To those of you who have religion at heart, I now more particularly speak; to call your attention to a duty, much neglected, but most becoming a Christian people. This is the asking a blessing and returning thanks at meals. Can it but be most fit, that when we sit down at our tables, we should beg of God to grant His blessing on the food His Providence provides us with? And when we rise, to render Him our thanks for the sustenance we have received? Observe the authority we have in Holy Scriptures for this Christian duty. Whether ye eat or drink, or whatsoever else you do, so all to the glory of God; writes Saint Paul, after saying, If I partake with thanksgiving, why am I evil spoken of for that which I give thanks. Elsewhere he says, Every creature of God is good, and nothing to be rejected that is received with thanksgiving: for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer; and we have the example of our dear Lord and Saviour; taking the seven loaves and the fishes, and giving thanks, he brake and gave to his disciples. When they were at supper (we find again) Jesus took bread, and blessed: and, taking the chalice, he gave thanks; and, again, at table with them, (the two disciples at Emmaus) he took bread and blessed and brake. What is called saying grace, or asking a blessing, was our Lord's custom at meals. Is it so with you? It is often totally neglected; often a mere form, useless, hurried, and irreverent. It becomes you as Christians and Catholics, professing attention to religious duties, not to omit this duty; but to give an example to your neighbours, to observe that in this respect as in others, the resolution of Joshua shall be yours: As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. It may bring on you His blessing, of more value than all this world can give you.
- text taken from Daily Bread - Bring a Few Morning Meditations for the Use of Catholic Christians by Father Richard Waldo Sibthorp