Because of multiple translations of One Bread, One Body, the process of receiving official Church approval, and the time it takes to work with international translators, printers, and distributors, I write One Bread, One Body two or three years before you receive it. So part of what I write today will be outdated when you read it.

At this time, I am close to death because of cancer. Like Paul, I believe the Lord will save me through a miracle so that I will remain on earth to serve the Lord and proclaim the gospel (Phil 1:24). However, "I long to be freed from this life and to be with Christ, for that is the far better thing" (Phil 1:23). I pray "Christ will be exalted through me, whether I live or die. For, to me, 'life' means Christ; hence dying is so much gain" (Phil 1:20-21). I thank the Lord forever for dying on the cross for my salvation, giving me the faith to accept Him as Lord over every detail of my life, and promising to raise me from the dead. In Jesus, I am freed from the tyranny of the fear of death (Heb 2:14-15). My future is full of hope (Jer 29:11), and I can look forward to a great miracle or to see Jesus face to face in heaven (1 Cor 13:12). Thank You, Jesus, for Your love!

On this Sunday, the Church's worldwide, weekly celebration of Jesus' resurrection from the dead, let us revel in the glory of Jesus' saving Passion, death, and resurrection. This precious gospel is beyond anything we can ever imagine (see Is 55:8-9). Rejoicing in its glory and mystery, let us conduct ourselves in a way worthy of this gospel (Phil 1:27).

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 8, 2005

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