Question about Penance

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sambos671

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Why does the priest say “I absolve you?” after confession and the act of contrition? I understand God forgiving me and those I’ve hurt forgiving me. But why must a priest say “I absolve you.”? By what authority can he absolve you of your sins?
 
The priest hears your confession and grants you absolution “in the person of Christ” . He is God’s instrument in the Sacrament.

Jesus gives authority to His priests to act for Him through His words to His first priests, the apostles. See Matthew 15:19, 18:18, and 28:16-20
 
sambos671 said:
Why does the priest say “I absolve you?” after confession and the act of contrition? I understand God forgiving me and those I’ve hurt forgiving me. But why must a priest say “I absolve you.”? By what authority can he absolve you of your sins?
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The sacrament is a merciful encounter with Christ. The priest is the ordinary tool used in the ministry. The authority for his granting absolution comes thru apostolic succession. GOD gave Jesus authority on earth to forgive sin. At Pentecost, Jesus gave the 12 the power on earth to forgive sin in the name of the Father. The pronouncement of absolution is medicinal and comforting to the penitent. It is a welcome home to the church and the community.
 
**John 20:22-23
**
And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

He gives the Apostles and their successors (by the laying on of hands) the POWER of the Holy Spirit to forgive sins in His Name…Name the other time when God breathes on people…😃
 
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