ABSOLUTION

 

No man taketh away sins (which the law, though holy, just
and good, could not take away), but He in whom there is no sin.--BEDE.

He alone can remit sins who is appointed our Master by the Father of
all; He only is able to discern obedience from disobedience.
--ST. CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA.

It is not the ambassador, it is not the messenger, but the Lord
Himself that saveth His people. The Lord remaineth alone, for no man
can be partner with God in forgiving sins; this office belongs solely
to Christ, who taketh away the sins of the world.--ST. AMBROSE.

It appertaineth to the true God alone to be able to loose men from
their sins.--ST. CYRIL.

Neither angel, nor archangel, nor yet even the Lord Himself (who alone
can say "I am with you"), can, when we have sinned, release us, unless
we bring repentance with us.--ST. AMBROSE.