granolagaeilgeoir
Granola Gaeilgeoir
Caitliceach (that means Catholic, yanks) Compulsive tea drinker -- Remus Lupin’s soulmate
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Hi @beverlysclown! I am more than happy to answer this question.
First of all, as Catholics we recognize Apostolic succession -- as in, we can trace the ordination of every Catholic bishop (and therefore every Catholic priest) back to St. Peter and the original Apostles. These are the folks upon whom Christ granted the authority to forgive sins, and they in turn granted it to their successors, etc.
Now, we believe that through the Holy Spirit, priests act in persona Christi (in the person of Christ). The Catechism of the Catholic Church (a compilation of the teachings of the Catholic faith) 1441 states:
"Only God forgives sins. Since he is the Son of God, Jesus says of himself, "The Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" and exercises this divine power: "Your sins are forgiven." Further, by virtue of his divine authority he gives this power to men to exercise in his name."
So, priests were given the authority to forgive sins in the name of Christ. Now, why do we have to confess to them? Why not to God directly through internal prayer?
Simply put, this is because seeking God's forgiveness necessitates that confession be to the body of Christ as well. The Catechism goes on to say in CCC 1444-1445:
"In imparting to his apostles his own power to forgive sins the Lord also gives them the authority to reconcile sinners with the Church. This ecclesial dimension of their task is expressed most notably in Christ's solemn words to Simon Peter: "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." The office of binding and loosing which was given to Peter was also assigned to the college of the apostles united to its head.
"The words bind and loose mean: whomever you exclude from your communion, will be excluded from communion with God; whomever you receive anew into your communion, God will welcome back into his. Reconciliation with the Church is inseparable from reconciliation with God."
So, in confession, the priests act not only in persona Christi, but as a representation of the rest of the Church, the Body of Christ, as our sins are sins against God and against our fellow man.
I can't remember from whom I first heard this, but I was told years ago by one of my theology teachers that confessions in the very early days of the Church actually used to be to one's entire community because sins were against the community as well since they cause separations in the body of Christ, the Church. Not sure where I can cite a source for that, but if anyone else knows, lmk!
I hope this helps!
Le gach dea-ghuí,
-M
Hey quick question to catholics (past or present)!
How do confessions work? Really, can y'all just give me a run down cause I don't understand it.
I'm a confused Christian who is trying to write a Catholic character giving a confession but. I can't understand it. No matter how much I try to research it.
I just need a quick run down of what's allowed and what's not + what is the priest supposed to do? Give advice or just listen and say "you're forgiven" especially with the confession being that of gayness.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
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“How can you dare use that spark of the divine intelligence - your mind - in any way other than in giving glory to your Lord?”
- St. Josemaria Escriva, “The Glory of God” from The Way, #782
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Please sign to protest corporations benefitting from the execution of prisoners. You can also call 800-368-1131 or 203-281-2917 every day to protest!
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Ченстоховская икона Божией Матери // Czestochowa Icon of the Mother of God
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Solemn High Mass. Ushaw College, County Durham.
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Dear sis, don’t get caught up in trying hard to look attractive because everything in that arena is temporary. Attractive in the kingdom is a woman of God who is in love with Jesus, the imperishable beauty of a quiet (meek/not silent) and gentle spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.
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