I think most Catholics would agree that filling up the parish collection basket or donating expensive likenesses of the saints count for very little unless they are accompanied by regular and genuine prayer and acts of service for our neighbors. There is no currency for heaven. However, this concept can be easily blurred when we speak of indulgences. Many devout Catholics talk about accumulating these indulgences just as one might acquire earthly wealth. This can lead new or potential believers to mistakenly conclude that perhaps heaven does have currency after all.

Partial or plenary indulgences are afforded us by our church leaders through our recitation of specific prayers or acts of service. These remove either part or all of the punishment, on earth or in purgatory, for our sins due to the spiritual fruits we accumulate through holy living. These can be given during times of crisis, such as COVID lockdowns, or for particular holy devotions and they can be applied to ourselves or the souls of the deceased. They are NOT brownie points for getting into God’s good graces. There is no elevator or express lane to enter into heaven. Indulgences can only be obtained by those in a state of grace who approach them with sincerity. Simply going through the motions is not enough. 

As Catholics we believe our prayers and good works have a real effect in the world or for the souls of the dead, whether we see it for ourselves or not. We do not pray aimlessly or hopelessly but believe these efforts can and will be used for some good purpose. The reward of additional graces for ourselves or those in purgatory may entice busy people to participate in extra prayers and service they wouldn’t otherwise have time for but with the understanding that there’s no Bank of Grace, there’s no harm in this. There’s nothing scandalous about encouraging Catholics to fully and genuinely partake in holy living, especially in times of turmoil when some may be unable to receive the sacraments regularly.