Isaiah prophesied that God’s people were like a pregnant woman “about to give birth” (Is 26:17). Her water broke, her contractions became more frequent, and her labor pains increased, as she writhed and cried out (Is 26:17-18). Finally, she delivered. But there was no baby. She gave “birth to wind” (Is 26:18).

The point of Isaiah’s prophecy is: “Salvation we have not achieved for the earth, the inhabitants of the world cannot bring it forth” (Is 26:18). In other words: “In no way can a man redeem himself, or pay his own ransom to God” (Ps 49:8). Isaiah also prophesied: “All our good deeds are like polluted rags; we have all withered like leaves” (Is 64:5). Jesus bluntly stated: “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5).

We are like babies; we are totally dependent on the Lord (see Mt 18:2ff). St. Paul taught: “I repeat, it is owing to His favor that salvation is yours through faith. This is not your own doing, it is God’s gift; neither is it a reward for anything you have accomplished” (Eph 2:8-9). “Everything is grace” (Rm 4:16).

“From His fullness have we all received, grace upon grace” (Jn 1:16, RSV-CE). Grace 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 June 1, 2026, through July 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, 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.