Today's first eucharistic reading is the major prophecy for Our Lady of Presentation Ministries, which publishes this book, One Bread, One Body. We believe with all our hearts that Jesus has saved us by His death and resurrection. We believe this good news makes it possible for us to build a civilization of love and life in which swords have been beaten into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks (Is 2:4). We believe that Jesus is our Peace (Eph 2:14) and that in Him and only in Him we can make a world without war and even without armies (Is 2:4).

Most people, even Christians, find it hard to take Isaiah's prophecy seriously. It is true that we will have wars till the end of time (Lk 21:10) and that Isaiah's prophecy will be perfectly fulfilled only in heaven. However, if nations stream to the mountain of God's word to be instructed in God's ways, we will see a more holy and catholic Church, which will renew the face of the earth by the power of the Spirit (Ps 104:30) and bring "peace on earth, good will to men" (Lk 2:14, our transl). Although it seems impossible to change our culture of death and war, "faith is confident assurance concerning what we hope for, and conviction about things we do not see" (Heb 11:1). "Despite the increase of sin, grace has far surpassed it" (Rm 5:20). "Let there be peace on earth."

Humbly welcome God's word into your heart (Jas 1:21). Make any sacrifices necessary to spread God's word. See and celebrate the Great Jubilee of justice, freedom, and peace.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, April 10, 1999

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 16, 1999