You are very misguided if you believe that verse is a command to see a priest,
The imperative mode, just like the one you use when you command us to “search the scriptures” is the one used here. It is not a suggestion!
The Apostle commands them to “send for the presbyters”. “Priest” is not a translation of the word “hierus”, but a contracted latinization of “presbyter”. The duties and responsibility of the priest in the Catholic Church is identical to that described in scripture of presbyters. So, yes, we read that as a command to call for the priest. In this passage of James, it relates to a sick person who is presumably too ill to go to the presbyter. It is always more courteous if we can go to him.
Do you deny that the presbyters described in scripture have specific roles and responsibilities?
Code:
in a confessional and ask for absolution, then do some outward expression of "I'm ashamed of my sin; look at me" ; that was a crime of the pharisees. God sees the heart.
In those days, they did not have a “confessional”. They had a prayer “closet”, but most discussion with the presbyters happened out in the countryside, secluded in private residences, or in caves and catacombs. Such discussions and sacramental activites were considered treason, and were punishable by death.
I think you grossly misunderstand penance if you think it is “look at me”. On the contrary, when we do the deeds that befit repentance, we are to be as humble and unnoticable as possible, for our heavenly father will reward us later. If one is able to make reparation for sins without drawing attention to himself, so much the better! Penance is about making amends for the wrong one has done, it is not about calling attention to oneself, or parading one’s sins.
Code:
How many times did you have to force yourself to go to confession and how many times did you rationalize a reason not to go today or this day or that day; how many times have you gone reluctantly; this is what God sees that no one else sees.
You are so right about this! I think the vast majority of American Catholics are too ashamed to take advantage of this great grace. However, Jesus knows the heart of man, and he knows that it is our secrets that keep us sick, and that failing to confess our sins makes us sick. This is made clear in scripture. In confession, we are able to face the shame of admitting our wrongs to at least one other person. If it is so hard to do with a human, how much more to be in the presence of God?
Anti-sacramental Christians either don’t believe in confession of sins at all, or they confess their sins to themselves, choosing to believe that God forgives them.
