The Lord teaches us through His Church: “In fact, in order for Mary to be able to give the free assent of her faith to the announcement of her vocation, it was necessary that she be wholly borne by God’s grace” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 490). Mary was immaculately conceived “to be able to give the free assent of her faith.” A cynic may say that at Jesus’ Incarnation, Mary was a teenage girl from a rural town who had no idea what she was saying when she gave her “fiat.” Some would say that her “fiat” was not a great, grace-filled act of faith and love but an expression of confusion and ignorance. However, the truth of Mary’s Immaculate Conception indicates that Mary’s “fiat” was not flawed by a fallen human nature.

The Lord likewise wants our commitment to Him to be free, deep, pure, and great. Of course, our fallen human nature has diminished the quality of our commitment to the Lord. Nevertheless, when we receive and live out our Baptism, repent of our sins, and grow in holiness, we can commit ourselves to the Lord with pure motives. We can love the Lord unconditionally for Himself, not merely to avoid hell and obtain the happiness of heaven.

May our assent of faith in the Lord be as free, pure, and deep as possible. “Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.”

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, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 2024"

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.