I love this analogy regarding the difference between general and private absolution:

“The general absolution through the sermon is like a rich man throwing a large number of gold coins into a crowd with the intention of having everyone get a coin; now, whoever grasps one has one. But private absolution is like a rich man sending his servant to a timid soul who dares not seize a piece and having him press the coin into his hand.”

(via General and Private Absolution: What’s the Difference? | CyberBrethren-A Lutheran Blog.)