From a reader:
Father, is it appropriate for a person to ask a priest to offer Mass for a non-human intention, like “for a bountiful harvest” or “for good weather”? Canon law says (c. 901) that a priest can offer Mass for anyone, living or dead, but it is also more general (c. 945 ff) in saying the priest can accept an offering to apply a Mass “for a specific intention.” I find it odd to hear an intention that is not directly for a person(s). But, is it ok? I know there are votive Masses for various needs. Perhaps that answers my question.
Yes, that answers your question.
Masses can be said for intentions that are not for humans, living or dead. The intention can be in some way associated with, for example, the common good. You pointed out that there are Votive Masses for various intentions. Some of my favorites ar, in the 1962 Missale:
- Mass in time of war
- Mass for the forgiveness of sins
- Mass for the grace of a good death
- Mass for the preservation of ecclesiastical vocations
- etc.
There are also some additional orations that can be added, such as:
- to ask for rain
- to ask for humilty
- etc.
Of course all of these things come back to what we are asking God to grant to the living.
We can bring all our cares and needs to the altar. The Church has Mass formularies for many occasions.
