Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

Repent. Repent. Repent.

How many times do we have to hear it preached? How many times do I have to repent?
What does it mean, anyway? Merriam-Webster, America’s oldest and foremost publisher of dictionaries, defines this intransitive verb to mean: “to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one’s life.”

Turn from sin. Amend your life. Okay. How do I do that?

Turning away from sin and seeking to amend your life is a personal, spiritual journey. Here are some steps that will help you start:

1. Acknowledge your sin: Rejoice that you recognize a sin or a problem in your life and that you want to change. I know it may make you feel down and out or even depressed, especially if it’s something that’s been a habit for years—but rest assured that God still loves you and that you are still lovable. Remember that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted (see Psalm 34:19).
2. Confess your sin: In the Catholic tradition, the Sacrament of Penance allows individuals to make a real step toward healing and reconciliation. Telling a priest in private that you have done this, this, and this, and that you want to change your life, is itself a grace-filled moment that can give you the energy and motivation to really make a difference in your life. Other Christian traditions may have a similar mode of admitting one’s fault to another and receiving forgiveness from God through their own church family.
3. Dedicate to prayer and meditation: Develop and commit to a spiritual practice that will help you overcome this sin or this problem, one that will sustain you well after the initial motivation has worn off. It is also helpful to join a small group of sorts for accountability and personal sharing. There is power in numbers, and journeying together on the path to freedom and the Kingdom is often less lonesome and less difficult when done with others.
4. Seek spiritual guidance: The Bible is a direct and fundamental way to come to know God and His personal love for you. Even then, you may need some help to interpret the Gospel of John or St. Paul’s letters to the Corinthians and their personal meaning to you. We live in an age of (overwhelming) abundance of books and studies…just pick one for now and stick to it. Even then, you may need one-on-one spiritual guidance from a spiritual advisor who can help you see yourself from a different perspective and help you discern God’s actions in your life.
5. Do acts of service: Last but not least, do something for others. Acts of charity are a great way to get out of yourself and express your commitment to change. This could be through your church, an organization, or just on your own and in your area.

So, repent, repent, repent. Turning from sin and amending your life is a journey you take until the day you die. This life in Christ is not easy. But with God’s help, you can do it.
Happy repenting!

Reflection by Br. Luke Kral, OSB