Why is giving thanks to God necessary?
Catechism Meditation:
Thanksgiving characterizes the prayer of the Church which, in celebrating the Eucharist, reveals and becomes more fully what she is. Indeed, in the work of salvation, Christ sets creation free from sin and death to consecrate it anew and make it return to the Father, for his glory. The thanksgiving of the members of the Body participates in that of their Head. As in the prayer of petition, every event and need can become an offering of thanksgiving. The letters of St. Paul often begin and end with thanksgiving, and the Lord Jesus is always present in it: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”; “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” ―Nos. 2637-2638
REFLECTION: In his article, A Season of Gratitude: Living Thanksgiving every day, Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez writes: Gratitude is at the heart of who we are as Catholics. The greatest expression of thanksgiving is the celebration of the Eucharist. The very word “Eucharist” comes from the Greek word Eucharistia, meaning “thanksgiving.” It is an action..
At Mass, we listen to God’s Word and are nourished by it. And then we offer back to God the simple gifts of bread and wine. Through Christ’s sacrifice, those gifts become His Body and Blood. What happened on Good Friday is made present to us here and now. This is our act of thanksgiving.
We can never thank God enough for giving us His Son, who became one with us and now sustains us in the Eucharist. At every Mass, we are reminded: “It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks.” Those words matter. Thanksgiving is not reserved for good times only. It is constant — always and everywhere.
Giving thanks is necessary for our salvation—especially when it comes to giving thanks to God. If anyone should understand the meaning of Thanksgiving, it’s Catholics. Every Mass is a celebration of gratitude.
PRAYER. Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of eternal life. May I live with gratitude and faith, preparing my soul for everlasting joy with You.
Timeless Wisdom Quote:
“God is love. Hence, anything He does to me deserves my gratitude, and I will say thank you. God is still good even though He does not give me whatever I WANT in this world. He gives me only what I NEED for the next.” ― Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen