On Thursday of Holy Week, the night before he died on the cross, Jesus celebrated the Passover with his disciples. At the meal, Jesus took bread and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take eat; this is my body.” He took a cup of wine, gave thanks, and said, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:26-28).

We call this sacred meal Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper, or the Sacrament of the Altar. It is also called the Eucharist, from the Greek word for giving thanks, as Jesus did when he gave us this gift. Now we give thanks for the sacred meal of Jesus’ body and blood, given and shed for the forgiveness of our sins.