Actually, according to RC canon law, a locale may establish a "price list" for masses.
"If a sum of money is offered for the application of Masses without an indication of the number of Masses to be celebrated, the number is to be computed on the basis of the offering established in the place where the donor resides, unless the intention of the donor must be presumed legitimately to have been different." (Can. 950)
You can only compute the number of masses if you know the per mass price in advance. It is a business after all, the buying and selling of masses.
Therefore by your theory, we are buying sacraments.
Not my theory. What do you think the phrase “special intentions” is meant to convey. The “intention” is that God would pour out an extra measure of grace on the soul of the person for whom the mass was purchased, either living or dead, thus reducing their time spent in purgatory.
That doesn’t make sense in that everything can be obtained for free, with no cash exchanged.
Can be, but practically speaking those with means are expected to kick in their fair share.
“It is recommended earnestly to priests that they celebrate Mass for the intention of the Christian faithful, especially the needy, even if they have not received an offering.” (Can. 945)
Note this is only “recommended”. And then it is only really recommended for the “needy” however that is defined.
You have proven my point!
“If a sum of money.......” That big “IF” means no money is expected.
With as many priests and a Bishop in my family, let me tell ya FRiend, they expect NOTHING for their masses and most of the time that is exactly what they get.
In fact, they are surprised to be invited to the wedding reception after the wedding! LOLOL!!