As regards the good in the soul which sin destroys, does the sacrament of Penance by its power make that good to re-live?
Yes, most certainly; the virtue of this sacrament makes that good which was destroyed by sin to re-live; and in such wise that if it be question of an essential good, which is grace, and the right to the vision of God which one loses by grave sin, both grace and this right to heaven is given back when one receives this sacrament in good dispositions. If these dispositions fall short in fervour of one's former dispositions, the essential good is in a measure lessened somewhat; but the whole of former merits re-live and one will receive proportionate recompense for them in heaven (LXXXIX. 1-4, 5, Obj. 3).
It is then important to receive the sacrament of Penance in the best possible dispositions?
Yes, for the effect of the sacrament is proportioned to the dispositions of him who receives it.
Next - The Catechism of the Summa - Tertia Pars - XXXIX. OF THE PART OF THE PENITENT IN THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE; OF CONTRITION, CONFESSION, AND SATISFACTION (A)
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