"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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 2025"
> >St. Angela Merici
let them talk
“David, girt with a linen apron, came dancing before the Lord with abandon.” —2 Samuel 6:14
A characteristic of David’s life is that he gave himself to “the Lord with abandon” (2 Sm 6:14). David didn’t hold back on giving to God, no matter what others said about him.
David was upset that Goliath was insulting God (1 Sm 17:26) and was determined to defend God’s honor by fighting the giant. David’s brothers “grew angry with David,” insulting and belittling him (1 Sm 17:28). Goliath insulted David as well (1 Sm 17:42ff). David, however, paid no attention to the insults, but abandoned his life for the honor of God’s name (1 Sm 17:45ff).
David not only danced with abandon before the Lord, he gave the procession his all. He organized hundreds of people to carry the ark, to process in worship, and sing God’s praises (see 1 Chr 15:3-25). David gave it all financially as well, by providing a meal for every person in Israel, as he had called the entire nation to the procession (1 Chr 15:28; 16:3). He held nothing back when it came to worshipping God. Yet his reward was to be “despised” (1 Chr 15:29) and insulted by his wife, Michal, for a seeming lack of royal dignity in his worship (2 Sm 6:20). David paid no attention to the insult, and responded by telling her that he would now worship God with abandon “even more” (2 Sm 6:22).
Be like King David, St. Mary Magdalene, St. Stephen, and today’s saint, St. Angela. Abandon yourself so completely to the Lord that you notice only His glory.
Prayer: Jesus, may I love you so much that I can only rejoice when I am ill-treated for Your sake (Acts 5:41; 13:52; Mt 5:11-12).
Promise: Jesus said: “Whoever does the will of God is brother and sister and mother to Me.” —Mk 3:35
Praise: St. Angela’s work in the pioneering of homeschooling helped elevate women, education, and the importance of family.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Join us Oct. 18-19 for a study of the Gospel of Mark. This is a great way to rekindle your love, knowledge and commitment to the Lord. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com.)
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 December 1, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 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.