Actually, many of my catholic friends DO believe that it's the church that forgives...which, in a communal way, is kind of true.Perhaps the perceived problem is that 1448 says that the church (through the bishop and his priests) forgives sins. That is only a problem if the preceding words are omitted "God's action ...". It is as the other paragraphs state God who forgives sins. ... 1441 Only God forgives sins.39
39 is a reference to this passage from scripture:
[7] Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone? [8] And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, Why do you question these things in your hearts? [9] Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, Your sins are forgiven, or to say, Rise, take up your bed and walk? [10] But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins—he said to the paralytic— [11] I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.
(Mark 2:7-11)
This even though priests say constantly that it is God that forgives. Unfortunately, the CC does not do enough teaching for those that just attend church on Sunday....if they don't go to a bible study, they're in the dark about many concepts.
I believe priests should teach at Mass, but I've been told it's not a classroom...however, Mitch Pacwah had no problem with doing the Mass AND teaching in the homily.
Apparently this is a skill not all priests have...
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