Scripturecatholic.com uses this verse to defend the forgiveness of sins, especially if the Vulgate is “in persona Christi”
This Protestant keeps saying that it is simply forgiving the person. In a way he is right, plus the text does not say Paul forgave his sins…
any thoughts?
this is his explanation
“2 Cor. 2:5-11: Paul explained that it was time to forgive the man who had been punished by the church and had subsequently repented. He needed forgiveness, acceptance, and comfort. Satan would gain an advantage if they permanently separated this man from the congregation rather than forgiving and restoring him. This may have beent the man who had required the disciplinary action described in 1 Cor. 5, or he may have been the chief opponenet of Paul who had caused Paul the anguish described in 2:1-11. The sorrowful letter had finally brought about the repentance of the Corinthians (7:8-14) and their discipline of the man had led to his repentance. Church discipline should seek restoration. Two mistakes in church discipline should be avoided - being too lenient and not correcting mistakes or being too harsh and not forgiving the sinner. There is a time to confront and a time to comfort.”
Protestants often show an indefensible character in first saying only Scripture, then proceeding to interpret Scripture. You’ll notice in this quote how many times this man used “may have been” . … he’s supposing, but doesn’t know, or wants to assert it without evidence . … It is an interpretation. Without saying it was or wasn’t the same person, i personally do not know.
But as for the case for a Priest being in persona CHRISTi. Saint Paul was on about showing us the MYSTICAL BODY OF CHRIST. This means the HOLY FLESH of JESUS which is given to us, unites us to CHRIST, and we are all brought into the UNITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Making ONE BODY which is THE CHURCH.
I would like to extend this analogy and show you that priests are like the neverous system in the human body. Where as all the members of the BODY are part of CHRIST, the special role of priests connects them to the HEAD of the BODY as the neverous system of the human body is connected to the brain.
In defense of this we can show you from Saint Paul’s writings:
1 Corinthians 2:16 *For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that we may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
That’s an amazing statement, and is literally TRUE in that we are ONE BODY and CHRIST is our HEAD. Further, the priests are CHRIST-minded, because they are like as to the nervous system of the human body, which is essentially part of the brain that extends throughout the body. Thus this unity of the priest is to “have the mind of CHRIST” and all those in the BODY OF CHRIST likewise are guided within the BODY through obedience to CHRIST through the servants of CHRIST who are obedient to CHRIST our HEAD.
The Catechism says:
1348 All gather together. Christians come together in one place for the Eucharistic assembly. At its head is Christ himself, the principal agent of the Eucharist. He is high priest of the New Covenant; it is he himself who presides invisibly over every Eucharistic celebration. It is in representing him that the bishop or priest acting in the person of Christ the head (in persona Christi capitis) presides over the assembly, speaks after the readings, receives the offerings, and says the Eucharistic Prayer. All have their own active parts to play in the celebration, each in his own way: readers, those who bring up the offerings, those who give communion, and the whole people whose “Amen” manifests their participation.
Here the teachings of the CHURCH are clear. JESUS presides over the EUCHARIST, the Priest being united with CHRIST are acting in the person of CHRIST. Priests have died to themselves so they can act out this role of CHRIST within the CHURCH. This is the same for the administration of the Sacrement of Pennance, or reconciliation. Or for the administration of any of the Sacrements. The Priest is acting in the person of CHRIST. This is why the priest can absolve you of your sins as CHRIST is the forgiver of sins.
We should make it clear that within the MYSTICAL BODY OF CHRIST not all have the same gifts, because they all have different callings. Whatever their role within the BODY OF CHRIST is to be, their gifts are in accordance with this. That is some teach, and some have particular Charisms, as to heal, or to read hearts, etc . … these gifts are all in order that people can accomplish their mission in CHRIST. We are required to use any gifts, temporal or SPIRITual for the GLORY OF GOD. Not for personal glory . … all things being gifts from GOD.
Priests are in persona CHRISTi by virtue of being united in particular way to CHRIST as a servant of THE LORD to fulfill their role within the BODY OF CHRIST.
LOVE your neighbor as yourself.
Amen.
