While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it."This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them. "I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God." (Mark 14:22-25)

The eucharistic celebration is understood as a moment of transformation. In many traditions the ordinary bread and wine again become body and blood. Christ is present. The kingdom of God emerges in the sacrifice, remembrance, and renewed experience of the sacrament.

Christian communities differ on how this transformation is achieved. The Orthodox and some others observe a discipline of "pious silence" regarding how and celebrate a mystery to be experienced.

Many people of faith perceive this transformation requires a readiness or receptivity. In former times the eucharist was preceded by an extended period of fasting, confession, and prayer. But however it happens, the eucharist is widely perceived as a moment when the kingdom of God envelopes our current reality.