Catechesis: The Mass

Epiphanius declares the Aerius thought that prayers for the dead were useless. He finds fault with this. We do not favor Aerius either, but we argue with you because you defend a heresy that clearly conflicts with the prophets, apostles, and Holy Fathers. This heresy is that the Mass justifies by the outward act (ex opere operato), that when applied it merits the pardon of guilt and punishment even for the unjust if they do not present an obstacle. We object to these deadly errors, which divert people from the glory of Christ’s passion and entirely overthrow the doctrine about the righteousness of faith.—Ap XXIV:96