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What is an indulgence? Whenever we sin, we know we separate ourselves from God. Even in the act of Confession when we are brought back into communion with God there is still some temporal punishment for the sin, a scar so to speak. Or, you can look at it as when a child does something wrong, and though you forgive them and they are back in your good graces they may still have to pay for what they damaged or do some sort of discipline for their misdeeds. The penance we receive at Confession is part of this temporal punishment. An indulgence is an act we participate in that gives to us from the storehouse of grace, won for us by the crucifixion of Jesus, which repairs or takes care of some or all of that temporal punishment. Purgatory, is the state we find ourselves in when we die and still have some of that temporary punishment. Purgatory purges the effects of sin from our soul so that we might desire, and delight in, worshipping God forever. An indulgence participates in that purging while we are here on Earth. The Pope is able to pronounce how one may participate in and indulgence act that will grant for us the sharing in that grace. A plenary indulgence will remove all temporal punishment and partial indulgence removes some of our temporal punishment.
Specifically, Pope Francis has offered a Plenary Indulgence during the current Coronavirus Pandemic. His full decree can be found here.
First, he offers an indulgence to all those who are suffering from Coronavirus. The the following conditions have to be met: 1. Being detached from sin 2. Unite spiritually to a celebration of the Holy Mass through some sort of media OR recite the Rosary OR engage in the pious practice of the Way of the Cross OR other form of devotions OR at least if they recite the Creed, the Lord's Prayer and a pious invocation to the Blessed Virgin Mary 3. They offer this trial in a spirit of faith in God and charity towards their brothers and sisters 4. they have the will to fulfill the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayer according to the Holy Father's intentions) as soon as possible.
Second, he offers a Plenary Indulgence to health care workers, family members, and all those who expose themselves to the contagion for the care of the sick. They must fulfill all the same conditions.
Finally, he offers to all the faithful under the same conditions who offer a visit to the Blessed Sacrament, or Eucharistic Adoration, or who read the scriptures devoutly for thirty minutes, or engage in the pious exercise of the Way of the Cross, or recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, to implore from the Almighty the end of the epidemic, relief for those who are afflicted and eternal salvation for those whom the Lord has called to Himself.
During times of trouble, sorrow, and suffering it can often feel like God is abandoning us, or even for some feel like God is punishing us. However, we know from the entire Scriptures that this is not the case. While we live in a world that is broken, a world that suffers, we know that our God is close to us through it all. From the beginning God desired relationship with humanity. Over and over through the history of humanity, it is us who have rejected and abandoned God. Over and again God sent his servants to build up the right relationship with God, and over and over again the world rejected those messengers. Finally, at the fullness of time, God sent His son, Jesus Christ. Again, He was rejected, turned away, and eventually was crucified. Yet, it is exactly in that crucifixion in which God becomes the most intimate with humanity. He felt every sorrow, every suffering, every pain of every human ever. He has transformed our suffering even. Providing for us the opportunity to unite to His crucifixion every time we suffer.
So, He has not abandoned us during this time. Instead He has raised us up onto the Cross with Him. We now suffer with Him. He is here, He makes good out all things. We may not see it, we might not feel it, and we may never understand. However, even though He is not instigating this pandemic, His hand now guides us through it. Will there be more suffering? Probably. Some of us will suffer more than others. Know that Jesus is right there carrying your cross with you, if you just let Him. If you need help reach out to Him and ask. If you need prayers email your petitions here (scroll to the bottom of the page). A prayer list will be created and prayed for by the diocesan staff.
Often, Catholics hear the term "offer it up". Yet, what does this mean and how do Catholics do that? St. Paul in First Colossians says, "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh, I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ" (1 Col 1:24). This seems weird at first reading. What could possibly be lacking in the afflictions of Christ? Have we not taught, that Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross was for the redemption of the world? This is true. However, God has designed that we might participate in that crucifixion of Christ. He desires that we are able to participate in the very saving act of Jesus. So, when we suffer, when we are in pain, when we struggle, we are able to unite ourselves to the cross and participate as part of the Body of Christ, in the very crucifixion that saves us.
To "offer it up" we then need to do a few things. Our suffering does not automatically become united with that of Christ. First, we must acknowledge that we are suffering. Second, we need to actively ask God to take this suffering and unite it to the suffering of His Son. A simple, "Dear, Lord please take this affliction (name it) and unite it to the Cross of Jesus." Third, we need to offer it up for something. If we are asking for the grace of the Cross, it must go somewhere. This may be for our own salvation, or it may be for others such as Paul did. Again, as simple as, "Lord, take the grace of my suffering and use it (for the conversion of my friend, for my friend dying of cancer, for those in most need, for the souls in purgatory, etc.)." Finally, we can't wallow in our suffering. Self-pity, succumbing to the suffering, or living your life in misery is not offering up the affliction. Ask for the peace of God and continue to offer up any desire to allow the suffering to overcome you.
So next time someone tells you to "offer it up", don't think they are telling you to "suck it up" or "get over it". Take this time to pause and thank God for the opportunity to be united to Jesus on the Cross and truly offer to the Father your afflictions united to that of Jesus Christ.
No. St. Corona is the patron saint of treasure hunters.