Friday, June 15, 2012

"... eager to repair by a special act of homage..."



Well, another week away from blogging, extending my needed respite. I have some posts in mind. Hopefully they will result in something. This week's Friday traditio, given that today is the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, calls for something beautiful, which is why I am posting Glenn Gould playing Bach Partita 6 Tocatta.

Today's beautiful feast is moveable, falling 19 days after Pentecost, meaning it is always on a Friday. Of course, a solemnity trumps Friday abstinence. In my admittedly idiosyncratic observance of Eastern Christian fasting seasons, such as the currently underway Apostles Fast, I take a little relief on Sundays and solemnities. One way to make Friday penitence and a liturgical solemnity mesh, as well as to partially fulfill the requirements for a plenary indulgence, is to pray the Actus reparationis.

According to the Church's Enchiridion of Indulgences, in addition to the Actus reparationis, the following three conditions must also be met- "sacramental confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff. It is further required that all attachment to sin, even venial sin, be absent." This is a tall order for sure. But with God's grace it is attainable.

2 comments:

  1. I contend that the desire to be free of attachment to venial sin is sufficient. It's like the Lord's Prayer: who can pray 'Thy will be done?' Nonetheless, we can desire this attachment and detachment :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Amen to that Fred. I will probably post something on indulgences in the near future.

    ReplyDelete

Triduum- Holy Thursday

Christ Washing the Disciples' Feet , by Jacopo Tintoretto (1519-1594) “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.” ( ...