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.