What is repentance ?

In Catholic teaching, repentance is a profound change of heart and mind, a turning away from sin and toward God. It is not merely feeling sorry for one's actions but involves a deeper transformation that encompasses humility, sorrow for sin, and a firm resolve to amend one's life.

The concept of repentance is central to Christian faith and is emphasized throughout scripture and tradition. It is often understood as a continuous process, a "constant movement of our hearts to God" .

Key Aspects of Catholic Teaching on Repentance

1. Humility and Self-Assessment: True repentance begins with humility, acknowledging one's own sins rather than focusing on the faults of others. This involves an honest and authentic understanding of oneself and one's relationship with God, recognizing one's "smallness and weakness" in contrast to God's mercy and greatness. Padre Pio, a revered confessor, advised against excessive anxiety and self-torment, suggesting that true repentance can be calm and simple, focusing on present duties rather than dwelling on past mistakes.

2. Sorrow for Sin (Contrition): Repentance involves genuine sorrow for sins committed, not just regret for earthly consequences like shame or misfortune. This sorrow, known as contrition, must be supernatural, meaning it is motivated by the offense against God and the realization of eternal separation from Him, rather than just temporal punishment. St. John Vianney emphasized that this "anguish of soul" should come from the bottom of the heart and be "unlimited," recognizing the loss of heaven as the greatest misfortune.

3. Amendment of Life (Conversion): Repentance is intrinsically linked to conversion, a commitment to change and to become one's most authentic self as a child of God. It is a resolve not to sin again. This doesn't mean never falling again, but rather having a sincere intention to avoid sin and the occasions of sin. The early Church viewed serious sin after baptism as abnormal, requiring a "lengthy period of penance" as spiritual rehabilitation to restore the health of sinners and the well-being of the community.

4. God's Mercy and Forgiveness: A fundamental aspect of repentance is recognizing and trusting in God's boundless mercy. God is always waiting for individuals to turn back to Him, much like the father in the parable of the prodigal son. Pope Francis highlighted that God, once He has forgiven, "forgets" the sins, wiping them away by divine mercy. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is considered a "privileged place to experience the mercy of God," where individuals can be freed from the burden of guilt.

5. Comprehensive Repentance: St. John Vianney taught that repentance must be "comprehensive," meaning one must repent of all sins equally, as pardon for one sin cannot be received without authentic repentance for all others. This requires a thorough examination of conscience, probing the depth of motivations and desires, not just skimming the surface of minor infractions.

6. Role of Grace: Repentance is not solely a human effort but is inspired by God's grace and love. As St. Augustine preached, even the movement toward God is because of His grace. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in calling forth supernatural sorrow for sin.

7. Ongoing Process: Repentance is a process that individuals return to repeatedly. The cycle of sin, punishment, repentance, redemption, and forgiveness, as seen in the Book of Judges, mirrors the human experience. Even when repeating the same sins, the call is to return to Jesus in Confession, where He is ready to forgive "seventy times seven" .

In summary, Catholic teaching on repentance emphasizes a heartfelt turning away from sin and towards God, rooted in humility, supernatural sorrow, and a firm resolve to amend one's life, all made possible through God's abundant grace and mercy.