When Jesus was presented in the Temple, Simeon prophesied that Jesus would be a “sign of contradiction” (Lk 2:34, our transl). This was shockingly exhibited by the fact that Jesus was crucified. Jesus’ followers are also signs of contradiction. We will be persecuted (see Mt 5:11), and some will be martyred. In this way, the world tries to manipulate us into compromising the truth of the Gospel. Therefore, we must be willing to suffer any degree of rejection, insult, or pain (see 1 Cor 4:10ff) so that we will never lose our freedom to proclaim the Gospel courageously without compromise.
To endure pain and persecution for love of Jesus is possible only by God’s grace. This grace of courage is usually preceded by many other graces given especially in our formative years:
• total commitment to Jesus,
• a thorough, prayerful formation in God’s Word,
• a vibrant, established sacramental life,
• Christian brotherhood and sisterhood lived in Christian community, with penance and sacrifices,
• submission to the authority of the Church, and
• a rightly formed conscience.
Many Christians seem to be more fearful in more recent times. They are easily manipulated into compromise by the mere thought of possibly being a little unpopular. Some Christians even doubt objective truth and morality. We must repent, accept the foundational graces of courage, and then speak courageously the unadulterated truth in love (see Eph 4:15).

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from August 1, through September 30, 2020. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 1, 2019"

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.