July 5, 2026 - One Bread, One Body
July 5, Fourteenth Sunday Ordinary Time
Cycle A Readings:
1) Zechariah 9:9-10
Psalm 145:1-2, 8-11, 13-14
2) Romans 8:9, 11-13
Matthew 11:25-30
Meek means controlled strength
“See, your King shall come to you; a just Savior is He, meek, and riding on an ass.” —Zechariah 9:9
One of the fruits of the Spirit is meekness, also translated gentleness or “mildness” (Gal 5:23). Being docile to the Spirit implies we are meek, a word which means easily imposed upon, quiet, gentle, and submissive. No wonder God is going to ensure that the meek will inherit the land (Mt 5:5). Father Al Lauer, founder and long-time author of this booklet, taught that meekness is not weakness, but rather controlled strength.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls Himself “meek,” also translated “gentle” (Mt 11:29). Jesus was a meek ruler, “meek, and riding on an ass” (Zec 9:9; Mt 21:5). Similarly, Moses “was by far the meekest man on the face of the earth” (Nm 12:3). Because of “his trustworthiness and meekness God selected [Moses] from all mankind” (Sir 45:4).
A meek ruler banishes war and implements of war, such as chariots and war horses, and proclaims peace to the entire world, with no compromise (Zec 9:10). The meek, “little ones,” have special revelations from the Father (see Mt 11:25-26). If we make certain that it is God who can easily impose upon us, this is the right meekness. As today’s second reading proclaims, it is by living in the Holy Spirit and receiving His gifts that we can have this meekness (see Rm 8:11-13). Be meek before God, easily imposed upon by the Spirit.
Prayer: Father, impose Your Kingdom upon me. “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done” (Mt 6:10).
Promise: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you.” —Mt 11:28
Praise: “To the One seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, be praise and honor, glory and might, forever and ever!” (Rv 5:13)
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, 2026, through July 31, 2026. †Most Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 12, 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.