Lent is a time for renewal. Part of that renewal requires that we become aware of the disorder, the disharmony and the distortions in our life, in other words to become aware of the areas of sinfulness and of the evil in our behaviour. We cannot change unless we are first aware of what needs to be changed. Many of us go through life not prepared to take a really objective look at the kind of people we are, although we may spend a good deal of time being very aware of what is wrong with others.
Once aware of the areas of our lives which are ruled by negative forces like hate, anger, resentment, greed, vindictiveness, injustice or violence we need to repent. ‘Repentance’ in the Gospel calls not only for expressions of regret and sorrow; it also demands a radical change in future behaviour and a profound change in the way I see God and people and other things. It calls for a re-ordering of our relationships with God, with Jesus, with other people and with ourselves. It means a real turning round of our lives, a real conversion.
Based on content copyright of Sacred Space, used with permission.
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