[Greek] εὐχαριστία (eucharistia), [Latin] gratia: thankfulness, gratitude, giving of thanks, words of gratefulness; Acts 24:3, 1Cor.14:16, 2Cor.4:15, 2Cor.9:11-12, Eph.5:4, Php.4:6, Col.2:7, Col.4:2, 1Thess.3:9, 1Tim.2:1, 1Tim.4:3-4, Rev.4:9, Rev.7:12
A monstrance containing the Eucharist
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term, meaning thanksgiving and gratitude, occurs in both religious and secular contexts. The religious sense is found in expressing thankfulness for the gods’ help (with healings and fortune). Thanks to a deity is frequently illustrated with a specific writing style (format) in an epistle. A greeting is followed by a thanksgiving for the benefits that one has been bestowed. In other secular contexts, a benefit is given to another. A favor imposes the obligation of thanks, thankfulness, and gratitude.
Epictetus’ Discourse 1.6.1-2 states “It is easy to praise providence for anything that may happen if you have two qualities: a complete view of what has actually happened in each instance and a sense of gratitude. Without gratitude, what is the point of seeing, and without seeing what is the object of gratitude.” Demosthenes’ On the Crown 91 states “That the Greek may know the merits of the Athenians and the gratitude of the Byzantines and Perinthians.” Demosthenes’ On the Crown 18 states “Let me begin, men of Athens, by beseeching all the powers of Heaven that on this trial, I may find in Athenian hearts such benevolence toward me.”
Old Testament: This term is related to the Hebrew todah, meaning thanksgiving, thanks offering, praise, and gratitude. A todah sacrifice would be offered by someone whose life has been delivered from great peril. The redeemed person would show his gratitude to God by a todah sacrificial meal. The lamb, bread and wine make up the elements of this sacred meal. This Hebrew todah points to the Eucharist in the New Testament.
I went with them to the house of God, amid loud cries of thanksgiving (Psa.41:5). Offer praise as your sacrifice to God; fulfill your vows to the Most High (Psa.49:14). That I may praise God’s name in song and glorify it with thanksgiving (Psa.68:31). When anyone makes a peace offering in thanksgiving, together with his thanksgiving sacrifice he shall offer unleavened cakes mixed with oil, unleavened wafers spread with oil, and cakes made of fine flour mixed with oil and well kneaded (Lev.7:12).
New Testament: This term (noun) refers to the acts of thanksgiving, expression of thanks, and words of gratefulness in more general terms. Interestingly, this term, not found in the gospels, makes reference to the secular appreciation of others, giving thanks and praise to God, prayerful vigilance, and extending prayers (and petitions) to others. The related verb eucharisteo, meaning to give thanks, refers to Jesus’ offering up bread and wine. This verb, rather than the related noun, more closely corresponds to the Jewish ritual blessing of the bread and wine. Jesus’ offering of the bread and wine points to the Eucharist.
Scripture:
“We acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all gratitude.” Acts 24:3
This is simple form of secular gratitude from person to another.
“Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.” 2Cor.4:15
We receive grace from God. This grace allows for thanksgiving to overflow for the God’s glory.
“Persevere in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Col.4:2
Prayer of thanksgiving is necessary for vigilance on one’s spiritual condition.
Early Church:
“Take care, then, to use one Eucharist, so that whatever you do; you do according to God: for there is one Flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ, and one cup in the union of His Blood.”
Ignatius’ Letter to the Philadelphians 4 (110 A.D)
“We call this food Eucharist; and no one else is permitted to partake of it, except one who believes our teaching to be true…the food which has been made into the Eucharist by the Eucharistic prayer set down by Him, and by the change of which our blood and flesh is nourished, is both the Flesh and the Blood of that incarnated Jesus.” Justin Martyr’s First Apology (148-155 A.D)
“Every morning and every hour they give thanks and praise to God for His loving-kindness toward them; and for their food and their drink they offer thanksgiving to Him.” Apology of Aristides (125 A.D.)
