"Therefore, with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven..." introduces the Sanctus of the mass: "Holy, Holy, Holy." The Christian comes into the community of the faithful gathered around the gifts that make holy to receive comfort in the communion of saints through the reception of the body and blood of Christ. That community is not only what can be seen, but is especially what cannot be seen. The community of the faithful who have gone to be with Christ and all the holy angels who worship around the throne of the Lamb are also in our own worshiping communities. The whole heavenly host surrounds our altars because the presence of Christ in His body and blood on our altars assures that the heavenly community is present. Where Christ is, there heaven is.

Thus when we are weighed down by trouble, when we see nothing but the earthbound struggles of this world looming before our eyes, the welcoming community of poor saints and the cross-scarred Christ stretches out its arms to embrace us. In that embrace forgiveness is ours through God's giving. In that embrace we receive the nourishing food of body and blood. In that embrace there is true fellowship gathered around the things that truly join all hearts as one and our burdens are shared by Christ and His saints. God has come in His community to a fragmented and strained world offering true unity and genuine peace in Him.