Repentance – A Joyous generosity

The mid-point of Advent alerts us to issues of justice, equality, honesty and integrity. St. John the Baptist called the people to repentance so they can prepare for the coming of the Messiah. Through the Church, he continues to call people of every generation to enter into this inward decision to seek and receive God’s offer of forgiveness as the excellent way of preparing for the coming of Jesus Christ anytime He wants. But what does repentance looks like? What does it demand?

There is no absolute guarantee that getting drenched in water at Baptism will change a person through and through. Getting all wet is not the same as getting better. The sign of repentance is not just a pledge to attend Mass every Sunday, it is not a commitment to tithe either, it is not daily praying your devotions, or a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. All these things are great and they have a place in the life of all of us believers. Repentance is a joyous generosity toward humanity and making a real difference in the very context where a believer finds himself or herself. It is being like Jesus who out of utter generosity and love, emptied Himself, “went around doing good, casting out devils,” crucified and died on the cross for our salvation.