According to Scripture:
Luke 22:19, 1 Cor. 11:24-25 - Jesus commands the apostles to "do this," that is, offer the Eucharistic sacrifice, in remembrance of Him.
Only Jesus can forgive sins.
According to Scripture:
John 20:23 - Jesus says, "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven. If you retain the sins of any, they are retained." In order for the apostles to exercise this gift of forgiving sins, the penitents must orally confess their sins to them because the apostles are not mind readers. The text makes this very clear.
or "do this", that is, partake of His body and blood, in remembrance of Him. This we do.
John 20:23 - Jesus says, "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven. If you retain the sins of any, they are retained." In order for the apostles to exercise this gift of forgiving sins, the penitents must orally confess their sins to them because the apostles are not mind readers. The text makes this very clear.
This is a pretty slippery slope. WHO is actually forgiving the sins? WHO can actually see into the heart of the person and know if they are repentant?
It's the same as Jesus telling the Apostles to go out and heal the sick and cast out demons. Was it really the Apostles doing the healing? Who has the power to heal? Who bore the stripes. Whose name is like no other?
To your own comment, the apostles are not mind readers. Many people will say things out of their mouth that don't reflect what is in their hearts.
Only our Lord can see into the hearts and minds of a person and impart forgiveness. Man can pray with someone, hear the confession, and then assure the person that when we confess our sins, GOD is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and GOD will cleanse us of all unrighteousness.
The power, and the glory, and the honor all go only to our Lord.
The instructions were to and for
CHRISTIANS
. . . not some leadership elite.
Sheesh.