THEOSISTichon of Zadonsk
The Holy Scriptures provide a clear understanding of what true repentance entails. Ezra, burdened with shame and fear, hesitates to raise his face to God. Repentance, as the apostle states, is defined as "sorrow for God's sake, which produces a lasting repentance leading to salvation" (2 Cor. 7:10). Signs of genuine sorrow include tears, weeping, and deep sighs, indicating a heart that is wounded, much like an arrow inflicts pain and prompts tears. Similar to how a sponge, when squeezed, releases the water within, a heart overwhelmed with sorrow releases tears, finding relief through this expression of grief. Just as rain refreshes the earth, so tears comfort a distressed soul.
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This profound sorrow arises from reflection on God, whose righteousness is stirred by our sins. When a sinner, upon reflection, acknowledges the gravity of having offended the Almighty—who is Good, Merciful, and Holy, deserving of reverence—by their reckless actions and transgressions, they cannot help but feel grief. Consider the analogy of a son who, instead of honoring his father, responds with hatred and ingratitude. Upon recognizing his failings, he laments, weeps, and reproaches himself for such disrespect towards his parent. By even greater measure should we feel sorrow and shame when we fail to give thanks to God, our Creator, who sustains us, nourishes us, and provides for all our needs. We, mere mortals, fail to honor Him, the One whom angels worship with awe and reverence; we neglect the eternal Goodness, inciting His anger through our sinful behavior.
When a sinner contemplates these truths, their heart feels the sting of regret, and self-reproach arises. The anguish intensifies into fear as they realize that, from God’s righteous anger, they can only anticipate judgment. In such a state of distress, they may feel trapped, sighing deeply from the core of their being, unable to raise their eyes toward heaven. With a humble strike upon their chest, they echo the plea of the tax collector: "O God, be merciful to me, a sinner" (Luke 18:13). Yet, in this vulnerability, they are met with the profound mercy of God, which welcomes all who turn back in repentance. Reflecting on God’s past mercies towards others reassures them that they too will receive grace.
Embracing this hope, they rise like the prodigal son, approaching their Father with these words: "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before You, and am no longer worthy to be called Your son; accept me as one of Your hired men" (Luke 15:21). Therefore, the humble approach of a repentant sinner to the heavenly Father, marked by a broken heart and faith, is never in vain but is met with the grace and favor afforded to the prodigal son by his compassionate father.