It might seem that the controversies of the first-century Church could be dry reading to modern eyes. However, the way this particular controversy, told in today’s first reading, was handled by the Church meant that ultimately everyone reading this teaching now has the opportunity to be saved!

If the members of the early Church were not listening closely to the Holy Spirit, they could have closed their hearts to the leading of the Spirit, relied on the historical precedent of their forefathers, and decided that only practicing Jews could be Christians (see Acts chapters 11 and 15).

This would mean that most of us would be excluded from God’s Kingdom, unless we converted to Judaism. However, “God has granted life-giving repentance even to the Gentiles,” that is, to non-Jews (Acts 11:18). Now everyone has access to Jesus and to eternal life (see Eph 3:8-12).

If you were aware that the decisions you make today would impact the salvation of people two thousand years from now, how would you act? Hopefully, you would be moved to listen attentively to the Holy Spirit today (Gal 5:25). “Today, if you hear His voice, harden not your hearts” (see Heb 3:15; cf Ps 95:7-8). It may be only one person that would receive salvation by observing you; nonetheless that person might lead thousands to salvation. Therefore, live for Jesus today so others will live for Him in the future (see Ps 22:31-32).

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 April 1, 2024, through May 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 22, 2023"

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.