Baltimore Catechism III, Lesson 06. Blessing Before & After Meals

by William C. Michael

In this lesson, we study the prayers known as that “acts” of faith, hope, love and contrition. To complete the objectives of this lesson, complete the following tasks:

- Study the lesson for mastery.
- Work to memorize the answers to each question.
- Complete the lesson assessment.

To view the entire text of Baltimore Catechism III, visit the Academy Library.

Lesson

Recite the questions and answers below until the answers are memorized.

The Blessing Before Meals

Q. 110. Say the Blessing before Meals.A. Bless us, O Lord! and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Grace After Meals

Q. 111. Say the Grace after Meals.A. We give Thee thanks for all Thy benefits, O Almighty God, who livest and reignest for ever; and may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Q. 112. What does “Grace” at meals mean?A. “Grace” at meals means the thanks we offer God for the food we are about to receive or have just taken.

It should be understood that the English word “grace” comes from the Latin “gratias”, which means “thanks”. “We give Thee thanks” is “Agimus Tibi gratias” in Latin. — Mr. Michael

Q. 113. Why should we say “Grace” at meals.A. We should say “Grace” at meals to show our gratitude to God, who has given us all we possess and daily supplies our wants.

Q. 114. Is it wrong to despise or waste our food?A. It is wrong to despise or waste our food, because we thereby slight the goodness of God, who owes us nothing.

Q. 115. Is it a sin to neglect “Grace” at meals?A. It is not a sin to neglect “Grace” at meals, but only a mark of our ingratitude; for if we are to thank God for all His gifts we should do so especially at the time they are given.