Eucharist: A Thanksgiving Meal

Have you ever heard the communion called the eucharist? Some churches, like the Episcopal church, use this phrase when talking about the Lord’s Supper.

If you’re like me, then your first reaction may be to wonder if such a term is biblical or not. After all, depending on what version of the Bible you use, the tern “communion” might appear in 1 Corinthians 10:16, and the expression “Lord’s Supper” shows up once in 1 Corinthians 11:20, but the word “Eucharist” is no where to be found.

That is, one can’t find the word “Eucharist” if they are looking in English. In the Greek New Testament, which is the language from which our versions our translated, Jesus starts His talk at the table by “Eucharisteo” or, as our versions say, “giving thanks.”

Our English word “Eucharist” is from the Greek word which means to give thanks! Like “Baptism” comes from “baptidzo,” it is a transliteration of a Greek word.

Isn’t that what communion is all about? It’s a time where we can gather around the Lord’s table and thank Him for the gift of eternal life through the death and resurrection of Jesus!
It is a celebration of thanksgiving in which we remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us!
So while it is not the word we typically use when talking about communion, it’s a word rooted in Scripture that calls us to remember and to be thankful for all that God has done for us.

When we take communion, do we remember to give thanks? And do we allow this spirit of thankfulness (or Eucharist) to permeate every aspect of our lives? After all, Paul said that we are to “always give thanks for all things” (Ephesians 5:20).

Regardless of when you read this, pause just a moment to give thanks to God for the blessings He has poured out on you through His Son.