Sacraments

[ThomasPeter]

why can a priest not give him self the sacrament of confession? i know that the whole idea of confession is taht you CONFESS your sins to someone. i understand that a priest can not give him self absolution, im just wondering what is the teological reason is, the logic behind the truth. thanks
tom

[Pontifex]

If I could absolve myself, God help us all. Haha.

It is a good question. Really the truth of this lies in the matter and form of the sacrament. A priest is not exempt from that. He must confess his sins to a priest, show contrition, receive absolution, and do penance. The Priest remains accountable to the Body of Christ as a member as well as a leader. When a priest hears confessions he stands in the person of Christ and in the person of the Church.

Also, it is interesting to note, that a priest cannot hear the confession of one with whom he has collaborated with in sin. (adultery with a woman, he cannot absolve that woman) They both must go somewhere else for the above reason.

Peace,

Fr. P

Edited May 25, 2004 by Pontifex