live and witness as his disciples. No one can buy heaven; but if we know the love and mercy of Jesus Christ, then we already possess heaven in our hearts! Do you believe that Jesus can change and transform your life and share with you the power and authority of God's kingdom? Jesus chose ordinary people to do extraordinary work Jesus commissioned his disciples to carry on the works which he did - to speak God's word and to bring his healing power to the weary and oppressed. In the choice of the twelve apostles we see a characteristic feature of God's work - Jesus chose very ordinary people. They were non-professionals, had no wealth or privileged position. They were chosen from the common people who did ordinary things, had no special education, and no social advantages. Jesus wanted ordinary people who could take an assignment and do it extraordinarily well. He chose these men, not for what they were, but for what they would be capable of becoming under his direction and power. When the Lord calls us to serve, we must not think we have nothing or very little to offer. The Lord takes what ordinary people, like us, can offer and uses it for greatness in his kingdom. Do you believe that God wants to work in and through you for his glory? "Lord Jesus, you have chosen me to be your disciple. Take and use what I can offer, however meager it may seem, for the greater glory of your name." Psalm 105:2-7 2 Sing to him, sing praises to him, tell of all his wonderful works! 3 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! 4 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his presence continually! 5 Remember the wonderful works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered, 6 O offspring of Abraham his servant, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones! 7 He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. Daily Quote from the early church fathers: Jesus empowers his disciples to act in his name, by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD) " If the Spirit had not yet been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified, how then did the disciples cast out the unclean spirits? They did this by his own command, by the Son’s authority.2 Note the careful timing of their mission. They were not sent out at the beginning of their walk with him. They were not sent out until they had sufficiently benefited by following him daily. It was only after they had seen the dead raised, the sea rebuked, devils expelled, the legs of a paralytic brought to life, sins remitted, lepers cleansed, and had received a sufficient proof of his power both by deeds and words - only then did he send them out. And he did not send them out unprepared to do dangerous deeds, for as yet there was no danger in Palestine. They had only to stand against verbal abuse. However, Jesus still warned them of larger perils to come, preparing them for what was future." (excerpt from THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 32.3) Meditations may be freely reprinted for non-commercial use - please cite: copyright (c) 2017 Servants of the Word, source: www.dailyscripture.net, author Don Schwager Scripture quotations from Common Bible: Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1973, and Ignatius Edition of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 2006, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Citation references for quotes from the writings of the early church fathers can be found here. Go to | Daily Reading & Meditation Index |  The Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations is in need of on-going development to expand resources and to reach people around the world. If you would like to contribute, you can make an online donation. The following reflection is from One Bread, One Body courtesy of Presentation Ministries © 2017. THE WORST WORLDWIDE FAMINE "In fact, all the world came to Joseph to obtain rations of grain, for famine had gripped the whole world." —Genesis 41:57 A worldwide famine is one of the worst tragedies. It is even worse than the hundreds of millions of people, especially children, starving at this moment in our world. A worse tragedy than a worldwide famine for food is a famine "for hearing the word of the Lord. Then shall they wander from sea to sea and rove from the north to the east in search of the word of the Lord, but they shall not find it" (Am 8:11-12). We currently are in an even worse condition. We have a worldwide famine for God's Word not because God's Word is unavailable but because many people, even Christians, are spiritually anorexic. We have so stuffed ourselves with the things of the flesh that we have lost our appetite for the things of the Spirit (see Prv 13:19; Gal 5:17; 1 Pt 2:11). We need many Josephs to feed the world. We need many Christians who are greater than Joseph (see Mt 11:11) to feed the world spiritually and break through the spiritual anorexia of Christians. When the Lord returns at the end of time, He wants to find us dispensing our "ration of grain in season" (Lk 12:42) to people who have been freed from spiritual anorexia and are "as eager for milk as newborn babies — pure milk of the Spirit" (1 Pt 2:2). In summary: Repent of the sins which cause spiritual anorexia. Have a healthy spiritual appetite, similar to the appetite of nursing babies. Feed the starving physically and spiritually. Break through spiritual anorexia by interceding, prophesying, and fasting. God bless us His children.

