|
Objection 1: It would seem that indulgences cannot be granted by one
who is in mortal sin. For a stream can no longer flow if cut off from
its source. Now the source of grace which is the Holy Ghost is cut
off from one who is in mortal sin. Therefore such a one can convey
nothing to others by granting indulgences.
Objection 2: Further, it is a greater thing to grant an indulgence
than to receive one. But one who is in mortal sin cannot receive an
indulgence, as we shall show presently (Question 27, Article
1). Neither, therefore, can he grant one.
On the contrary, Indulgences are granted in virtue of the power
conferred on the prelates of the Church. Now mortal sin takes away,
not power but goodness. Therefore one who is in mortal sin can grant
indulgences.
I answer that, The granting of indulgences belongs to jurisdiction.
But a man does not, through sin, lose jurisdiction. Consequently
indulgences are equally valid, whether they be granted by one who is in
mortal sin, or by a most holy person; since he remits punishment, not
by virtue of his own merits, but by virtue of the merits laid up in the
Church's treasury.
Reply to Objection 1: The prelate who, while in a state of mortal
sin, grants an indulgence, does not pour forth anything of his own,
and so it is not necessary that he should receive an inflow from the
source, in order that he may grant a valid indulgence.
Reply to Objection 2: Further, to grant an indulgence is more than
to receive one, if we consider the power, but it is less, if we
consider the personal profit.
|
|