Don’t see how catholics tolerate this. Just don’t see how.... Words escape me, and that’s rare.
It’s because they believe in the magical power of the sacraments and can’t leave the church because of that. Or at least I know several very smart Catholics who state that as their only reason for not leaving, although they don’t use the word magical.
I consider “Do this in memory of me” to be complete in itself, without the need for all the paraphernalia. And also “apostles” to mean all true Christians, meaning if we are faithful our judgment on forgiveness is correct. Elsewhere it says to judge righteous judgment. So the supposed power given to the priests to forgive sins is not absolute. It shows a penitent spirit to confess to a priest, but the true spirit of repentance is the important part.
Also John 4:24. Possibly the most important verse ever to those considering ritual or the abandonment of it.