The Eucharist

A Sermon by Dr. Neil Chadwick


In many churches, what we call "Communion", is often called "The Eucharist." Actually, both of these words have become part of a special vocabulary understood only by church-goers. Because of the meaning of the word "eucharisteo", we would like to propose that the Thanksgiving Feast be given this title - The Eucharist.

You see, "eucharisteo" simply means to give thanks. It is used in the Gospel accounts when Jesus was preparing to distribute what we now call the "elements" of Communion, the bread and the wine (Luke 22:17,19). Notice also that when Jesus fed the multitude, the same expression is used (John 6:11). Following that story, as we often see in John's Gospel, Jesus provides a long discourse related to what had just happened. In this case He gives the teaching concerning the Bread of Life. Jesus is like the manna given in the wilderness - He is the Bread from heaven which, if we partake of it, we will have life. Some in the church have interpreted "eat my flesh and drink my blood" to mean that the Communion elements actually, literally, are the flesh and blood of Jesus. However, to accept this idea is to say that the physical acts of eating and drinking is what brings forgiveness and salvation, rather than the belief in the heart (Romans 10:9,10).

The giving of thanks ("eucharisteo") associated with eating ("breaking of bread") is also noted in the story of Paul's shipwreck during his journey to Rome (Acts 27:35). It is remarkable that even in the face of what they all believed to be certain death, Paul was able to give thanks. This remains as one of our great challenges, to give thanks in all occasions, even in the face of death.

Over the last couple of years my mother has written what she has called "The Story of My Life - Memories of God's Faithfulness". In this little book she included the sad accounts of the deaths of her two daughters. It was after the death of my second sister, Joan, that I struggled with this idea, and later wrote a song to convey the idea of giving thanks always, even when death strikes so close to home. Here are the words of that song:

Giving Thanks Always

As I thought about the loss of my loved ones who had died,
I was overwhelmed with grief and at once I sobbed and cried;
How could I give thanks to God who had taken them from me,
I could only question why God’s great will I could not see.

But the Word of God came clear and it called on me to voice
My thanksgiving in all things and in sorrow to rejoice.
For to them that love the Lord all things work together good;
If I’d only learn this truth, I would praise Him as I should.

    Giving thanks always for all things unto our Father God,
    Giving thanks always for all in the name of Christ our Lord.
    For in trial as well as blessing we need to sing our song
    of thanksgiving to our Savior, to whom all praises belong.

Oh dear Lord, forgive me now for my thankless heart I pray,
Let me see thy perfect will, help me trust in Thee today.
For I sorrow not as those who are hopeless, in despair,
I have Christ who gives me strength when I go to Him in prayer.

When the burden of my heart is so heavy due to grief,
I can turn to Jesus Christ who is there to give relief.
Is this not enough to cause me to praise His holy name;
For He doeth all things well, and for you He’ll do the same.

    Giving thanks always for all things unto our Father God,
    Giving thanks always for all in the name of Christ our Lord.
    For in trial as well as blessing we need to sing our song
    of thanksgiving to our Savior, to whom all praises belong.

There's one other place where "eucharisteo" is associated with eating - Romans 14:6. In this passage Paul is dealing with a hot topic of his time. Some believed that it would be sinful to eat food that had been offered to idols, while others felt no such restriction. It seems that what Paul is saying is that the giving of thanks is what it is that sanctifies the food.

So tonight, on this Thanksgiving Eve, we will enter into an observance of the "Eucharist". But in addition, I want to request that the feast you're planning for tomorrow also be turned into a "Eucharist." Not only will we thank God for His abundant blessings - in spite of our recent difficulties, we still remain as one of the most blessed countries of the world - we will also, and especially, pause to remember the greatest gift of all, the Bread of Life which has come down from heaven.

My simple request is this: please include words like these in your prayer before you break bread with your family and friends, "And Dear Father, thank you for sending your Son Jesus into the world to be for us the Passover Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world. Amen."

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