REPENTANCE
Repentance is essential for reconciliation with God, necessitating a review of one’s actions in light of our covenantal relationship with God and the ways we have wronged others, including failures to do good.
Repentance is a central theme in both the Old and New Testaments. When the Israelites strayed from God, He sent prophets urging them to repent and return to Him. John the Baptist’s ministry also focused on repentance to prepare the way for the Lord, with baptism as a sign of accepting repentance. Jesus and His disciples continued this call to repentance.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son
Jesus illustrated repentance vividly in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Lk 15:11-32). The son strayed from his father by his own mistake but eventually returned, seeking reconciliation. The father generously accepted him back, symbolizing God’s boundless forgiveness. Repentance here includes recognizing sin, regretting wrong actions, resolving to change, and seeking reconciliation through baptism and the sacrament of reconciliation.
Metanoia: A Change of Mind and Conduct
The Greek word for repentance, “Metanoia,” implies a profound change of mind and behavior. The prodigal son’s return to his father illustrates this transformation. Jesus told the adulterous woman, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and do not sin again” (Jn 8:11). True repentance involves a willingness to change our sinful lives and accept God’s forgiveness.
Biblical Examples of Repentance
Adam and Eve failed to repent, instead shifting blame. Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent (Gen 3:12-13). The people of Sodom, known for their sexual immorality and neglect of the needy (Ezek 16:49), faced judgment for their lack of repentance.
Jesus came to call people to repentance, offering salvation and entry into the Kingdom of God. John the Baptist emphasized repentance before imminent judgment, involving regret for failures and a change in mind, heart, and lifestyle.
Practical Repentance
Repentance includes a change in behavior, as shown when tax collectors and soldiers asked John the Baptist what they should do. He advised tax collectors to collect no more than the fixed rate and soldiers not to extort or falsely accuse others (Lk 3:12-14). Repentance also involves making amends, as Zacchaeus did by promising to repay those he had wronged fourfold and giving half his goods to the poor (Lk 19:8-9). Saul, who persecuted the early Church, repented and became a fervent evangelist and martyr. Augustine, after leading a sinful life, repented and became a bishop, saint, and Doctor of the Church.
Repentance for the Righteous
Even the righteous need to repent, as it can mean a change of mind or direction for improvement. The Bible notes that even God repented of the disaster He had threatened against the Israelites after Moses’ intercession (Ex 32:14).
John the Baptist instructed the crowds to share with those in need, indicating that acts of charity are signs of repentance (Lk 3:10-11). Lack of good works is also a sin, and those who do not produce good fruit need repentance.
Becoming Poor for Perfection
Jesus told the rich young man who kept all commandments to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him to achieve perfection (Mt 19:21). The prodigal son’s elder brother, who resented his repentant sibling, represented the elite Jews needing to change their attitude towards publicans and sinners. Jesus taught, “Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mk 1:15), highlighting the twofold nature of turning away from sin and towards God.
Continual Process of Repentance
Repentance begins with baptism but is an ongoing process of renewing our life in Christ and advancing God’s Kingdom.
Who Should Repent?
1. The Immoral and Public Sinners: Jesus forgave the repentant woman caught in adultery (Jn 8:11) and promised paradise to the repentant thief on the cross (Lk 23:43). He healed the paralytic and forgave his sins (Mt 9:2).
2. The Self-Righteous: The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector illustrates that humility and repentance justify us before God (Lk 18:9-14).
3. Selfish People Who Ignore the Less Fortunate: The rich man ignored Lazarus and faced eternal punishment (Lk 16:19-31). The priest and Levite in the Good Samaritan parable neglected the wounded man (Lk 10:30-37). Jesus warned that neglecting to help “the least of these” leads to eternal punishment (Mt 25:45-46).
4. Those Who Exploit Others: Zacchaeus repented and compensated those he wronged (Lk 19:8). The Bible commands against exploitation and mistreatment of others (Lev 19:13-14).
5. Those Who Do Not Forgive Others: Jesus emphasized the necessity of forgiving others to receive God’s forgiveness (Mt 6:12-15; 18:21-22). The parable of the unforgiving servant warns of severe consequences for those who refuse to forgive (Mt 18:34-35).
6. Violators of God’s Commandments: Violating God’s commandments requires repentance, reparation, and renewal of our relationship with God and others.
REFLECTION
Repentance is about experiencing the liberating power of God’s forgiveness and grace. It involves regular self-examination, making amends, forgiving others, engaging in charity and justice, and continuously turning towards God. Like the tax collector in Jesus’ parable, we should approach God with humility, seeking His mercy (Lk 18:13). By embracing ongoing repentance and renewal, we allow the Holy Spirit to transform us, making us more Christ-like in our lives. May we strive to embody the humility and sincerity of true repentance, becoming instruments of God’s love and reconciliation in the world.