Two disciples of St. John the Baptizer were following Jesus, but at a distance. This is often the way Christians follow Jesus. We try to do God’s will for the most part, but intentionally keep Jesus more than “arm’s length” away. We don’t let Him get close to us. However, Jesus will turn around and challenge us by asking: “What are you looking for?” (Jn 1:38) If we truthfully answer Jesus’ question, we may have to say that we’re looking for blessings, security, or peace of mind, although we should say we’re looking for a deep, personal relationship with Him.

John’s two disciples may have surprised themselves when they asked Jesus, “ ‘Rabbi (which means Teacher), where do You stay?’ ‘Come and see,’ He answered. So they went to see where He was lodged, and stayed with Him that day” (Jn 1:38-39). Jesus wants His disciples to stay with Him, to have a relationship with Him that is deeply personal and totally consuming. He wants us to stay with Him when we leave church, go to work, talk with non-Christians, eat, stare at our handheld electronic device, watch TV, play, and go to bed. If we don’t accept Jesus as Lord of all, He’s not Lord at all. If we don’t stay with Him, we haven’t truly followed Him.

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.