10/25/09 The GOSPEL READING was about BLIND BARTIMAEUS & the leader expounded upon the passage analogically as OUR OWN VARIOUS FORMS of BLINDNESS (NOT LITERAL) which need healing. Maybe its arrogance, pride, ...etc. that needs to be confessed...& he also tied this into the Melchizedek passage as the reason Catholic Christians should confess to their priest, not because he is perfect but because he is human & can empathize with human weakness & sinfulness. It is BECAUSE a priest is ALSO a sinner that confession is important, NOT because the priest is perfect. Interesting analysis. Coming from the Protestant tradition & the emphasis on confession to Christ alone I need some convincing to confess to a priest. Maybe they will convince me , but I'm still in the contemplative/reflective stage.
