The Scapegoat

Confessions

RCIA got contentious.  One of our confirmandi argued the right of a Confessor to administer Absolution.

Scripture didn't convince him.  The power to absolve is clear in St. John (20: 20-23)  "Whose sins ye shall forgive they are forgiven..."  Other Bible references were used.   Matt 16: 19, 18: 18.  

 He couldn't get out of his mind the idea that Jesus' crucifixion satisfied all sins forever.  He also thought that confessing his sins to a friend was OK.  I pray that in thinking over his arguments, he'll see how silly that one was.  He will have to pray for understanding, as will we.

However, James told a story that I didn't know.  In giving scriptural references for the forgiveness of sins, he said that the Old Testament gave the power to absolve and atone for sins, to the Jewish priests, and he told us the story of the "scapegoat."

A goat was chosen to be burden with the people's sins on the day of Atonement.  The priest would confess the sins of the people (figuratively) on the head of the goat, whereupon the goat would be sent out into the wilderness.  Hence the origin of the term "scapegoat."

Catholics believe that the sacrament of Reconciliation reinforces our faith in Jesus and the priest acts in persona Christi, in forgiving us our sins.  Isn't it good and beautiful that Mother Church offers us this sacrament?

God's Court of Law

You know when you go to Confession, it’s not the priest that you’re confessing to, it’s Jesus Christ.  The priest is acting in persona Christi. 

Only God forgives sins.  (Mark 2:5)  Since Jesus is the Son of God, He says of Himself, “The Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”  “Your sins are forgiven.”  (Mark 2:5, 10; Luke 7:48)  Further, by virtue of his divine authority He gives this power to men to exercise in His name.  (John 20: 21-23)  Catechism # 1441

God is there in the Confessional.  That’s Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  They’re not there to judge you.  Maybe because I’m a prisoners’ advocate, but I like to think They’re my lawyers.  They’re my advocates, so to speak.  They’re on my side. 

Remember Confession is called the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and that’s what my advocates are doing—reconciling me—bringing me back—making things better—reparation through my penance.  Remember that our God is a God of mercy, so He wants me back.

My team of Lawyers and I come out of this court confessional, as winners.  We’ve won the case.  I’m back whole again, with a clean slate.