Why did God choose bread and wine? From a historical perspective, it isn’t difficult to find a reason. Both foods were common within Jewish and Roman cultures, and they were both present at the celebration of the Passover, which was what Jesus and the disciples were celebrating at the Last Supper. 

However, in a homily, St. Augustine offers another perspective which is worth meditating upon. Augustine notes that making bread does not require just one grain of wheat, but an uncountable amount. Likewise, making wine requires gathering the juices of a multitude of grapes. Nobody makes wine from a single grape and nobody makes a loaf of bread with one grain of wheat. 

Once the bread, the body of Christ, is broken, it is handed to the congregation. Still, the pieces all come from one loaf of bread. Saint Paul writes, “Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf” (1 Corinthians 10:17). Likewise, we all sip from the same cup. 

The theme of unity is evident and flowing throughout the Eucharist. This unity as one Church worshiping God is what can bring ultimate joy. Yet the question remains: how do we achieve the joyful unity of participation in the Eucharist? 

The answer is gratitude. First, we offer gratitude to the Father, following the actions of Jesus at the Last Supper. Then, we offer gratitude to one another, sharing fellowship and gathering as one at the table. We are called to break bread with those on the margins of society, just as Jesus searched out the wounded, forgotten, and marginalized. We are even called to offer gratitude for our enemies. Remember, Jesus broke bread even with Judas. In the Buddhist tradition, enemies are labeled, “the most precious spiritual teachers” for the moments of personal trial that our enemies can provide. Those trials allow us to take up our Cross like Jesus did. For this we shall be forever thankful. 

Gratitude does not create a passivity and acceptance of the status quo. Rather, it renavigates our minds and hearts towards what really matters: God. Gratitude does not live in the past and makes one constantly look backwards to people and gifts to be thankful for. Rather, it forces us to stand in the present moment and ask what we have to be thankful for in this time and space, in the here and now. Once again, the answer is God. 

If you are still doubtful that the way to joyful unity as one Church is through gratitude, then reflect on the fact that the English word Eucharist comes from the Greek word eukharistia, which is translated “thanksgiving”. This is because the Jewish celebration of the Passover was intended to offer thanksgiving to God for delivery from slavery in Egypt. So as we go about our lives asking God to deliver us from evils and temptations, let us begin with the gratitude for God which is the foundation for the Eucharist. Let this Thanksgiving holiday plant in us a renewing dedication to the Sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist.