A2
Whether a solemn penance can be repeated?
[a]
Objection 1: It would seem that a solemn penance can be repeated.
For those sacraments which do not imprint a character, can be solemnized a second time, such as the Eucharist, Extreme Unction and the like.
But Penance does not imprint a character, therefore it can be solemnized over again.
[b]
Objection 2: Further, penance is solemnized on account of the gravity and publicity of the sin.
Now, after doing penance, a person may commit the same sins over again, or even more grievous sins.
Therefore the solemn penance should be imposed again.
[c]
On the contrary, Solemn penance signifies the expulsion of the first man from paradise.
Now this was done but once.
Therefore solemn penance should be imposed once only.
[d]
I answer that, Solemn penance ought not to be repeated, for three reasons.
First, lest frequency bring it into contempt.
Secondly, on account of its signification; for it signifies the expulsion of the first man from paradise, which happened only once; thirdly, because the solemnization indicates, in a way, that one makes profession of continual repentance.
Wherefore repetition is inconsistent with solemnization.
And if the sinner fall again, he is not precluded from doing penance, but a solemn penance should not be imposed on him again.
[e]
Reply to Objection 1: In those sacraments which are solemnized again and again, repetition is not inconsistent with solemnity, as it is in the present case.
Hence the comparison fails.
[f]
Reply to Objection 2: Although, if we consider his crime, he ought to do the same penance again, yet the repeated solemnization is not becoming, for the reasons stated above.
|