Mass Intentions (Part 2)
The History of 0ffering Masses for loved ones, friends or specific needs
We are meant to have a relationship with Christ through His Church. While other Christians may also enter into the presence of God for all eternity, the Catholic Orthodox Churches have the assurance of the Lord that all the necessary “means” of salvation are present in these Churches. Since we are not God we cannot simply say, “Grandma is with God in heaven.” We don’t know this for a fact. Our prayers offered for them are signs of our love.
“Because we considered that they who had fallen asleep with godliness, had great grace laid up for them. Therefore, it is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they might be loosed of their sins.” 2 Maccabees, 12, 45-46
Please keep in mind that the tradition of offering Masses for others living or dead, or for particular needs, originates in the very early Church. Inscriptions discovered on tombs in Roman catacombs of the second century offer evidence of this practice: for example, the epitaph on the tomb of Abercius (d. 180), Bishop of Hieropolis in Phrygia, (now Turkey) begs for prayers for the repose of his soul. Tertullian (c. 200) attested to observing the anniversary of a spouse with prayers and sacrifices, i.e. the Mass:
“Indeed, she prays for his soul, and requests refreshment for him meanwhile, and fellowship with him in the first resurrection; and she offers her sacrifice on the anniversaries of his falling asleep.” (On Monogamy, X)
The Canons of Hippolytus (c. 235) explicitly mentions the offering of prayers for the dead during the Mass. St. Cyril of Jerusalem (d. 386), in one of his many teachings offered to catechumens, explained how at Mass both the living and dead are remembered, and how the Eucharistic Sacrifice of our Lord is of benefit to sinners, living and dead. St. Ambrose (d. 397) preached, “We have loved them during life; let us not abandon them in death, until we have conducted them by our prayers into the house of the Lord.” St. John Chrysostom (d. 407) stated, “Let us help and commemorate them. If Job’s sons were purified by their father’s sacrifice, why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them.” St. Augustine (d. 430) recorded the dying wishes of his mother, St. Monica in his Confessions: “One thing only I ask you, son, that you remember me at the altar of the Lord wherever you may be.” Finally, Pope St. Gregory (d. 604) said, “Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them.”
Given this understanding, we can add some specifics. When a priest offers Holy Mass, he prays in union with the whole Church and for the good of the whole Church. Also, the priest offers the Mass for a particular intention, such as the repose of the soul of someone who has died, or the good health, peace or wellbeing of a living person.
The laity are also called to offer the Masses they attend for the intention and good of others, living and dead.
Therefore, the effects of the Mass bring certain benefits or fruits. The general fruits of the Mass are the effects upon the whole Church — to the living faithful as well as the souls in purgatory. For this reason, in the Eucharistic Prayer, a special mention is made for both the living and the dead.
If you have a loved one who has died, do not abandon them in the next life, offer prayers, sacrifices and especially Mass intentions to continue this bond of love which is not destroyed by death.
If you have a special intention you are praying for, have a Mass offered. Whether it is a child who has wandered from the Church, a sick grandbaby, peace in the world or the anniversary or birthday of a loved one.
If you want to have a Mass offered, please call the parish office (580.536.6351) to request a Mass. Normally we can schedule a time that is convenient for the one who offers the Mass to be in attendance to pray.
A $10 stipend is suggested but not necessary. No one “pays” for a Mass. Mass will still be offered with or without a stipend. The grace of God is free.
