Indulgences: Understanding the Catholic Church's Teaching on Spiritual Remission

The concept of indulgences finds its roots in Scripture, particularly in Matthew 16:19 where Jesus gives Peter the "keys to the kingdom of heaven" and the authority to "bind and loose." This power, shared with the apostles and their successors, forms the basis for the Church's authority to grant indulgences (Mt 16:19, 18:18).

Throughout the Old Testament, we see precedents for this spiritual economy. The temple offerings, including incense, frankincense, and myrrh, were not merely ritualistic but carried profound spiritual significance. These offerings represented the people's prayer, sacrifice, and desire for atonement. The Psalms speak of God's mercy and the power of intercessory prayer, foreshadowing the Church's role in mediating grace (Ps 32:1-2, 103:3).

The temple in Jerusalem served as the center of Jewish worship, where sacrifices and offerings were made to God. The tabernacle, and later the temple, housed the Holy of Holies, representing God's presence among His people. The worship practices established there, including the use of incense and various sacrifices, pointed toward the ultimate sacrifice of Christ and the spiritual worship of the New Covenant (Heb 9:1-14, 10:1-18).

The Church, as the new temple of the Holy Spirit, continues this tradition of worship and intercession. Just as the temple was a place where God's mercy was dispensed through the priesthood, the Church through its sacraments and spiritual practices, including indulgences, continues to mediate God's grace to the faithful (1 Cor 3:16-17; Eph 2:19-22).

The development of indulgences reached its theological maturity in the Middle Ages, though abuses during this period led to calls for reform. The Council of Trent (1545-1563) addressed these abuses while affirming the doctrine itself, ensuring that indulgences would be granted properly and with clear spiritual benefit for the faithful.

Today, the Church's teaching on indulgences is carefully regulated and explained in the Code of Canon Law and the Enchiridion of Indulgences. The emphasis is on the spiritual fruits that flow from works of charity, prayer, and penance, rather than any mechanical approach to obtaining grace.

An indulgence is defined as "the remission before God of the temporal punishment due for sins already forgiven as far as their guilt is concerned" (Indulgentiarum Doctrina, 1). This remission is granted by the Church through the exercise of the power of the keys, from the spiritual treasury which consists of the merits of Christ and the saints.

It's important to understand the distinction between eternal and temporal punishment. Eternal punishment, which is the loss of communion with God due to mortal sin, is removed through the sacrament of Reconciliation. However, even after forgiveness, there remains temporal punishment—the disordered attachment to sin that must be purified either in this life or in Purgatory (1 Cor 3:12-15).

Indulgences address this temporal punishment, helping to purify the soul and prepare it for full communion with God. They do not forgive sins (that's the role of the sacraments) nor do they provide license to sin. Rather, they are a means of spiritual growth and purification for those already in a state of grace.

The Church grants two types of indulgences: plenary and partial. A plenary indulgence remits all temporal punishment due to sin, while a partial indulgence remits only a portion of this punishment. To obtain a plenary indulgence, one must be in a state of grace, have the intention of gaining the indulgence, perform the prescribed work, and within a reasonable time, go to confession, receive Holy Communion, and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father.

Partial indulgences can be obtained by performing various prayers and works of piety, charity, and penance. The Enchiridion lists numerous indulgenced prayers and practices, ranging from the Sign of the Cross to more elaborate devotions. These practices are designed to draw the faithful closer to God and foster spiritual growth.

The spiritual treasury from which indulgences are drawn is not like a bank account that can be depleted. Rather, it's the infinite merits of Christ, united with the merits of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints, which the Church dispenses through her authority. This treasury is inexhaustible because it's rooted in the infinite merits of Christ's sacrifice on the cross.

When the faithful gain an indulgence, they are not "buying" grace or earning salvation through their own merits. Instead, they are participating in the communion of saints, benefiting from the spiritual riches of the entire Body of Christ. This beautiful doctrine underscores the interconnectedness of all believers and the Church's role as mother and teacher.

Gaining indulgences should never be approached as a mere checklist or mechanical exercise. The Church emphasizes that the disposition of the heart is paramount. The prescribed works—whether prayers, pilgrimages, or acts of charity—should be performed with true contrition, devotion, and a sincere desire to grow in holiness.

Many indulgenced practices are deeply rooted in the Church's tradition of worship and prayer. The Rosary, the Way of the Cross, Eucharistic adoration, and reading Sacred Scripture with reverence all carry partial indulgences. These practices not only provide spiritual benefits but also draw the faithful into a deeper relationship with God and the mysteries of salvation.

Works of charity, such as visiting the sick or imprisoned, caring for the poor, or supporting missionary work, can also be indulgenced. These acts of love, performed in a spirit of sacrifice and united to Christ's own sacrifice, become powerful means of spiritual growth and purification.

The Church encourages the faithful to incorporate indulgenced practices into their daily spiritual life. Simple prayers like the Angelus, the Regina Coeli, or the prayer "Eternal Rest" for the dead can be offered throughout the day, turning ordinary moments into opportunities for grace and spiritual growth.

For those seeking to grow in holiness, the pursuit of indulgences can be a valuable spiritual discipline. It cultivates a spirit of penance, encourages regular participation in the sacraments, and fosters a deeper awareness of the communion of saints. The faithful are reminded that they are never alone in their spiritual journey but are supported by the prayers and merits of the entire Church.

The doctrine of indulgences, properly understood, is a beautiful expression of God's mercy and the Church's maternal care for her children. It reminds us that salvation is not a solitary endeavor but a communal journey in which we support one another through prayer, sacrifice, and the sharing of spiritual goods.

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According to Roman Catholic teaching this is a way to reduce the amount of punishment one has to undergo for sins in purgatory – a place of purification before reaching heaven. An indulgence is considered partial if it removes part of the temporal (earthly) punishment due to sin, or plenary if it removes all punishment.

Going to confession, receiving Holy Communion, doing good deeds, abstinence, Bible reading, self-punishment (penance), and praying all done with a contrite heart besides signing themselves with the sign of the cross while saying  ‘In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen’ are some of the ways an indulgence can be granted. Over the centuries a vast amount of finance has been raised by the RC church though indulgences, in the mistaken belief that this will make amends for sin. However, the Bible's teaching this is only achieved by the blood of Christ (1 Jn 1:7,9).