Note: Relevant Early Christian writings

St Ignatius (died about 107 AD) ”breaking one bread, which is the medicine of immortality and the antidote that we should not die but live for ever in Jesus Christ”. (2)

St Irenaeus (written 175-185 AD) ”…as the bread, which is produced from the earth, when it receives the invocation of God, is no longer common bread, but the Eucharist, consisting of two realities, earthly and heavenly; so also our bodies, when they receive the Eucharist, are no longer corruptible, having the hope of the resurrection to eternity”. (3)

St Clement of Alexandria (written 182-202 AD) puts these words into Our Lord’s mouth: “I am He who feeds thee, giving Myself as bread, of which he who has tasted experiences death no more, and supplying day by day the drink of immortality”. (4)