Repentance

I will quote a book I’m currently reading entitled, “Journeying with Jesus: Reflections and Prayers Away from Home” by Msgr. Ruperto C. Santos. Only recently have I come to understand the true meaning of “repentance.” Below is an excerpt from the book that most clearly explains its important meaning to me.

“It is to be sorry for the wrong we have done, the hurt we have inflicted, and the sins we have committed. To repent is to commit our whole self, our whole thinking, and our whole being to Jesus. It means turning away from material things in order to embrace our cross; it is letting go of our personal convenience in order to be ready for sacrifice and to serve; it is shunning earthly satisfaction in order to live our spiritual commitments. To repent is not to compromise. We will not bargain or strike a deal. We will not be neutral or fence sitters. It is either we walk with Jesus or we walk out. It is either we go with Jesus or we give up on him. Our repentance demands from us a 360-degree turn from our old self, that is, from our old self marked by sin and selfishness. Our repentance is a change of beliefs, a change of heart, and a change of life. It is not a change of words or styles, but a turning back to God.”