[Greek] εὐχαριστέω (eucharisteō), [Latin] gratias agere: to give thanks, to express gratitude, to express thanks: 41 scriptural references 
Background information:
Greco-Roman culture: This term means to be thankful, to give thanks, and to pray.
- When favor is given, an obligation of thanks is expected.
- This practice of giving thanks is found both in the secular and religious sense.
- Public secular thanksgiving is found in the bestowing of honors to public leaders and servants.
- Private secular thanksgiving is found as a literary device in letters.
- Public religious thanksgiving is found in the public worshipping of the emperor and the gods.
- Thanksgiving is given in response to healings, sacrifices, and petitions.
Polybius’ Histories 16.25.2: “The Athenian people sent envoys to King Attalus, both to thank him for the past, and to urge him to come to Athens to consult with them of the dangers that face them.”
Demosthenes’ On the Crown 18.92: “The people erected an altar to Gratitude and the People of Athens, grateful for having rescued them from Phillip and restoring their fatherland.”
Polybius’ Histories 4.72.7: “After receiving the thanks of Aratus, Phillip dismissed the assembly, getting his army and marched toward Lasion.”
The people show an expression of thanks (eucharistia) for the emperor.
Old Testament/Judaism: There is no Hebrew equivalent to this term. Religious thanks are expressed in a Toda (thanks offering) and a song of thanksgiving. Food and drinks are objects of thanksgiving. Thanksgiving never ceases. A Toda sacrifice would be offered by someone whose life has been delivered from great peril. The lamb, bread, and wine make up elements of this sacred meal. This Hebrew Todah points to the Eucharist.
Testament: This term means to give thanks.
Scripture:
Jesus gives thanks:
Mt.15:36: “Then He took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds.” (There is no difference between giving thanks and saying the blessing. The thanksgiving was a blessing of God for His benefits.)
Jesus heals the lepers:
Lk.17:16: “One of the lepers, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice.” (Jesus stated that the leper’s faith [in Jesus] healed him.)
Mockingly giving thanks to God:
Lk.18:11: “The Pharisee said, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity–greedy, dishonest, adulterous, or even like the tax collector.'” (The Pharisees displays his arrogance and disdain for others.)
Jesus gives thanks to God for hearing Him:
“Jesus raised His eyes and said, ‘Father, I thank you for hearing Me.'” (Upon Jesus calling upon the Father, Jesus calls upon Lazarus to come alive. The Greek noun abba means father.)
Paul reminding others to give thanks to God:
1Cor.11:24: “After He had given thanks, broke it and said, ‘This is my Body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.'” (This is the earliest written account of the Lord’s Supper in the New Testament. Paul points out that anyone who eats the bread and drinks the cup unworthily will eat and drink judgment on himself. Paul stresses the seriousness of this sacred act.)
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.
In the New Testament, Jesus’ offering was not yet called the Eucharist. Eucharist was later coined as the original first-century term for the Communion service.
Some time after 100 AD, the ritual of the Lord’s Supper became to be known as the Eucharist.
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)
Etymology: The Greek prefix (eu-) means well. The Greek verb charizomai means to give freely. The Latin verb agere means to conduct, to act, to deliver. The Greek noun eucharistia means thanks offering.
Conclusion: Eucharist, eucharistic, agent, agency
It is important to note that the emperor was seen as a divine being. Other gods (deities) often received praise from the people.
In the New Testament, Jesus’ offering was not yet called the Eucharist. Eucharist was later coined as the original first-century term for the Communion service.
President George Washington declared that Thursday November 26, 1789 as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer. Thanksgiving is a day to set aside to give thanks for one’s blessings. Thanksgiving has become both a religious and secular form of giving thanks.
Happy Thanksgiving!
As we move into Advent and Christmas, regular posts will later resume in 2025.