How many people in our society, even in our churches, understand the Scriptures? How many are even trying to understand them? Never in history has the Bible been more available to the average person than today, but Biblical illiteracy continues to abound. We read millions of newspapers, magazines, and books daily; nevertheless, most people, even Christians, have no hunger to receive nourishment from God's word (see Jer 15:16). We are Biblically anorexic.

Our Biblical illiteracy and anorexia result in our being "badly misled" (Mk 12:24) and "very much mistaken" (Mk 12:27). We are deceived, self-deceived, brainwashed, duped, and manipulated. We need the light of God's word (Ps 119:105) to come out of this darkness. We need the hammer of God's word (Jer 23:29) to break our chains and set the captives free.

Because One Bread, One Body helps us "understand the Scriptures," this book is important. Pray for this book to reach as many people as possible as deeply as possible. Consider distributing One Bread, One Body to your city, parish, family, and friends. Obey the Lord in paying for this book. Let's lead those who are "badly misled" and "very much mistaken" out of the darkness and into the light.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, November 12, 1996

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 10, 1996