Read: Ezra 3: 11 Lk. 24: 13-34

"While he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him... he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread." (Lk. 24:30-35)

Jesus must have had a very special way of praying. For though He followed the ancient Jewish forms, His actions carried His unique mark. For example, His blessing over the third chalice was to invite His disciples to drink from His cup... raising all present to the level of dignitaries at table. It was at the thanksgiving prayer over the cup (eucharistia) as opposed to the short prayer said over the bread (eulogia) that distinguished Jesus from others. He must have pronounced His prayers in such a way that they evoked in the hearers something altogether spiritual, meaningful and moving.

"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." (Mt. 15:36)

See also: Mt. 26:27; Mk. 8:6; Mk. 14:23; Lk. 22:17; Jn. 6:11; Jn. 6:23

The thanksgiving prayers were divided up into three parts: Thanksgiving to God, the Creator of all the universe, for His goodness and mercy. Thanksgiving for the land that God has given as our inheritance. Thanksgiving and intercession for Jerusalem.

It is within this context that the Lord’s prayers and pronouncements came. See John:14-17. The essential elements to this thanksgiving celebration are present in all the Gospel accounts.

The father of the house was to take the cup filled with wine, raise it up to God, freeing it, and bless God for His gift to us, all as an acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty.

In the Last Supper, Jesus gave thanks... and gave the starting point... for what was to become the Church’s sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving... the evolution of the Eucharistic Celebration, The Holy Mass.

Psalm 116:13 "I will raise the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD."