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Objection 1: It would seem that a person ought not to be forbidden
to ask for the debt on holy days. For the remedy should be applied
when the disease gains strength. Now concupiscence may possibly gain
strength on a feast day. Therefore the remedy should be applied then
by asking for the debt.
Objection 2: Further, the only reason why the debt should not be
demanded on feast days is because they are devoted to prayer. Yet on
those days certain hours are appointed for prayer. Therefore one may
ask for the debt at some other time.
On the contrary, Just as certain places are holy because they are
devoted to holy things, so are certain times holy for the same reason.
But it is not lawful to demand the debt in a holy place. Therefore
neither is it lawful at a holy time.
I answer that, Although the marriage act is void of sin,
nevertheless since it oppresses the reason on account of the carnal
pleasure, it renders man unfit for spiritual things. Therefore, on
those days when one ought especially to give one's time to spiritual
things, it is not lawful to ask for the debt.
Reply to Objection 1: At such a time other means may be employed
for the repression of concupiscence; for instance, prayer and many
similar things, to which even those who observe perpetual continence
have recourse.
Reply to Objection 2: Although one is not bound to pray at all
hours, one is bound throughout the day to keep oneself fit for prayer.
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