I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church,
to observe a holy Lent:
by self–examination and repentance;
by prayer, fasting, and self–denial;
and by reading and meditating on God's Holy Word.

I continue my reflections on the Lenten Disciplines with the topic of repentance. When we think of repentance we often think of being sorry for the wrongs we have committed. During Lent we are invited to repent of our sin. Repentance might be considered synonymous with regret. Theologically, though, the meaning of repentance is much richer. My "Dictionary of Theological Terms" defines repentance this way:

The act of expressing contrition and penitence for sin. Its linguistic roots point to its theological meaning of a change of mind and life direction as a beginning step of expressing Christian faith.

In the Bible we hear the invitation to repent more than once. In the first chapter of the Gospel of Mark Jesus speaks these words, "“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Jesus is not just asking us to feel bad for the wrong we have done. He is inviting us to change our minds and our way of life. He is inviting us to turn around and live differently. When we repent of our sins we can leave them behind!

Are there things in our life that you would like to change? Are there sins that you want to turn away from and leave behind? Are you searching for a new direction in life? Are you feeling led to repent this Lenten season? How might your life be different if you "repent and believe in the good news"?