"I firmly resolve with the
help of thy grace to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen."
Over the years, most of us have repeated those words many times in the confessional or during our night prayers. We asked God's forgiveness for our faults and failures and promised not to succumb to those same temptations again. Although we knew we were forgiven and our sins were washed away, we realized the reconciliation with God and the Christian community was dependent on true sorrow for transgressions and a firm commitment to do better in the future.
Simply put, we are called to repent. That means we must have a change of heart, and a strong determination to turn from our evil ways. Addressing the matter of penance, the Catechism of the Catholic Church says, "Among the penitent's acts, contrition occupies the first place. Contrition is sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again". (VII, 1451)
In the beginning of St. Mark's Gospel, John the Baptist issues a call to repentance because the kingdom of God is at hand. He tells his listeners to confess their sins and to do good works such as alms giving to the poor and to be faithful to one's Christian duty to love one another. In Matthew 4:17 and Mark 1:15, Jesus also calls upon his followers to repent and believe the Good news. The same echoes in our lives today as we are challenged to let go of our sinful ways and live the Gospel message.
If we believe that conversion is a life-long process, we must accept repentance as an integral part of that conversion. Because we are weak and vulnerable to the constant evil that surrounds us, we realize that we are completely dependent on God's mercy and forgiveness day after day. At times our sinfulness is akin to an illness. We can take comfort in the knowledge that Jesus, the great physician, is always ready and willing to heal our wounds. (Luke 5:21-32)
The practice of our Catholic faith demands that we be vigilant at all times, constantly seeking to avoid the pitfalls of sin and distractions. The coming holy season of Lent again presents an opportunity to take stock of our lives, make a firm commitment to confront our weaknesses, and come back to the Father with humility and contrition.
In the old version of the Way of the Cross, we ended each station by saying, "I love Thee, Jesus, my love, above all things. I repent of having offended Thee. Never permit me to separate myself from Thee again." Like lost sheep, we often stray from the fold, but the road back is always open.
