Only God forgives sins. “The Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Mark 2:7). By virtue of his divine authority, Jesus, gives this power to men to exercise in his name (Jn. 20:23). He entrusted the exercise of the power of absolution to the apostolic ministry  which he charged with the ministry of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:18).

Confession to a priest is an essential part of the sacrament of Reconciliation. Jesus’ 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.” (Matthew 16:19)

Regular confession of our sins helps us form our conscience, fight temptation, allows Christ to heal us, and progress in the life of the Spirit. Jesus not only forgave sins, but also reintegrated forgiven sinners into the community of the People of God. The confession of sins frees us and facilitates our reconciliation with others. As we receive the gift of the Father’s mercy we become more merciful as He is merciful.