A Word, a Story, a Challenge, and a Prayer for Thanksgiving

Jesus took bread and, after He had given thanks (Eucharistia), He broke it and said: “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” -1 Cor 11:23, 24

A Word

Eucharist:

1. The sacrament of Holy Communion; the sacrifice of the Mass; the Lord’s Supper.
2. The consecrated elements of the Holy Communion, especially the bread.
3. (lowercase) the giving of thanks; thanksgiving.

Origin: Greek eucharístia meaning gratefulness, thanksgiving

eu- 1. a combining form meaning “good,” “well,” occurring chiefly in words of Greek origin
charisma 1. Theology. a divinely conferred gift or power. 2. a spiritual power or personal quality that gives an individual influence or authority over large numbers of people.

Literal Meaning: Gratefulness for a Good Gifting. The Eucharist is an undeserved Grace, a powerful Gift received from the Good One.

A Story

We recently attended a lovely graduation service at a Christian church of a different faith tradition. While speaking to a nice lady seated nearby, she indicated that they had a communion service once a quarter, and asked how often our church celebrated the Eucharist. “Every Sunday,” was my automatic answer, and then it hit me, no, my answer should have been “every day.” But wait, the Spirit prompted – the true answer is “every hour of every day” for two thousand years and counting. In the beauty and timelessness of the Church, the Sacraments instituted by Jesus have been continuously offered by his ordained ministers and celebrated by his disciples both openly and clandestinely in every corner of the world. We are commanded to do this in remembrance of Jesus. Do we?

A Challenge

The Eucharist is powerful and life-changing. As Catholics, we have been given a great gift. We should each show our gratitude and receive that Gift in worshipful humility and gratitude. Go to Mass. Be nourished, be strengthened, be sanctified, so that you may be equipped to go out, and share the Good Gifting with others.

A Thanksgiving Prayer*

Father all-powerful, your gifts of love are countless and your goodness infinite; as we come before you on Thanksgiving Day with gratitude for your kindness, open our hearts to have concern for every man, woman, and child, so that we may share your gifts in loving service. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

*From the Thanksgiving Day lectionary