Affirmation: We Are the Body

Let there be no gap between us and Christ.
For if there is any gap, immediately we perish.
For the building stands because it is cemented together.

Let us not then merely keep hold of Christ,
but let us be cemented to him.
Let us cleave to him by our works.

He is the head, we are the body.
He is the foundation, we the building.
He is the vine, we the branches.
He is the bridegroom, we the bride.
He is the shepherd, we the sheep.
He is the way, we walk in it.

Again, we are the temple, he the indweller.
He is the only begotten, we the brothers and sisters.
He is the heir, we the heirs together with him.
He is the life, we the living.
He is the resurrection, we those who rise again.
He is the light, we the enlightened.

~ from Homilies on First Corinthians, St. John Chrysostom (4^th centuy). Posted on the World Council of Churches website.  http://www.oikoumene.org/en/home.html