Tuesday, April 2, 2019
The concept of repentance is not limited to Christianity or even, one might argue, to religion. Repentance is a matter of recognizing that one’s actions have caused hurt, pain or other consequences for others and feeling profound regret for those acts. It involves recalculating and a commitment to changing direction. Within our faith journey, both as individuals and in community, this may well include the need to make confession, admit guilt, attempt to make restitution and promise not to repeat the offense.
In Biblical Hebrew, the idea of repentance is represented by two verbs: שוב shuv (to return) and נחם nacham (to feel sorrow). In New Testament translations ‘repentance’ comes from the Greek word μετάνοια (metanoia)…meaning a change of mind, of behavior, of attitude, and of heart. This requires investing in a GPS…God’s Positioning System.
For Further Personal Reflection: “Will you persevere in resisting evil and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?” I will with God’s help! Holy Baptism, The Book of Alternative Services p. 159. Also see The Reconciliation of a Penitent p.167
For Further Faith Community Reflection: The Solemn Intercession, Good Friday The Book of Alternative Services p. 309)
Aside: Homemade Granola
No measurements are provided and variations are limited only to your imagination.
Oat flakes(not instant); unsalted, raw sunflower seeds; olive oil; maple syrup and/or molasses/and or honey; Put a couple of handfuls of flakes and seeds on a cookie sheet; drizzle with oil and sweeteners. Add options: rye, wheat/and or bran flakes, sesame and/or flax seed; pepitas…Bake at 200 degrees for an hour or more, stirring occasionally; towards the end add nuts(pecans and almonds are great); all bran, dried fruit, coconut, cinnamon… It is ready when it’s golden brown. Use as cereal, topping for yogurt and fruit, as the ‘nuts’ addition to banana bread or add a touch of flour and butter and use as the ‘streusel’ for fruit crisp or muffins.