Who does the Celebrant Say Mass for?

[FightingFat]

Would I be right in stating that Mass is not said for the people?

My thoughts:

It is the highest form of worship, where the people are led by the priest in re-presenting (anamnesis) the perfect Sacrifice of Jesus Christ to God the Father.

Certainly the people gain much from this act of worship. But it’s not something done “for” them, this idea, if perpetuated, leads us to consider the Mass as a form of entertainment. It is not, it is a giving of ourselves to God and a uniting of ourselves in communion.

When we partake in the Mass, what we say and what we do (our actions) constitute a prayer to God the Holy Trinity. The priest doesn’t act something out for the edification of the congregation.

Does this make sense?

 

[Jeffe]

I kind of see where you’re going, however, I feel mass is for everyone (and must be) it’s the only way we can receive communion.

-Jeff

 

[MarkThompson]

Would I be right in stating that Mass is not said for the people?

My thoughts:

It is the highest form of worship, where the people are led by the priest in re-presenting (anamnesis) the perfect Sacrifice of Jesus Christ to God the Father.

Certainly the people gain much from this act of worship. But it’s not something done “for” them, this idea, if perpetuated, leads us to consider the Mass as a form of entertainment. It is not, it is a giving of ourselves to God and a uniting of ourselves in communion.

When we partake in the Mass, what we say and what we do (our actions) constitute a prayer to God the Holy Trinity. The priest doesn’t act something out for the edification of the congregation.

Does this make sense?

I think your question is answered by these portions of the Roman Canon (new translation, if I may be permitted to anticipate):
. . . [T]hese holy and unblemished sacrifices, which we offer you firstly for your holy catholic Church. Be pleased to grant her peace, to guard, unite and govern her throughout the whole world . . . .

Remember, Lord, your servants N. and N. and all gathered here, whose faith and devotion are known to you. For them, we offer you this sacrifice of praise or they offer it for themselves and all who are dear to them, for the redemption of their souls, in hope of health and well-being, and paying their homage to you, the eternal God, living and true.
What I think is actually happening here is that you are conflating two very separate issues: (1) for whom is the Mass offered?, and (2) is it necessary that it be edifying for the congregation? The answer to (1) is as I quoted above. With respect to (2), the real answer is that it is not necessary, but edification is always a good thing and an object to be pursued. That’s not to say that pandering is good, but properly edifying elements such as having (or at minimum repeating) the readings in the vernacular and preaching a homily are greatly beneficial.