The following reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager © 2017. Don's website is located at Dailyscripture.ServantsOfTheWord.org Meditation: Who or what takes first place in your life - in your daily thoughts, cares, and concerns? God has put us first in his thought, care, and concern for our well-being and future. God loved us first and our love for him is a response to his exceeding kindness and mercy towards us. Even while we were hopelessly adrift through our own sinful pride, rebellion and unbelief, he choose to give us his own beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who laid down his life for our sake - to set us free from slavery to sin, Satan, and death. Proof of God's unfailing love for us There is no greater proof of God's love for us than the free-will offering of his Son who shed his blood for us on the cross. His death broke the curse of guilt and condemnation, and won for us pardon and adoption as beloved sons and daughters of God our Father. Through the victory of his cross and resurrection, the Lord Jesus offers us abundant new life through the gift and power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us. The love of God comes first The Holy Spirit reveals to us the love of the eternal Father and the eternal Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who come to make their home with us and to unite us in a bond of peace and friendship. That is why the Lord Jesus commanded his disciples to give him their undivided loyalty and love above all else. We owe him a debt of gratitude for what he has done for us. The Lord Jesus gives us the assurance and promise that he will raise up our mortal bodies to be like his so that we may fully share in his resurrection for all eternity. God has no equal - that is why we owe the eternal Father, Son, and Holy Spirit our undivided loyalty, trust, and obedience. Jesus challenges his disciples to examine who they love first and foremost. A true disciple loves God above all else and is willing to forsake all for the Lord Jesus who calls us to follow him. Jesus insists that his disciples give him the loyalty which is due to God, a loyalty which is higher than spouse or kin. It is possible that family and friends can become our enemies, if the thought of them keeps us from doing what we know God wants us to do. God's compelling love knows no rival The love of God compels us to choose who or what will be first in our lives. To place any relationship or anything else above God is a form of idolatry. We can allow many different things to take control of our lives and possess us - such as greed and lust for power, possessions, and wealth. But only God's love can set us free to love as he loves - with mercy, kindness, goodness, patience, perseverance, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). The first and great commandment is to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Matthew 22:37). If we pursue the love of God and put his kingdom first in our lives, then he will give us everything we need to sustain us now and in the future as well. Who is the Lord and Master of you life? True love overflows in kindness and mercy towards others True love for God compels us to express charity (merciful deeds of kindness and goodness) towards our neighbors who are also loved by God because he created each of them in his image and likeness. Mother Theresa of Calcutta once told a marvelous story about a destitute family who had nothing to eat for days. When news of their impoverished condition came to the Missionary Sisters of Charity, Mother Theresa personally went to their home and brought them some food supplies. The mother of the family immediately divided the food in half and carried it off. When she returned, Mother Theresa asked her, “Where did you go?” She gave the simple answer, “To my neighbors, they are hungry also!” Mother Theresa said, “I was not surprised that she gave - poor people are really very generous. I was surprised that she knew they were hungry. As a rule, when we are suffering, we are so focused on ourselves, we have no time for others.” Jesus declared that any kindness shown and any help given to the people of Christ will not lose its reward (Matthew 10:42). Jesus never refused to give to anyone in need who asked for his help. As his disciples we are called to be kind and generous as he is. Jesus sets before us the one goal in life that is worth any sacrifice and that goal is union with God - uniting our heart, mind, and will with his heart and will for our lives. The reward of a life given over to God and obeying his voice is God himself - the source of true peace and joy that lasts forever. Does the love of Jesus Christ compel you to put God first in all you do (2 Corinthians 5:14)? “Lord, no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has conceived the things you have prepared for those who love you. Set us ablaze with the fire of the Holy Spirit, that we may love you in and above all things and so receive the rewards you have promised us through Christ our Lord.” (from A Christian’s Prayer Book) The following reflection is from One Bread, One Body courtesy of Presentation Ministries © 2017. THE GREATEST EVENT OF YOUR LIFE "Are you not aware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?" —Romans 6:3 Your Baptism was the greatest event of your life and the basis for all the other great events in your life. However, many Christians are not aware of the "radical newness" of their baptismal life and the "immense, extraordinary richness and responsibility" of baptism (Lay Members of Christ's Faithful People, Pope St. John Paul II, 10, 61). When we were baptized, we were baptized into Christ (Rm 6:3). The only experience which is even remotely like this is pregnancy, the time when a baby is inside the body of his mother. Imagine you could enter again into the womb of your mother (see Jn 3:4). What radical changes this would mean for you! Nevertheless, being baptized into Jesus has much more stupendous ramifications. Baptized into Jesus, we are in His death, burial, and resurrection and have the saving benefits of these events (Rm 6:3-5). In Jesus, there is no condemnation (Rm 8:1). We are redeemed, forgiven, and chosen (Eph 1:7, 11). We are "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation" (1 Pt 2:9). We spend our lives learning how to walk, talk, think, feel, work, pray, hear, see, and love in Jesus. We live our Baptisms. Prayer: Jesus, may I celebrate my baptismal anniversary annually as a sign of living my Baptism daily. Promise: "Whoever loves father or mother, son or daughter, more than Me is not worthy of Me. He who will not take up his cross and come after Me is not worthy of Me. He who seeks only himself brings himself to ruin, whereas he who brings himself to nought for Me discovers who he is." —Mt 10:37-39 Praise: Praise to You, risen Lord Jesus, Baptizer in the Holy Spirit (Mk 1:8). Alleluia! Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Imprimatur ("Permission to Publish") for One Bread, One Body covering the period from June 1, 2017 through July 31, 2017. †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 22, 2017. The Imprimatur ("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 Imprimatur agree with the contents, opinions, or statements

You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church. June 29th, today, is the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. This feast is of ancient origin. It is a public holiday in some countries. Why honor Saints Peter and Paul with a Solemnity? Because the most important accomplishment of Jesus Christ in His mission on earth is the CHURCH! The Church is the Sacrament and Instrument of Salvation. Scripture teaches that the Church is built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets. (Cf Ephesians 2: 20). Peter and Paul are joint managing directors of the institution, (Church) in a manner of speaking. "You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16: 18) Peter was made the head of the Church by Jesus Christ Himself. At the same time, he was given the power of the keys. (Matthew 16: 13-19) "Now I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel preached by me is not of human origin. For I did not receive it from a human being, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ." (Galatians 1: 11 - 12). We may call Paul the 13th Apostle, even a super Apostle. "O God, who on the Solemnity of the Apostles Peter and Paul give us the noble and holy joy of this day, grant, we pray, that your Church may in all things follow the teaching of those through whom she received the beginnings of right religion. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son." a blessed Thursday everyone...

