August 20, 2012 – Psalms 32 – 33

Many might look at Psalm 32 and want to say that we don’t need a priest to hear our confession because it is right there.  Confess to God and be forgiven.  First, this forgiveness is incomplete, at least Old Testament forgiveness was.  Christ had not come yet to bridge that gap.  The forgiveness that is being claimed here is not the same forgiveness Christian receive after Christ Passion.  Second, Catholics don’t believe that you must confess every sin to a priest.  Venial sins are able to be forgiven through acts other than the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Third, Christ gives His followers the power to forgive sins.  This power, God’s power only, is given to the Apostles.  They were not given the power to read minds though.  The gift makes no sense unless people came to them and confessed their sins.  Going to God alone for sins is great and can lead to forgiveness, but when you cut yourself off entirely, a different remedy other than personal prayer is needed.