As I shared in the last issue of this article, the fifth step on John’s Ladder is Repentance and that it is rooted in true humility. True humility, however, is not mere modesty. Modesty is to be found in people of all faiths and of none. Humility is different. It sees the truth because it beholds Christ Himself in awe and reverence. When we are humble, we compare ourselves not to others but to God alone, before whom no one can be proud. This is why the saints are so humble. Saints keep repenting because they kept comparing themselves to the infinite holiness of God. The holier we become, the more sinful we feel – we more clearly recognize our short-comings and this gives us impetus to continue growing in our understanding of ourselves so that we may bring about ongoing personal transformation.

Many people express disapproval at the notion of religious guilt and penitence. They think it unhealthy and masochistic. That is because they forget that guilt is the beginning of repentance, not the end of it. The reason I often suggest that feelings of guilt are totally worthless is because most people don’t seem to be able to get beyond the guilt. To feel guilty and not decide to change is worthless. We must always keep this double character of repentance in mind: on the one hand, it means to grieve and mourn for our sins and shortcomings; on the other, it finds comfort and joy in God’s mercy and love and gives us an opportunity to more seriously apply ourselves to personal change. The end of repentance is to behold the face of God and to hear Him say, Your sins are forgiven. Go and sin no more. Your faith has saved you. God in peace.

Repentance springs from humility and humility makes us free. Repentance fuels personal transformation