Meditation: What can pearls and narrow gates teach us about God's truth and holiness? In the ancient world pearls were of very great value and were even considered priceless. They were worn as prized jewels to make a person appear more beautiful and magnificent to behold. Holiness, likewise, is a very precious jewel that radiates the beauty of God's truth, goodness, and glory. God offers us the precious gift of his holiness so that we may radiate the splendor of his truth and goodness in the way we think, speak, act, and treat others. We can reject or ignore this great gift, or worse yet, we can drag it through the mud of sinful behavior or throw it away completely. Pearls before dogs and swine Why does Jesus contrast holiness and pearls with dogs and swine (Matthew 7:6)? Some things don't seem to mix or go together, like fire and water, heat and ice, sweat and perfume, pure air and poisonous vapors, freshly cleaned clothes and filthy waste. The Talmud, a rabbinic commentary on the Jewish Scriptures, uses a proverbial saying for something which appears incongruous or out of place: an ear-ring in a swine's snout. Jesus' expression about "pearls before swine" and "not giving dogs what is holy" is very similar in thought (Matthew 7:6). Jewish law regarded swine as unclean. Wild dogs were also treated as unfit for close human contact, very likely because they were dirty, unkept, lice-infested, and prone to attack or cause trouble. What is the point of avoiding what is considered unclean? Jesus’ concern here is not with exclusivity or the shunning of others (excluding people from our love, care, and concern for them). His concern is with keeping spiritual and moral purity - the purity of the faith and way of life which has been entrusted to us by an all-holy, all-loving, and all-wise God. The early church referenced this expression with the Eucharist or the Lord's Table. In the liturgy of the early church, a proclamation was given shortly before communion: Holy things to the holy. The Didache, a first century church manual stated: Let no one eat or drink of your Eucharist except those baptised into the name of the Lord; for, as regards this, the Lord has said, 'Do not give what is holy to dogs.' The Lord Jesus invites us to feast at his banquet table, but we must approach worthily. The law of perfect love seeks the highest good and best interests of one another Jesus summed up the teaching of the Old Testament law and prophets with the expression, So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them (Matthew 7:12) - and in the same breath he raised the moral law to a new level of fulfillment and perfection. God's law of love requires more than simply avoiding injury or harm to one's neighbor. Perfect love - a love which is unconditional and which reaches out to all - always seeks the good of others for their sake and gives the best we can offer for their welfare. When we love our neighbors and treat them in the same way we wish to be treated by God, then we fulfill the law and the prophets, namely what God requires of us - loving God with all that we have and are and loving our neighbor as ourselves. How can we love our neighbor selflessly, with kindness, and genuine concern for their welfare? If we empty our hearts of all that is unkind, unloving, and unforgiving, then there will only be room for kindness, goodness, mercy, and charity. Paul the Apostle reminds us that "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us" (Romans 5:5). It is the love of God that fuels our unconditional love for others. Are you ready to let the Holy Spirit transform your life with the purifying fire of God's love? The narrow gate and way of life Jesus used a second illustration of a narrow gate which opens the way that leads to a life of security and happiness (Matthew 7:13-14) to reinforce his lesson about choosing the one true way which leads to peace with God rather than separation and destruction. The Book of Psalms begins with an image of a person who has chosen to follow the way of those who are wise and obedient to God's word and who refuse to follow the way of those who think and act contrary to God's law : Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night (Psalm 1:1-2). When a path diverges, such as a fork in the road, each way leads to a different destination. This is especially true when we encounter life's crossroads where we must make a choice that will affect how we will live our lives. Do the choices you make help you move towards the goal of loving God and obeying his will? The Lord Jesus gives us freedom to choose which way we will go. Ask him for the wisdom to know which way will lead to life rather than to harm and destruction. See, I have set before you this day life and good, death and evil... Therefore choose life that you and your descendants may live (Deuteronomy 3:15-20). Choose this day whom you will serve (Joshua 24:15). Behold I set before you the way of life and the way of death (Jeremiah 21:8). If we allow God's love and wisdom to rule our hearts, then we can trust in his guidance and help to follow his path of love, truth, and holiness. "Let me love you, my Lord and my God, and see myself as I really am - a pilgrim in this world, a Christian called to respect and love all whose lives I touch, those in authority over me or those under my authority, my friends and my enemies. Help me to conquer anger with gentleness, greed by generosity, apathy by fervor. Help me to forget myself and reach out towards others." (Prayer attributed to Clement XI of Rome) The following reflection is from One Bread, One Body courtesy of Presentation Ministries © 2017. THE GATE, WAY, TRUTH, AND LIFE "Enter through the narrow gate. The gate that leads to damnation is wide, the road is clear, and many choose to travel it." —Matthew 7:13 There are