Thursday of the Second Week of Lent
March 20, 2014

First Day of Spring!

Question of the Day:
Recently I read in a newspaper something about indulgences. I haven’t heard that word used in years and was wondering if such a thing still exists in the Church?

Last fall, with the announcement by the Vatican of the new Enchirodion Indulgentarium (Handbook on Indulgences), much discussion on the topic of indulgences surfaced in and outside the Church. Countless numbers of people were of the opinion that the traditional practice of indulgences had been done away with, references to be found only in the basement shelves of libraries. In anticipation of the Jubilee Year, a new approach and emphasis to the subject of indulgences was put forward in the new publication. While certainly not a principle Church teaching (nor a popular one for that matter in some circles), indulgences still exist in the Church and reference to them is made in the Code of Canon Law. When looking at indulgences, emphasis needs to placed on the mercy of God rather than on the accumulation of so-called bonus points for the next life. When looked at from its proper perspective, one should have no problem with the teaching on indulgence has it is presented today.

Immediately following the canons on the Sacrament of Penance (cc. 959-991) in Book IV of the Code, one can find six canons dealing with indulgences. Obviously then, indulgences have something to do with Penance. Canon 992 provides a definition by stating:

"An indulgence is the remission in the sight of God of the temporal punishment due for
sins, the guilt of which has already been forgiven. A member of Christ’s faithful who is
properly disposed and who fulfils certain specific conditions, may gain an indulgence bythe help of the Church which, as the minister of redemption, authoritatively dispense and applies the treasury of the merits of Christ and the Saints."

In addition, canon 993 points out that "an indulgence is partial or plenary according as it partially or wholly frees a person from the temporal punishment due for sins." The following canon (994) gives the subjects of an indulgence — "all members of the faithful can gain indulgences, partial or plenary, for themselves, or they can apply them by way of suffrage to the dead." Finally, the remaining canons deal with those having the authority to grant indulgences (the pope and those he authorizes) and the requirements necessary for obtaining the indulgence. Usually, especially at times like a Jubilee Year, one is to be properly disposed, have the right intention and celebrate the Sacrament of Penance, receive Holy Communion, say a prayer for the pope’s intention and endeavour to do some act of charity.

To answer your question, yes, indulgences are still considered part of Church teaching. However, indulgences need to be viewed in the light of God’s mercy and forgiveness. They are reminders of our constant need for God - that He never gives up on us, of our need for conversion and growth in holiness. Indulgences shouldn’t embarrass us or make us blush but should serve to recall that God is continually at work and always willing to extent His merciful love and pardon, even beyond the grave.