Why Bless Objects?

Q: My friend questions the custom of blessing objects such as cars, homes, crosses and other things. Why is that done?

A: I think that blessing such things is a fine custom as long as the person does not think that the blessing excuses him or her from using the object prudently. For example, having my car blessed does not mean that I can drive recklessly and be guaranteed not to have an accident.

Blessing objects is one way of saying that everything comes from God and should be used in harmony with God's intention, with respect for the rest of creation (human and nonhuman). We bless the food we eat, but we do not eat everything in sight! The virtue of temperance should influence all of life.

The General Introduction to Book of Blessings (U.S. Catholic Conference) says that blessings "refer first and foremost to God, whose majesty and goodness they extol, and since they indicate the communication of God's favor, they also involve human beings, whom he governs and in his providence protects.

"Further, blessings apply to other created things through which, in their abundance and variety, God blesses human beings" (#7).