two gates in life: the narrow gate and the wide gate. Many choose to enter through the wide gate because it is easy to do so. You would think we would choose a gate based on what's behind it rather than on how easy it is to get through it. For example, does a person go on a road just because the road is wide, or because it leads to his destination? If we choose the wide gate, we are ignorant both of where the road behind this gate leads and where the road behind the narrow gate leads. Jesus is the Gate (Jn 10:7, 9). He is "the Way, and the Truth, and the Life" (Jn 14:6). Jesus is the Truth about Life. He alone can reveal to us where the roads behind the gates of life go (see Rv 5:5). Whoever enters through Jesus will be safe and saved (Jn 10:9). Those who try to make their own way of life will destroy themselves (see Mt 7:13). It takes the Gate to know the gates. Therefore, thankfully and totally give your life to Jesus, the Gate, Who is our only Savior (Acts 4:12) and our only Hope. Prayer: Father, may I have enough faith and love to tell people about Jesus, the Truth. Promise: "Set forth and walk about in the land, through its length and breadth, for to you I will give it." —Gn 13:17 Praise: St. Cyril taught against heresy no matter how intense the persecution. He rejoiced in suffering for Christ when he was falsely accused and imprisoned (see 1 Pt 4:13-16). a blessed Tuesday everyone..God bless us all..

"I could conquer the world if I had an army to say the Rosary" - Pope Pius IX

The following reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager © 2017. Don's website is located at Dailyscripture.ServantsOfTheWord.org Meditation: What do we owe God and what's our obligation towards others? Paul the Apostle tells us that we must give each what is their due (Romans 13:6-8). The Jewish authorities sought to trap Jesus in a religious-state dispute over the issue of taxes. The Jews resented their foreign rulers and despised paying taxes to Caesar. They posed a dilemma to test Jesus to see if he would make a statement they could use against him. If Jesus answered that it was lawful to pay taxes to a pagan ruler, then he would lose credibility with the Jewish populace who would regard him as a coward and a friend of Caesar. If he said it was not lawful, then the Pharisees would have grounds to report him to the Roman authorities as a political trouble-maker and have him arrested. Jesus avoided their trap by confronting them with the image of a coin. Coinage in the ancient world had significant political power. Rulers issued coins with their own image and inscription on them. In a certain sense the coin was regarded as the personal property of the ruler. Where the coin was valid the ruler held political sway over the people. Since the Jews used the Roman currency, Jesus explained that what belonged to Caesar must be given to Caesar. We belong to God and not to ourselves This story has another deeper meaning as well. We, too, have been stamped with God's image since we are created in his own likeness (Genesis 1:26-27). We rightfully belong, not to ourselves, but to God who created us and redeemed us in the precious blood of his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ (see 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Paul the Apostle says that we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1). Do you acknowledge that your life belongs to God and not to yourself? And do you give to God what rightfully belongs to Him? "Lord, because you have made me, I owe you the whole of my love; because you have redeemed me, I owe you the whole of myself; because you have promised so much, I owe you all my being. Moreover, I owe you as much more love than myself as you are greater than I, for whom you gave yourself and to whom you promised yourself. I pray you, Lord, make me taste by love what I taste by knowledge; let me know by love what I know by understanding. I owe you more than my whole self, but I have no more, and by myself I cannot render the whole of it to you. Draw me to you, Lord, in the fullness of love. I am wholly yours by creation; make me all yours, too, in love." (prayer of Anselm, 1033-1109) The following reflection is from One Bread, One Body courtesy of Presentation Ministries © 2017. MINT CONDITION? "Whose likeness...is this?" —Mark 12:16, RSV-CE We are like coins. The image of God was stamped on us at Baptism. We were sealed with the Holy Spirit at Confirmation. The image and seal proves to the world that God owns us. Like cattle branded with the mark of their owner, people who saw the Roman coin could tell whose image was on it, and to whom it ultimately belonged. The Roman coin was stamped with Caesar's image. Therefore, Jesus said it ultimately belonged to Caesar and should be given to Him. By implication, Jesus says that we who are stamped with the image and likeness of God (Gn 1:27) must give to God what belongs to Him, our lives (Mk 12:17; 1 Cor 6:19-20). We must reflect God's image to the world and enhance His image by the quality of our lives offered for Him. Coins are circulated throughout the world by normal human activity. Likewise, we who are stamped with God's image are to be in circulation by going out into the world (Mt 28:19) to be salt and light for Jesus (Mt 5:13, 14). Have we been so worn down that God's image is no longer visible to a world that unknowingly longs for Him? Or will we be in "mint condition" for the Lord so that all can see His glory shining in our lives? Prayer: Jesus, You are my Wealth (Phil 3:8). I spend my entire life in Your service. May all who see me praise You (Mt 5:16). Promise: "Happy the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commands."—Ps 112:1 Praise: St. Norbert did not let becoming an archbishop stop him from living simply and humbly. Happy Tuesday...

The following reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager © 2017. Don's website is located at Dailyscripture.ServantsOfTheWord.org Meditation: Do you know and experience in your own life the gift and power of the Holy Spirit? After his death and resurrection Jesus promised to give his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit. He said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit! (John 20:22) Jesus knew that his disciples would need the power of the Holy Spirit to carry out the mission entrusted to them. The gift of the Holy Spirit was conditional upon the ascension of Jesus to the right hand of the Father. That is why Jesus instructed the apostles to wait in Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high (Luke 24:49). Why did they need power from on high? The Gospels tell us that Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit when he was baptized at the Jordan River: "And John bore witness, 'I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on him... this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit'" (John 1:32,33; Mark 1:8; Matthew 3:11). "And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit for forty days in the wilderness... and Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee" (Luke 4:1,14). Just as Jesus was anointed with the Spirit at the beginning of his ministry, so the disciples needed the anointing of the Holy Spirit to carry out the mission entrusted to them by Jesus. The Holy Spirit is given to all who are baptized into Jesus Christ to enable us to live a new way of life - a life of love, peace, joy, and righteousness (Romans 14:17). The Holy Spirit fills our hearts with the love of God (Romans 5:7), and he gives us the strength and courage we need in order to live as faith-filled disciples of the Lord Jesus. The Spirit helps us in our weakness (Romans 8:26), and enables us to grow in spiritual freedom - freedom from doubt, fear, and from slavery to our unruly desires (2 Corinthians 3:17; Romans 8:21). The Spirit instructs us in the ways of God, and guides us in living according to God's will. The Spirit is the source and giver of all holiness. Isaiah foretold the seven-fold gifts that the Spirit would give: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2). The gift of Pentecost - the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the spiritual gifts and blessings of God - are made possible through the death, resurrection, and ascension of the Lord Jesus. After his resurrection Jesus "breathed" on his disciples and gave them the Holy Spirit. Just as God breathed life into Adam, so the gift of the Holy Spirit is an impartation of "new life" for his people. With the gift of the Holy Spirit a new creation begins. God recreates us for his glory. Jesus' gift of peace to his disciples was more than an absence of trouble. His peace included the forgiveness of sins and the fullness of everything good. Do you want power to live a faith-filled life as a disciple of Jesus? Ask the Father to fill you with the power of his Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13). Basil the Great (329-379 AD), an early church father, explains the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives: "The Spirit restores paradise to us and the way to heaven and adoption as children of God; he instills confidence that we may call God truly Father and grants us the grace of Christ to be children of the light and to enjoy eternal glory. In a word, he bestows the fullness of blessings in this world and the next; for we may contemplate now in the mirror of faith the promised things we shall someday enjoy. If this is the foretaste, what must the reality be? If these are the first fruits, what must be the harvest?" (From the treatise by Basil on The Holy Spirit) The Lord Jesus offers each one of us the gift and power of his Holy Spirit. He wants to make our faith strong, give us hope that endures, and a love that never grows cold. He never refuses to give his Spirit to those who ask with expectant faith. Jesus instructed his disciples to ask confidently for the gift of the Spirit: "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Luke 11:13). Do you thirst for God and for the abundant life he offers through the gift of his Spirit? "Lord Jesus, I thank you for the gift of Pentecost and for the new life you offer in the Holy Spirit. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and set my heart ablaze with the fire of your love that I may serve you in joy and freedom." The following reflection is from One Bread, One Body courtesy of Presentation Ministries © 2017. MOUTH-TO-MOUTH Jesus "breathed on them." —John 20:22 In the beginning, "the Lord God formed man out of the clay of the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and so man became a living being" (Gn 2:7). The breath of the Father gives life where previously there was no life. On His Resurrection evening, Jesus "breathed on" His disciples "and said: 'Receive the Holy Spirit' " (Jn 20:22). The breath of Jesus brought the Holy Spirit and peace where previously there had been turmoil and fear. On the day of Pentecost, "suddenly from up in the sky there came a noise like a strong, driving wind which was heard all through the house where they were seated. Tongues as of fire appeared, which parted and came to rest on each of them. All were filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to express themselves in foreign tongues and make bold proclamation