St. Paul tells us “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Eating and drinking are common to all of us, and isn’t it wonderful that we can eat and drink for the glory of God?
This Bible passage brings to mind the motto of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the Jesuits, Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (“For the Greater Glory of God”). We should strive to do everything in our lives for the greater glory of God–and this includes eating and drinking!
Eating and drinking for the glory of God involves eating and drinking temperately rather than immoderately. We also need to take reasonable care of our health by eating healthfully.
“The most efficacious means of keeping in mind the rules of temperance, and obtaining strength to follow them, is to say, piously, the prayer before and after meals. By this we shall draw down upon ourselves the blessing of God, and obtain the grace not to offend Him” (St. John Baptist de la Salle).
You can pray in your own words before and after meals, or you can use these traditional Catholic prayers for before and after meals. They can be easily memorized and prayed anywhere you eat!
Gratitude, Temperance, and Hospitality
A Christian approach to food begins with gratitude. Saying grace recognizes that the meal, the people who prepared it, the work that paid for it, and the earth that produced it are gifts. Thanksgiving also helps us remember people who lack enough to eat.
Temperance means receiving food with freedom rather than being ruled by appetite. It allows both fasting and feasting to have their proper place. Hospitality extends the blessing outward by welcoming another person, sharing what we have, and giving attention to those at the table.
Make Mealtime a Habit of Prayer
Pause before eating, even in a restaurant or during a busy workday. Pray simply and without embarrassment. After the meal, give thanks rather than treating the food as something owed to us.
Use our Catholic prayers before and after meals to establish a consistent practice at home, while traveling, or when gathering with guests.