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Objection 1: It would seem that slight contrition does not suffice
to blot out great sins. For contrition is the remedy for sin. Now a
bodily remedy, that heals a lesser bodily infirmity, does not suffice
to heal a greater. Therefore the least contrition does not suffice to
blot out very great sins.
Objection 2: Further, it was stated above (Question 3, Article
3) that for greater sins one ought to have greater contrition. Now
contrition does not blot out sin, unless it fulfills the requisite
conditions. Therefore the least contrition does not blot out all
sins.
On the contrary, Every sanctifying grace blots out every mortal sin,
because it is incompatible therewith. Now every contrition is
quickened by sanctifying grace. Therefore, however slight it be, it
blots out all sins.
I answer that, As we have often said (Question 1, Article 2,
ad 1; Question 3, Article 1; Question 4, Article 1),
contrition includes a twofold sorrow. One is in the reason, and is
displeasure at the sin committed. This can be so slight as not to
suffice for real contrition, e.g. if a sin were less displeasing to a
man, than separation from his last end ought to be; just as love can
be so slack as not to suffice for real charity. The other sorrow is in
the senses, and the slightness of this is no hindrance to real
contrition, because it does not, of itself, belong essentially to
contrition, but is connected with it accidentally: nor again is it
under our control. Accordingly we must say that sorrow, however
slight it be, provided it suffice for true contrition, blots out all
sin.
Reply to Objection 1: Spiritual remedies derive infinite efficacy
from the infinite power which operates in them: wherefore the remedy
which suffices for healing a slight sin, suffices also to heal a great
sin. This is seen in Baptism which looses great and small: and the
same applies to contrition provided it fulfill the necessary
conditions.
Reply to Objection 2: It follows of necessity that a man grieves
more for a greater sin than for a lesser, according as it is more
repugnant to the love which causes his sorrow. But if one has the same
degree of sorrow for a greater sin, as another has for a lesser, this
would suffice for the remission of the sin.
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