as the Spirit prompted them" (Acts 2:2-4). The breath of the Holy Spirit brings every good thing (see Jas 1:17). First the Spirit breathes on us, then He breathes through us. God's words are given to us and spoken through us in the spiritual gifts such as teaching, evangelization, tongues, prophecy. etc. His breath brings life, peace, forgiveness, boldness, miraculous unity, and worldwide renewal (see Ps 104:30). The Spirit is breathing out. We just have to breathe in. It's Pentecost! Take a deep breath and "receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22). Prayer: Holy Spirit, You are Lord of my life (2 Cor 3:17-18). Do whatever You will with me. I love You. Promise: "To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." —1 Cor 12:7 Praise: Praise You, Holy Spirit, for giving Your life to the Church! Alleluia! (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.) Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Imprimatur ("Permission to Publish") for One Bread, One Body covering the period from June 1, 2017 through July 31, 2017. †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 22, 2017. The Imprimatur ("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 Imprimatur agree with the contents, opinions, or statements

The following reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager © 2017. Don's website is located at Dailyscripture.ServantsOfTheWord.org Meditation: Do you recognize the indwelling presence of the Lord Jesus in your life? Blessed are you if you see and recognize the Lord with the "eyes of faith". The word "blessed" [makarios in Greek] literally means "happiness" or "beatitude". It describes a kind of joy which is serene and untouchable, self-contained, and independent from chance and changing circumstances of life. God gives us supernatural joy with hope in his promises There is a certain paradox for those "blessed" by the Lord. Mary was given the "blessedness" of being the mother of the Son of God. That blessedness also would become a sword which pierced her heart as her Son died upon the cross. Anselm, a great teacher and Archbishop of Canterbury (1033-1109), spoke these words in a homily: "Without God's Son nothing could exist; without Mary's son, nothing could be redeemed." To be chosen by God is an awesome privilege and responsibility. Mary received both a crown of joy and a cross of sorrow. Her joy was not diminished by her sorrow because it was fueled by her faith, hope, and trust in God and his promises. Jesus promised his disciples that "no one will take your joy from you" (John 16:22). The Lord gives us a supernatural joy which enables us to bear any sorrow or pain and which neither life nor death can take away. Do you know the joy of a life given over to God in faith and trust? They were filled with the Holy Spirit What is the significance of Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth before the birth of Jesus? When Elizabeth greeted Mary and recognized the Messiah in Mary's womb they were filled with the Holy Spirit and with a joyful anticipation of the fulfillment of God's promise to give a Savior. What a marvelous wonder for God to fill not only Elizabeth's heart with his Holy Spirit but the child in her womb as well. John the Baptist, even before the birth of the Messiah, pointed to his coming and leaped for joy in the womb of his mother as the Holy Spirit revealed to him the presence of the King to be born. The Lord wants to fill each of us with his Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is God's gift to us to enable us to know and experience the indwelling presence of God and the power of his kingdom. The Holy Spirit is the way in which God reigns within each of us. Do you live in the joy and knowledge of God's indwelling presence with you through his Holy Spirit? "Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit and give me joy in seeking you more earnestly. Increase my faith in all your promises, my hope in the joy of heaven, and my love for You as my All." The following reflection is from One Bread, One Body courtesy of Presentation Ministries © 2017. THE SIMPLICITY OF PENTECOST "Thereupon Mary set out, proceeding in haste into the hill country to a town of Judah, where she entered Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth." —Luke 1:39-40 All Christians are not only to receive Pentecost but also to give Pentecost to others. At the first Christian Pentecost, one-hundred and twenty disciples of Christ (Acts 1:15) received the Holy Spirit at 9 AM. Then they gave the Holy Spirit to almost three-thousand people before the day ended (Acts 2:41). We too must let the Holy Spirit come to us and through us. Many Christians doubt that they will be able to give Pentecost to others. They are locked in the upper room because of fear, feelings of inadequacy, and self-hatred. They find it difficult to see themselves preaching as Peter preached, healing as Paul healed, or praying as Mary prays. Today's feast day is one of hope for many of us. Mary brought Jesus and the Holy Spirit to Elizabeth and John not by extraordinary works but by obeying the Lord in little things. Mary visited and greeted Elizabeth (Lk 1:39-40). She loved and served Elizabeth. All of us can do what Mary did. We give Pentecost to others not only by extraordinary acts but especially by obeying the Lord in detail. The Holy Spirit is "given to those that obey Him" (Acts 5:32) and through those obeying Him. Obey; visit; love; serve. Give Pentecost.

