A Life of Repentance - Fr. Gregory - January 11, 2026

 In today’s Gospel reading, Christ begins his public ministry, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Fr. Gregory explains that repentance is a complete reorientation of the heart, mind, and will toward God. In Greek, the word “repentance” means to change one’s mind or to turn one’s whole being around. True repentance is not an emotion or passing sense of guilt, but rather it is a turning away from sin and toward Christ.Fr. Gregory continues, explaining that repentance is the transformation of all things into thanksgiving, of life into worship. The church, in her wisdom, gives us practical disciplines by which we may live out our repentance, such as getting a spiritual father, going to confession, keeping a prayer rule, reading the Scriptures daily, and helping the poor. Fr. Gregory encourages us to follow these disciplines that we may live in repentance and that our lives may reflect the beauty and order of the Divine Liturgy.