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The liturgy of the Eucharist refers to the part of the Mass that begins with the
collection and the preparation of the altar and the bread and wine. What are we
doing in these actions? Much of the answer lies in the word "Eucharist." Derived
from the Greek, it means "thanksgiving."
Our thanksgiving is best expressed in the main prayer of the liturgy of the
Eucharist, the Eucharist prayer. Some history of this prayer: its roots are in
the Jewish tradition of meal blessings. As a devout Jew, Jesus would have prayed
such blessings at meals. Early Christians (who were Jews) used them in their
celebrations known as "the breaking of the bread," when they obeyed Jesus'
command to "Do this in memory of me." Over time, references to Jesus and the
meaning of his life, death and resurrection were incorporated into these
blessings. Two of the present Eucharistic prayers we now use date from the third
and fourth centuries. All follow a similar pattern. In other words, Christians
have been praying this way at the Eucharist ever since there were Christians!
The Eucharistic prayer is thanksgiving for the heart of life as Christians
understand it: for all of God's creation, and especially for the saving works of
Christ. It is proclaimed over bread and wine, symbols of what is most basic,
food and drink from the tables of ordinary people. In this context, when we are
focused on the foundations of our life, we also petition God for the abundance
promised at this table to be shared with the whole world, with the church, with
all who seek God, and with the dead.
The prayer is an action that everyone in the church is meant to participate in:
it is not "the priest's prayer." From "The Lord be with you" and the dialogue
that follows, through the Great Amen, the Eucharistic prayer requires the
vigorous participation of all present. We involve ourselves fully when we join
our hearts to the words sung or spoken by the priest, when we assume an
attentive posture, when we put aside the missalette and listen, when we sing the
acclamations with full voice.
In the end, "Eucharist" is what our life as Christians is all about. Whenever we
stand, in suffering or joy or confusion or routine, our life is always to be
thanksgiving, always to be a sharing of God's abundance with all in need.
See Also:
On The Grace of Gratitude – A Thanksgiving Meditation
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