In our secular humanistic society, we are rather ignorant concerning spiritual power. Many ancient peoples were in some ways more advanced than we are in regard to spiritual realities. Jephthah knew what few people in our society realize: that there was exceptional power in taking a vow to offer a human sacrifice (see Jgs 11:30-31). When he took this vow, he defeated the Ammonites in war. Moreover, when the king of Moab sacrificed his first-born son, he was spared a certain defeat in war (2 Kgs 3:27). Abraham could understand much better than we do the rationale behind God’s command to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham’s son (see Gn 22:2). The prophet Micah indicated his awareness of the power of human sacrifice when he prophesies: “Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with myriad streams of oil? Shall I give my first-born for my crime, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” (Mi 6:7) Satanists and abortionists also recognize the power of human sacrifice. However, to offer human sacrifice is a grave sin, an abomination. Does this mean that we are condemned to either powerlessness or sinfulness? No, the Lord has done the impossible when He sacrificed Himself on Calvary in perfect sinlessness to expiate the sins of all people throughout all time.

Praise Jesus, God and Man, Priest and Sacrifice, Savior and Lord!

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 August 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Vicar General, Chancellor, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 12, 2021"

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.