The following reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager © 2017. Don's website is located at Dailyscripture.ServantsOfTheWord.org Meditation: How did the disciples come to believe that Jesus is truly the Son of God sent from the eternal Father in heaven? When Jesus taught his disciples he often spoke in parables - using short stories and vivid images which expressed in picture language what God's kingdom is like and how God's power can change and transform our lives to be like him. These stories were intended to make his disciples reflect and think through the inner spiritual truths he wanted them to understand and accept. The Lord Jesus gives hope and strength to those who believe in him and trust in his word Now Jesus begins to speak more plainly to the disciples about the mission and purpose for which he was sent into the world - not to condemn the world but through love to redeem it (John 3:16). The disciples professed their belief in Jesus that he truly came from God and taught as one who possessed full knowledge of God. Jesus' response showed that he fully knew and understood them very well. Jesus could read their hearts like an open book. He knew their weaknesses as well as their strengths. Where do you place your trust and confidence? In spite of their confident faith, Jesus warned his disciples that they would be put to the test and would fail. He knew they would desert him in his hour of trial when he would be arrested and condemned to death on the cross. Such knowledge of their faltering loyalty could have easily led to bitterness and rejection on his part. Jesus met the injury of betrayal and abandonment with supreme love and earnest prayer for his disciples (Luke 22:32; John 17:15). "He loved them to the very end" (John 13:1) - even when they had left him to die alone on the cross. God's peace dwells with those who trust in him alone Jesus reassures them of his peace, unfailing love, and victory over the world which is in opposition to God's reign. Jesus speaks the same reassuring words of enduring love, faithfulness, and victory to his followers today. "I will never fail you nor forsake you." While we may forget the Lord and fail him, he will never forget us nor fail to come to our aid. When you are put to the test do you seek the Lord Jesus and place your trust in his help and mercy? The Holy Spirit fills us with expectant faith, persevering hope, and unfailing love While we cannot avoid all pain and suffering which may come our way in this life, the Lord Jesus assures us that he has overcome the world and all that would seek to keep us from his saving help and healing presence. He promises to guide us safely through any trial or hardship we may have to undergo for his sake. The Lord Jesus gives us the gift of his Holy Spirit who strengthens us with faith, courage, and perseverance to stay the course which he has set for us. The Holy Spirit fills us with a living hope in the power of Christ's resurrection (1 Peter 1:3) and reassures our heart with a confident trust in God's abiding presence. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ and the victory he has won for us (Romans 8:35-39). The Holy Spirit gives us the strength and courage we need to overcome every adversity and to persevere with faith and hope in God. Do you believe in the power of Christ's love for you and in the victory he has won for you through his death and resurrection? "Lord Jesus, help me to trust in your unwavering love and saving help, especially when I meet adversities, trials, and temptations. Give me your peace when I am troubled and let me know the joy of your victory over sin and death." The following reflection is from One Bread, One Body courtesy of Presentation Ministries © 2017. TWELVE WEAK MEN "They answered, 'We have not so much as heard that there is a Holy Spirit.' " —Acts 19:2 The Ephesian believers talked and acted in such a way that Paul questioned whether they had the Holy Spirit. In response to Paul's question, the Ephesians said they had never heard of the Holy Spirit. Paul then found out they had only received the baptism of John. Paul proceeded to tell them about Jesus and baptize them. Then, "as Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came down on them and they began to speak in tongues and to utter prophecies" (Acts 19:6). Although the Ephesians didn't even know Jesus, they were able to receive Jesus and the Holy Spirit, both within a very short time. Why do some people receive the Spirit right away and others wait for months or even years? The Ephesians could receive the Holy Spirit without delay because they admitted their weakness. They admitted they didn't even know there was a Holy Spirit (Acts 19:2). In their weakness, God's power reached perfection (2 Cor 12:9). This accounts for the fact that women usually receive the Spirit more readily than men and new believers receive sooner than most of the "old-timers" of the church. The power of the Holy Spirit is not for those who pretend they're powerful but for the "merest children" (Lk 10:21). Will you admit to being weak enough to receive the Spirit? Prayer: Jesus, I am weak but You are strong. Baptize me in the Spirit. Promise: "I tell you all this that in Me you may find peace. You will suffer in the world. But take courage! I have overcome the world." —Jn 16:33 Praise: A few men in the parish formed a support group not only for themselves but their pastor, Fr. George.