When was the term ‘Eucharist’ first used? The Didache, also called the ‘Teaching of the Twelve Apostles’, is claimed to be the first written document containing the term ‘Eucharist’. Although not considered canonical, this book is estimated to be have been written around 65-80 AD.
Monstrance: This is a receptacle in which the consecrated Host (Eucharist) is shown for adoration or carried in procession. This term comes from the Latin monstrare, meaning to show. Essentially, monstrance means demonstration or proof. The monstrance was first used in 14th century France and Germany when popular devotions to the Blessed Sacrament developed.
Nine Benefits of Eucharist Adoration:
“The grace of adoration of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament is given to everybody.” (St. Peter Julian Eymard)
“Our Lord hears our prayers anywhere, but He has revealed to His servants that those who visit Him in the Eucharist will obtain a more abundant measure of grace.” (St. Alphonsus Ligouri)
“A Holy Hour in front of the Blessed Sacrament is worth more than a thousand years of human glory.” (St. Padre Pio)
“This is not merely a passing devotional practice. It is founded on divinely revealed truths.” (Pope Pius XII)
“Adoration is to enter into profound heartfelt communion with the Lord, who makes Himself bodily present in the Eucharist!” (Pope Benedict XVI)
“Jesus Himself is calling you to spend one special specific hour with Him each week.” (St. John Paul II)
“The Eucharist bathes the tormented soul in light and love. Then the soul appreciates these words, ‘Come all you who are sick, I will restore your health.’” (St. Bernadette Soubirous)
“Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament has His hands full of graces and He is ready to bestow them on anyone who asks for them.” (St. Peter of Alcantara)
“Our Lord is hidden there in the Blessed Sacrament, waiting for us to come and visit Him, and make our requests to Him.” (St. John Vianney)
Conclusion:
Eucharist, Eucharistic, gratis, gratitude
I think it is important to note that this term occurs both in a religious and secular sense in the Greek Hellenistic era. This is very plausible during the times when man gives thanks for the gods’ help. Expressing thankfulness also is found in an epistle format. Epictetus and other Stoics have very interesting perspectives on expressing thankfulness. They give thanks to providence for allowing them to thank and embrace the good or bad that happens to them.
In the Old Testament, the todah points to the Eucharist. The todah utilizes the lamb, bread and wine. The lamb is offered up. In the Eucharist, Jesus, the lamb, is offered up in form of bread and wine. The sacrifice of the Eucharist is the re-presentation of the one sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross.
It was interesting to note that the noun eucharistia references thanksgiving in a more general sense (rather than the eucharist itself). On the other hand, the verb eucharisteo references Jesus’ offering the bread and wine. This term Eucharist (as we currently understand it) actually had not yet come into being until years later in the early Church.
It is significant to note that Ignatius had a direct relationship with the Apostle John. Ignatius was a disciple of John. John’s gospel has a strong focus on the Eucharist (although not explicitly stated). Ignatius would have been already familiar with this Eucharistic theology and Christology of Jesus.
Justin Martyr, a Gentile philosopher, normally associated with his fellow philosophers among the temple grounds. After his conversion to Christianity, rather than remaining with his fellow Christians, he remained with his philosopher friends. In the temple grounds, there was an unwritten code of conduct (between philosophers) that one can state his opinions (and beliefs) without fear of reprisal. Justin Martyr used his philosophical and rhetorical skills to define and defend Christian teachings. As a result, he also converted others to Christianity. Interestingly, the term apologia originally meant a speech in defense of. Essentially Justin Martyr was defending (“apologizing for”) the Christians and Christianity. (The modern meaning of “I am sorry” comes much later in the 18th century).
Catholic perspective: The Eucharist (in its bread form) contains both the Body and Blood of Jesus. The liquid form (in the chalice) also contains both the Body and Blood Jesus. Therefore, it is not strictly necessary to partake of both forms. However, some people like to receive both forms.
I have to say that I have a greater appreciation (thankfulness) in learning the history of this word.
I certainly have lot to be thankful this year.
Happy Thanksgiving!