Fr. Louis Guardiola, C.P.M.
Finally the Mass is the Divinely ordained means of applying the merits of Calvary. Christ won for the world all the graces it needs for sanctification and salvation. But these blessings are conferred gradually and continually since Calvary and mainly through the Mass. Their measure of conferral is in proportion to the faith and loving response of the faithful who unite themselves in spirit with the Mass.
It is in this sense that The Mass is an oblation of the whole Mystical Body, head and members. Yet, among the faithful some have been ordained priests and their role is substantially different from that of the laity. The priest is indispensable since he alone by his powers can change the elements of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. Nevertheless, the role of the participants is of great importance, not as there would be no Mass without a congregation, but because the people’s, “full, active and conscious participation will involve them both body and soul and will inspire them with faith, hope and charity.”
The more active this participation, the more glory is given to God and grace is bestowed not only on the Church Herself, but on all members of the human race.