The following reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager © 2017. Don's website is located at Dailyscripture.ServantsOfTheWord.org Meditation: Why did Jesus leave his disciples forty days after his resurrection? Forty is a significant number in the Scriptures. Moses went to the mountain to seek the face of God for forty days in prayer and fasting. The people of Israel were in the wilderness for forty years in preparation for their entry into the promised land. Elijah fasted for forty days as he journeyed in the wilderness to the mountain of God. For forty days after his resurrection Jesus appeared numerous times to his disciples to assure them that he had risen indeed and to prepare them for the task of carrying on the work which he began during his earthy ministry. The Risen Lord is with us always to the end of time Jesus' departure and ascension into heaven was both an end and a beginning for his disciples. While it was the end of Jesus' physical presence with his beloved disciples, it marked the beginning of Jesus' presence with them in a new way. Jesus promised that he would be with them always to the end of time (Matthew 28:20). Now as the glorified and risen Lord and Savior, ascended to the right hand of the Father in heaven, Jesus promised to send them the Holy Spirit who would anoint them with power from on high on the Feast of Pentecost, just as Jesus was anointed for his ministry at the River Jordan (Luke 3:21-22, 4:1,18). When the Lord Jesus departed physically from the apostles, they were not left in sorrow or grief. Instead, they were filled with joy and with great anticipation for the coming of the Holy Spirit. The Risen Lord empowers us to carry on his work Why did the Risen Lord ascend into heaven? The Father raised the glorified body of his Son and enthroned him in glory at his right hand in heaven. The Lord Jesus in his glorified body now reigns as Lord over the heavens and the earth - over all that he has created. The Risen Lord reigns from the throne in heaven as our Merciful Redeemer and Gracious King. He intercedes for us and he empowers us through the outpouring of his Holy Spirit. The Lord Jesus gives us new life in his Spirit and he strengthens us in faith, hope and love so we can serve him and carry on his work as citizens of his kingdom here on earth. You will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth Jesus' last words to his disciples point to the key mission and task he has entrusted to his followers on earth - to be his witnesses and ambassadors to the ends of the earth so that all peoples, tribes, and nations may hear the good news that Jesus Christ has come to set us free from sin, Satan, and death and has won for us a kingdom of peace, joy, and righteousness that will last forever. How can we be effective witnesses for Christ? Jesus told his disciples, "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you - and you shall be my witnesses... to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Jesus gives his followers the same power he received when the Holy Spirit came upon him and anointed him at the beginning of his mission (John 1:32-33). The Gospel is the power of God, the power to release people from their burden of sin, guilt, and oppression, and the power to heal, restore, and make us whole. Do you believe in the power of the Gospel to change and transform your life? We are ambassadors for Jesus Christ Paul the Apostle reminds us that we are called to be ambassadors for Jesus Christ. Just as ambassadors are appointed to represent their country and to speak on behalf of their nation's ruler, we, too are appointed by the Lord Jesus to speak on his behalf and to bring others into a close and personal encounter with the Lord and Ruler of heaven and earth. This is the great commission which the risen Christ gives to the whole church. All believers have been given a share in this task - to be heralds of the good news and ambassadors for Jesus Christ, the only savior of the world. We have not been left alone in this task, for the risen Lord works in and through us by the power of his Holy Spirit. Today we witness a new Pentecost as the Lord pours out his Holy Spirit upon his people to renew and strengthen the body of Christ and to equip it for effective ministry and mission world-wide. Do you witness to others the joy of the Gospel and the hope of the resurrection? “Lord Jesus, through the gift of your Holy Spirit, you fill us with an indomitable spirit of praise and joy which no earthly trial can subdue. Fill me with your resurrection joy and help me to live a life of praise and thanksgiving for your glory. May I witness to those around me the joy of the Gospel and the reality of your great victory over sin and death.” The following reflection is from One Bread, One Body courtesy of Presentation Ministries © 2017. LOOK UP AND GO OUT "No sooner had He said this than He was lifted up before their eyes in a cloud which took Him from their sight." —Acts 1:9 The apostles asked Jesus: "Lord, are you going to restore the rule to Israel now?" (Acts 1:6) They were interested in knowing the time Jesus would restore the kingdom. Jesus responded: "The exact time it is not yours to know" (Acts 1:7). Then Jesus proceeded to bring up what He was interested in — not so much the time but the persons responsible for restoring the kingdom. The apostles had assumed Jesus would do the restoring. Jesus shocked them by asserting that they were to do the job. Before the apostles could try to shift the responsibility back onto Jesus, He ascended, leaving the apostles "holding the bag," that is, having the responsibility of making disciples of all the nations (see Mt 28:19). However, Jesus did not leave His Church responsible but powerless. He promised us the Spirit's power (Acts 1:8) and His presence "always, until the end of the world!" (Mt 28:20) Jesus' Ascension means that we, the members of the Church, take up where Jesus has left off. The responsibility for evangelizing the world is ours; the power of the Holy Spirit is ours; and the privilege of living and dying for His kingdom is ours. Because He has gone up, we must go out. Go now. Prayer: "God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory," grant us "a spirit of wisdom and insight to know" You clearly (Eph 1:17). Promise: "He has put all things under Christ's feet and has made Him, thus exalted, Head of the Church, which is His body: the fullness of Him Who fills the universe in all its parts." —Eph 1:22-23 Praise: Praise the ascended Jesus, "seen by the angels; preached among the Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up into glory" (1 Tm 3:16). Happy Sunday everyone! !

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