[Greek] εὐχαριστέω (eucharisteō), [Latin] agere gratiam, [Latin[ participare cum gratiam: to give thanks, to express gratitude, to return thanks, to give thanks before meals, to express thanks, 41 scriptural references
The people show an expression of thanks (eucharistia) for the emperor
Background information:
Greco-Roman culture: When a favor was given, an obligation of thanks was expected. This practice of giving thanks is found both in a secular and religious sense. This secular and religious thanksgiving can also be found in both public and private spheres. Public secular thanksgiving is found in the bestowing of honors to public leaders and public servants. Private secular thanksgiving is found as a literary device in praising the recipient in letters. Public religious thanksgiving can be found in the public worshipping of the Emperor and other gods. This thanksgiving is given in response to healings, sacrifices, and other petitions offered to the gods. Private religious thanksgiving is found when the writer gives thanks to the gods in the introduction of the letter.
Old Testament/Judaism: In Judaism, there is no Hebrew equivalent to the Greek word eucharisteo. Religious thanks are expressed in a Toda (thanks offering) and a song of thanksgiving. Food and drink are objects of thanksgiving. But thanksgiving will never cease.
New Testament: The Jewish practice of giving thanks explains the use of eucharisteo in the accounts of the Last Supper. This corresponds to the Jewish rule that a blessing should be announced on each food. Giving thanks is found when Jesus gives thanks in the multiplication of loaves and at the Last Supper. Thanksgiving is primarily found in others thanking Jesus. Paul gives thanks to others. Paul also uses an introductory literary device thanking God at the beginning of his letters.
Paul: Paul utilizes a literary devices of thanksgiving at the beginning of his letters. After the greeting, Paul gives thanks to God. This serves to usher in the main theme of the letter. This literary practice follows a Hellenistic tradition of thanking a god for one’s safety.
Mass: The priest gives thanks to God offering up bread and wine. With the help of the Holy Spirit, the bread and wine becomes the Body and Blood of Jesus in the form of the Eucharist. Under the appearance of bread and wine, Jesus is present. This process had been called Transubstantiation.
A Letter written by a young person, who enlisted in the Roman army in Alexandria, Egypt, writes to this father and lord Epimachos (written in the 2nd century):
Many good wishes! First of all I hope you are in good health and that things are going well for you and my sister and her daughter and my brother. I thank the Lord Serapis [an Egyptian god] for saving me right off when I was in danger at sea.
Early Christianity: The Didache is probably the oldest patristic document. This document was probably written some years before the end of the 2nd century. This document was intended for the instruction of the catechumen in liturgy, sacraments, vocations, and canon law.
Catholics celebrate the sacrifice of the Eucharist at Mass
The Didache
Of the Eucharist
- At the Eucharist, offer the eucharistic prayer in this way. Begin with
the chalice: “We give thanks to thee, our Father, for the holy Vine of thy
servant David, which thou hast made known to us through thy servant Jesus.
Then over the broken bread: “We give thanks to thee, our Father, for the
life and knowledge thou hast made known to us through thy servant Jesus.”
Scripture:
Multiplication of loaves: Jesus gives thanks
Mt.15:36, Mk.8:6, Jn.6:11
The Last Supper: Jesus gives thanks
Mt.26:27, Mk.14:23, Lk.22:17-19, 1Cor.11:24
Bread of Life Discourse: Jesus gives thanks
Jn.6:23
Giving thanks to God (Jesus)
Lk.17:16, Lk.18:11, Jn.11:41, Act.27:35, Act.28:15, Rom.1:21, Rom.7:25, Rom.14:6, Rom.16:4, 1Cor.1:14, 1Cor.10:30, 1Cor.14:17-18, 2Cor.1:11, Eph.5:20, Col.1:12, Col.3:17, 1Thess.2:13, 1Thess.5:18, 2Thess.2:13, Rev.11:17
Paul gives thanks to others
Eph.1:16
Giving thanks to God: Introductory literary device
Rom.1:8, 1Cor.1:4, Phil.1:3, Col.1:3, 1Thess.1:2, 2Thess.1:3, Phlm.1:4
Etymology: The Greek prefix eu- means well. The Greek verb charizomai means to give freely. The Latin verb agere means to conduct, to act, and to deliver something or someone.
Conclusion: Eucharist, Eucharistic, agent, agency, participate
At Mass Catholics believe that the offered bread and wine becomes the Body and Blood of Christ (Eucharist). This Greek term is used in many more ways than just for a Catholic sacrament. It was very interesting to note that this Greek term eucharisteo is found 38 times in the bible! It is interesting to see that this term is used in a secular sense. I was surprised how often this term was used in a secular and religious context in the Greco-Roman culture. This is understandable in such a culture where an emperor is perceived to be a god.