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NeedsFaith
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Why must we tell our sins to a priest?
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japhy
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Because Jesus told the Apostles that they have the power to forgive or retain sins (cf. John 20:19-23). In order for the Apostles (and their successors, our bishops and priests) to know whether to forgive or retain sins, they have to hear them.
Naming/identifying sins you have committed also shows a sense of mastery over them. What do I mean? Well, God said to Cain: “If you do not do well, sin is couching at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.” (Gen 4:7) In the ancient world, naming something meant having authority over it (as Adam did with the animals). So too, naming the sins you have committed puts you in the position to claim mastery over them (i.e. victory over and freedom from sin), not subjection to them (i.e. slavery to sin). Once we can admit to the sin and announce it, we are the road to recovery from the shame we receive from committing it.
Naming/identifying sins you have committed also shows a sense of mastery over them. What do I mean? Well, God said to Cain: “If you do not do well, sin is couching at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.” (Gen 4:7) In the ancient world, naming something meant having authority over it (as Adam did with the animals). So too, naming the sins you have committed puts you in the position to claim mastery over them (i.e. victory over and freedom from sin), not subjection to them (i.e. slavery to sin). Once we can admit to the sin and announce it, we are the road to recovery from the shame we receive from committing it.
D
DebChris
Guest
Confession is an act of humility that protects us from pride and self-deception. The priest provides spiritual guidance within the confession by virtue of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. He acts in persona of Christ. In other words, although it is a human that we see, it Is Christ who speaks the words of absolution through that human. Would we hear the words of comfort simply by saying, “Father forgive me” ?
So what we receive is (1) forgiveness of sins and (2) spiritual advice to help us on our journey. Most importantly, we receive the grace of the Holy Spirit to protect us against future temptation.
If I am unable to say where I failed in front of man, how will I stand before the Throne of Grace when the time comes?
Plus everything that japhy said.
So what we receive is (1) forgiveness of sins and (2) spiritual advice to help us on our journey. Most importantly, we receive the grace of the Holy Spirit to protect us against future temptation.
If I am unable to say where I failed in front of man, how will I stand before the Throne of Grace when the time comes?
Plus everything that japhy said.
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