555. When is thanksgiving given to God?
(Comp 555) The Church gives thanks to
God unceasingly, above all in celebrating the Eucharist in which Christ allows
her to participate in his own thanksgiving to the Father. For the Christian
every event becomes a reason for giving thanks.
“In brief”
(CCC 2648) Every joy and suffering, every event and need can
become the matter for thanksgiving which, sharing in that of Christ, should
fill one's whole life: "Give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thess
5:18).
To deepen and explain
(CCC 2637) 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.
Reflection
(CCC 2638) 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" (1 Thess 5:18; Col 4:2).
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