The power of binding and loosing which Jesus bestows on Peter on this occasion (Mt 16:20) is repeated to all the disciples in Mt 18:18. We can be certain that Jesus intended the gift of binding and loosening to be given to all the disciples, since in 18:1, Matthew tells us that the disciples came to Jesus. On Easter morning according to St. John's Gospel, Jesus gave the Apostles who were present in the Upper Room the more specific power of forgiving or not forgiving sin. The power to forgive sins is one of the greatest consolations in the Church, for it is important spiritually and even psychologically and socially that we hear the words of absolution pronounced over us. Of course, we need faith to confess our sins and to open our hearts to God's forgiveness and pardon and peace. The human experience of actually hearing the words of absolution becomes a grace-filled moment through the faith that brings one to confession.