Second Week of Advent: Why Repent?

Why Repent?

This question becomes especially urgent in the season of Advent. It is easy to fall into the illusion that our comfortable, secure, predictable lives—untouched by war or great hardship—are somehow equivalent to loving God and neighbor as Christ commands.

But St. John the Baptizer in Matthew’s Gospel (3:1–12) will have none of that. He exposes the truth: our self-centeredness gives us a heart of stone, blocks love, stifles compassion, and keeps us from bearing good fruit.

"Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees.

Every tree, therefore, that does not bear good fruit

will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Mt. 3:10) 

St. John insists that our hearts of stone must be broken open so new life can begin. This transformation is not accomplished by relying on spiritual pedigree—“We have Abraham as our father” (Mt.3:9)—nor by assuming that simply being “Christian” is enough.

Christ is in our midst. The Kingdom of God is at hand. This changes everything—but only if we ourselves are changed by it.

The Baptizer calls us to acknowledge our sins, repent, and begin anew to love as Christ loves. Only then can the false love of self be transformed into the self-giving love of Christ. No longer passive onlookers, absorbed in ourselves, we can bear fruit meant to be shared—fruit for the unborn, for the poor in our neighborhoods, and for those with intellectual or intellectual disabilities and their families who rely on our compassion.

By Art Bennett

Board Member and Special Kids / Special Needs Campaign Chair, Porto Charities