Conversion and Penance
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
First and Second Conversion (1427-1429)
"Repent and believe in the Gospel" (Mk 1:15). This first conversion is for those who do not know Christ. By faith and Baptism, a person first gains forgiveness of sins and new life.
The "second conversion" (of Christians) is the uninterrupted task of the Church (who "clasps sinners to her bosom"). This conversion is beyond merely human endeavor and must come from a contrite heart which responds to God's mercy.
St. Peter himself wept at Jesus' look of mercy (Lk 22:61) and made a three-fold profession of love (Jn 21:15-17). There is a communitarian dimension to this second conversion because Christ says "repent" to the whole Church. "There are water and tears: the water of Baptism and the tears of repentance" (St. Ambrose).
A Radical Reorientation (1430-1431)
Jesus' primary call is to an interior conversion which gives fruitfulness to the exterior works of penance.
Interior repentance is a radical reorientation of life, a total turning to God and away from sin, which includes a resolution to change one's life. This conversion entails a certain pain, called "affliction of spirit" and "repentance of heart."
A Gift from God (1432-1433)
Only God can give us "a new heart" (Ezek 36:26-27). Man is converted by gazing on Jesus Crucified. "Let us fix our eyes on Christ's blood and understand how precious it is to his Father" (St. Clement of Rome).
The Holy Spirit, who proves "the world wrong about sin" (Jn 16:8-9), is also the Consoler who gives grace for repentance and conversion.
Forms of Penance (1434)
Interior penance is best expressed externally in three forms:
- Toward oneself by fasting
- Toward God by prayer
- Toward our neighbor by almsgiving
There also should be tears, reconciliation with others, concern for other's salvation, intercession of the saints, and charity "which covers a multitude of sins" (1 Pet 4:8).
Many Means (1435)
Conversion comes about by an examination of conscience, admission of faults, spiritual direction, acceptance of suffering, and of persecution and concern for the poor.
Source and Times of Conversion (1436-1438)
The Eucharist nourishes this daily conversion. "It is a remedy to free us from our daily faults and to preserve us from mortal sins" (Council of Trent).
Every sincere act of worship or devotion (Bible reading, personal prayer) revives the spirit of conversion and contributes to forgiveness of sins.
The Church has established Lent and Fridays as intense moments of conversion. At these times, spiritual exercises and voluntary self-denial are important.
Process of Conversion (1439)
The parable of the Prodigal Son is the best example of the process of conversion and repentance. The son seeks freedom but ends up feeding on pig's husks. This leads to reflection and a decision to return home. His journey back and his father's joy are characteristics of conversion. The robe, the ring and the banquet are symbols of new life. Only Christ could so simply reveal his Father's love.
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