THEOSISTichon of Zadonsk
Repentance, then, is described as "sorrow for God’s sake, which produces unchangeable repentance unto salvation," as noted by the Apostle. Tears, weeping, and sighing serve as manifestations of the sorrow within the heart, which is wounded like an arrow, leading to the outpouring of tears. Just as a sponge releases water when squeezed, a heart burdened with sorrow, when pressed further, releases tears that bring relief from its anguish. Weeping and tears help to ease sorrow; much like rain cools the air, tears refresh the mourning and troubled soul.
Read more (500 words)
This profound sorrow arises from reflecting on God, who is displeased by our sins. When a sinner returns to a clear awareness, recognizing that the Most High, Good, Merciful, and Holy God—Whom he should revere—has been angered by his lack of fear and transgressions against His sacred law; that the One he ought to love has been provoked; and the One deserving of honor has been dishonored through sinful actions—he cannot help but mourn. Just as a son, who has received love, care, and all good things from his father, feels deep regret and shame for returning hatred for love, ingratitude for gratitude, and dishonor for honor, he reflects on his offense against his father. How much more should we grieve, weep, and feel ashamed for our ingratitude toward God, who created us, nurtures us, provides for us, and grants us every blessing? To Him, whom the angels honor with reverence, we, "earth and ashes" (Sira. 10:9), fail to give due respect; to Him, who embodies eternal Love and Goodness, we do not express our love; and through our sins, we provoke anger against the eternal Truth. When a sinner contemplates this, his heart is deeply wounded; self-disgust grows within him. Though he faces the anguish of his plight and the fear of judgment from an angry God, he is left uncertain where to turn. In this distress, he sighs deeply and, unable to raise his eyes to heaven, strikes his breast, crying out with the tax collector, "O God, be merciful to me, a sinner." Yet, he finds comfort in God’s immeasurable mercy, which is extended to all who repent, believing that just as God has shown kindness to other repentant sinners, He will certainly do the same for him. Grounded in this hope, he rises like the prodigal son and goes to his Father, saying, "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 servants." Thus, the humble and contrite approach of the sinner to his heavenly Father is not in vain, but he receives the same favor that the prodigal son was granted by his merciful father.
Therefore, the one who desires to repent should take the following steps: First, listen to God's call and turn from the path of iniquity with all his heart. Second, detest the sins of his past and, with God's help, strive against them, while also guarding himself against new sins. Third, mourn the reality that he has offended God, his Creator and Father, the Most Blessed, leading to sorrow throughout his life. Fourth, feel shame for having acted without regard for God’s law. Fifth, recognize himself as unworthy of any of God’s blessings but deserving of punishment. Lastly, find solace in the boundless mercy of God, promised to all who turn to Him in repentance through Christ Jesus our Lord. The Scriptures and the Psalms vividly illustrate the concept of repentance. What is repentance?