During communion, while holding the Host, I often remind myself that I'm holding and eating the Lord and others. The eucharist is the reminder of God's wedding, through Jesus, to flesh and matter.  It is the mirror of the incarnation, of the divine's union with the universe.  It is a call to see, to behold, to confirm God's union with all creation, particularly with that of humans.  Affirming Gods' union with the world, like our brother Francis did, helps us to love the world and God in it.  It is the door to contemplation.  Holding Christ, drinking Christ, ties us to him, to his body the Church, and to every human being.  In and with Christ, it binds us in love to God and all. The eucharist is the in-our-heart challenge to be lovers, first and foremost, if we are followers of Jesus.  This is our, often, difficult and penitential challenge.  Our primary and salvational definition or title is encountered and enacted in this meal.  We're here to take and eat, to live and be him whom we receive.