Eucharist

Stop

The word eucharist means thanksgiving.

Listen

Matthew 26:27–28 (NRSV)

27 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Reflect

It is Thanksgiving Day. Will you enjoy the eucharist today?

Huh?

The verse above is from Matthew’s version of Jesus’ last supper with his disciples. You probably recognize the lines from when the Pastor speaks the words of institution before the communion service.

The phrase “giving thanks” translates one Greek word: eucharisteo. The root is eucharist. Look at the illustration above. Eucharist is a compound word: eu = good; charis = joy, favor, grace, gift. Perhaps you have heard the communion meal referred to as the eucharist.

When we give thanks, we speak to a person who has given something to us and acknowledge the value of that thing. We hold up the thing and say to the person, “This thing you have given me is a good gift and I owe it to you.”

The Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples was a Passover meal. Jesus held up the cup to God to remember the blood of the Passover lamb and said, “Father, this is a good gift of our salvation, and we owe it to you.” Then, Jesus looked at his disciples and told them that, from now on, this cup would also represent his own blood that he would shed for the sins of the world.

Every time we come to communion it is a Thanksgiving meal.

Let me flip that for a moment. Every time you take time to give thanks to God you share a eucharist moment.

Pray

Gracious God, we give you thanks for all that you have given us, in relationships, in grace, in food, and shelter.

Carry On

As you celebrate Thanksgiving today, make sure you direct your thanks to God, and enjoy your eucharist.