Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 

I Corinthians 12:12

Paul is explaining a marvelous reality, a body has many parts.  We take this for granted.  But taken into the spiritual realm it astounds us.  We human beings are so varied it is bewildering.  Each culture, of which there are many on the earth, find unity in Christ Jesus.

I am white, American, Protestant, somewhat educated, and all the rest.  I am amazed to know that I am one of many, many members in this spiritual body of Jesus Christ on the earth.  Yet I am a part of the living reality, the body of Christ.

I rest my soul on this truth.  The most wonderful body on the earth is that of Jesus who welcomes all to himself and shapes us into new communities of faith and hope.

On this Thursday morning I praise God, once again, for making it possible for me and Anna Ruth and all of us to be in the wonderful Body of Jesus Christ.  Our connection is real, astounding and life changing.