Catholics really need to step out of the Old Testament into the New Testament as regards this “priest” thing. Priests in the Old Testament were intermediaries between God and man. That veil was torn at Jesus death and we now have direct access to the Father in Jesus name who is our only mediator.
1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Catholics disrespect Christ Jesus by disregarding Christ’s death and the rending of the veil in their once again positioning of “priests” between God and man. All believers are now considered “a kingdom of priests”.
1 Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
We, as priests ourselves can boldly go before the throne of God without the aid of some Old Testament type priest.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
When we go before the throne of the Father in Jesus name it is He who forgives our sins.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.:
Just FYI. Matthew is New Testament.
Catholics have never disrespected Christ by disregarding His Death. Anybody who says so it just nuts.
No. That is when He will judge us, not forgive us us our sins. And the more sins you have been forgiven in the temporal world, the lest your time in Purgatory.