“the day of salvation” (2 cor 6:2)
“That day saw the beginning of a great persecution of the church.” —Acts 8:1
This morning you went to the funeral of a brother in Christ, a leader in your church (Acts 8:2). His name was Stephen, and he was martyred by a hysterical mob. In your grief, you find yourself on the road — a fugitive running from St. Stephen’s murderers. Those remaining in town are being terrorized by a man named Saul, who “entered house after house, dragged men and women out, and threw them into jail” (Acts 8:3). This is a sad day — a day of violence, trauma, fear, imprisonment, separation, grief, and murder.
As you walk along, wondering if you’ll be caught, you meet other travelers and residents of small country towns. Your love for Jesus wells up; the Spirit “puts words in your mouth” (see Mt 10:20); you speak from the abundance of your heart (Lk 6:45). After living through so much bad news, you still share the Good News of Jesus. People with their own bad news accept God’s gift of faith and believe in Jesus. On some occasions, signs and wonders accompany your profession of faith (Mk 16:17-18). Several people are healed and set free from the evil one. “The rejoicing in that town rose to fever pitch” (Acts 8:8).
Prayer: Father, when I experience bad news, speak the Good News through me.
Promise: “I Myself am the Bread of Life. No one who comes to Me shall ever be hungry, no one who believes in Me shall ever thirst.” —Jn 6:35
Praise: The Winters, both physicians, moved into the poorest section of town to open a medical clinic, raise their family, and bring Jesus into the lives of the poor.
Reference: (As baptized and confirmed Christians, we have the grace to live a counter-cultural lifestyle. Join us for the retreat, Lifestyle in the Spirit, May 22-24, for teachings on life’s challenges in our world today. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com for more info.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 22, 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.