by Randal Matheny

I am incomplete without you. That incompleteness has been expressed in many ways. "No man is an island." Luciano De Crescenzo put it this way, "We are each of us angels with only one wing. And we can only fly embracing each other."

Solomon said it more practically.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Eccl. 4:9-12, NIV

One of the most common feelings in the world must be loneliness. For to be truly human is to share, and share deeply.

But sharing means risk. Risk causes fear. And fear gives greater weight to the dangers than the blessings.

In the body of Christ (an image that makes us feel our incompleteness), Jesus' invitation softens the risk and highlights the blessings.

You can run away from Jesus, and you will be lonely. You may refuse the fellowship, friendship, and cooperation in the kingdom of God available only in the church, and you will remain alone.

In Christ is life. In the Body is the flight of freedom.

I am an angel with one wing. Embrace me.