“When we gather for the Eucharist we gather in the Name of Jesus, who is calling us together to remember his death and resurrection in the breaking of the bread. There he is truly among us. ‘Where two or three meet in my name,’ he says, ‘I am there among them’ (Matthew 18:20).

The presence of Jesus among us and in the gifts of bread and wine are the same presence. As we recognise Jesus in the breaking of the bread, we recognise him also in our brothers and sisters. As we give one another the bread, saying: ‘This is the Body of Christ,’ we give ourselves to each other saying: ‘We are the Body of Christ.’ It is one and the same giving, it is one and the same body, it is one and the same Christ” (Henri Nouwen).

That’s a mind boggling concept. We celebrate the body of Christ as the body of Christ.

That’s why community and fellowship are so vitally important.

That’s why the author of Hebrews tells us as that body of Christ not to neglect meeting together regularly.

Whether or not you believe that the elements actually become the blood and body of Christ or are symbolic, the point is to remember that we are a body of Christ because of shed blood and a body broken for our sins.

I find that we tend to remember best when we’re gathered together as one, united under one Lord, Jesus Christ.

The next time you take the Eucharist (or Communion or the Lord’s Supper, if that’s what you prefer to call it), remember you are not taking it alone but as part of the body of Christ.