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Objection 1: It would seem that indulgences do not avail religious.
For there is no reason to bring supplies to those who supply others out
of their own abundance. Now indulgences are derived from the abundance
of works of satisfaction to be found in religious. Therefore it is
unreasonable for them to profit by indulgences.
Objection 2: Further, nothing detrimental to religious life should
be done in the Church. But, if indulgences were to avail religious,
this would be detrimental to regular discipline, because religious
would become lax on account of indulgences, and would neglect the
penances imposed in chapter. Therefore indulgences do not avail
religious.
On the contrary, Good brings harm to no man. But the religious life
is a good thing. Therefore it does not take away from religious the
profit to be derived from indulgences.
I answer that, Indulgences avail both seculars and religious,
provided they have charity and satisfy the conditions for gaining the
indulgences: for religious can be helped by indulgences no less than
persons living in the world.
Reply to Objection 1: Although religious are in the state of
perfection, yet they cannot live without sin: and so if at times they
are liable to punishment on account of some sin, they can expiate this
debt by means of indulgences. For it is not unreasonable that one who
is well off absolutely speaking, should be in want at times and in some
respect, and thus need to be supplied with what he lacks. Hence it is
written (Gal. 6:2): "Bear ye one another's burdens."
Reply to Objection 2: There is no reason why indulgences should be
detrimental to religious observance, because, as to the reward of
eternal life, religious merit more by observing their rule than by
gaining indulgences; although, as to the remission of punishment,
which is a lesser good, they merit less. Nor again do indulgences
remit the punishment enjoined in chapter, because the chapter is a
judicial rather than a penitential tribunal. hence even those who are
not priests hold chapter. Absolution from punishment enjoined or due
for sin is given in the tribunal of Penance.
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