er, when the cause is multiplied, the effect is likewise
multiplied. If therefore this sacrament benefit others besides the
recipients, it would follow that it benefits a man more if he receive
this sacrament through many hosts being consecrated in one mass,
whereas this is not the Church's custom: for instance, that many
receive communion for the salvation of one individual. Consequently,
it does not seem that this sacrament benefits anyone but the
recipient.

_On the contrary,_ Prayer is made for many others during the
celebration of this sacrament; which would serve no purpose were the
sacrament not beneficial to others. Therefore, this sacrament is
beneficial not merely to them who receive it.

_I answer that,_ As stated above (A. 3), this sacrament is not only a
sacrament, but also a sacrifice. For, it has the nature of a
sacrifice inasmuch as in this sacrament Christ's Passion is
represented, whereby Christ "offered Himself a Victim to God" (Eph.
5:2), and it has the nature of a sacrament inasmuch as invisible
grace is bestowed in this sacrament under a visible species. So,
then, this sacrament benefits recipients by way both of sacrament and
of sacrifice, because it is offered for all who partake of it. For it
is said in the Canon of the Mass: "May as many of us as, by
participation at this Altar, shall receive the most sacred body and
blood of Thy Son, be filled with all heavenly benediction and grace."

But to others who do not receive it, it is beneficial by way of
sacrifice, inasmuch as it is offered for their salvation. Hence it is
said in the Canon of the Mass: "Be mindful, O Lord, of Thy servants,
men and women . . . for whom we offer, or who offer up to Thee, this
sacrifice of praise for themselves and for all their own, for the
redemption of their souls, for the hope of their safety and
salvation." And our Lord expressed both ways, saying (Matt. 26:28,
with Luke 22:20): "Which for you," i.e. who receive it, "and for
many," i.e. others, "shall be shed unto remission of sins."

Reply Obj. 1: This sacrament has this in addition to the others, that
it is a sacrifice: and therefore the comparison fails.

Reply Obj. 2: As Christ's Passion benefits all, for the forgiveness
of sin and the attaining of grace and glory, whereas it produces no
effect except in those who are united with Christ's Passion through
faith and charity, so likewise this sacrifice, which is the memorial
of our Lord's Passion, has no e