Today it falls my responsibility to share some thoughts as the church surrounds the Table and shares communion. Some churches call the occasion the Eucharist. In churches of Christ (and most Protestant groups), We do not use the term Eucharist frequently, perhaps not at all formally. What is the Eucharist? What does the term mean? Why have I chosen to use the term today?
Eucharist refers to what we more often call the Lord’s Supper or communion. It is literally, the thanksgiving. The term comes from the Greek word which means to give thanks. The Bible says, Jesus took the bread and gave thanks. The word simply means “thanksgiving.” Jesus gave thanks. The meal is named for the practice that introduces it.
Here we are on Thanksgiving weekend. As the church assembles for worship, we will share “the thanksgiving”. As we partake, will our hearts swell with gratitude? Are we overwhelmed by the extent of the gift? Do we think that we could never be able to say thank you enough? On this thanksgiving weekend, may we come to the Supper with thanksgiving, individually and collectively. Let us give thanks for the unspeakable gift we remember at the Table!