Back to the Catholic themes of Luther’s 95 Theses, if only for a bit.

42. Christians are to be taught that the pope does not intend the buying of pardons to be compared in any way to works of mercy.

43. Christians are to be taught that he who gives to the poor or lends to the needy does a better work than buying pardons;

Rejoice! The works of mercy get mention, and approving mention at that! Yes, the works of mercy are immensely important in the Christian life. In fact, they’re indispensable – just the point he’s making here. There’s not a sound basis for giving dispensation from the obligation to perform works of mercy.

44. Because love grows by works of love, and man becomes better; but by pardons man does not grow better, only more free from penalty.

Again, a great point. We grow closer to God by what we do in response to His love for us, or we grow farther from Him based on our lack of love. Pardon. Absolution is needful, but it’s not the end.