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FATHER ERDMAN ON INDULGENCES-

From Fr. Erdman, "What is an indulgence?":
Indulgences are perhaps one of the most controversial topics since the reformation. It was a practice that was abused greatly in certain times. Free from those abuses it is a powerful means of grace for those in need.

Let's start with what it isn’t. It isn’t doing something to be forgiven for sins. An indulgence is related to a sin already forgiven. Sin doesn’t only need forgiveness, but healing as well. When our sins are forgiven, we are rescued from being separated from God, but we still need to be cleaned up afterward. An indulgence is granted for certain actions and prayers to deal with the temporal, not eternal consequences of sin. We are always in need of further purification in this life. In the life to come, many if not most of us, will be in need of further purification from the temporal consequences of our sin so that we can experience the fullness of God in all his goodness and beauty. This is where an indulgence helps. God wills that our prayers and actions can be his instruments for the healing of ourselves and others. When one part of the body is wounded, the whole works toward its health. If we injure an ankle, the whole body changes how it walks, the arms may use crutches, etc. in order to give it rest and to heal it. The whole body of Christ works for the healing and purification of souls in need. When an indulgence is obtained, the church on earth and the church in heaven work together. The merits and works of the saints, joined with the prayers of the living are applied to the needs of the souls intended. As one body, by the will of God, we lift a soul toward Him. What a blessing it is to be so bound one to another. ... See MoreSee Less