The Importance of Repentance and Reconciliation
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“When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. (Mt 3:7-8)
There is a question that has become popular among writers and preachers which goes something like this: “If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? The question is provocative and usually elicits a few chuckles, but falls short of any serious reflection in the pew or in daily life. It can, however, spark an examination of conscience that could lead to deeper spiritual awareness and the change that conversion brings.
During the season of Advent, we have the opportunity to take a “spiritual inventory” of our lives. Using financial terms, we can take stock of our situation and “rebalance the portfolio” if necessary. Jesus is coming to visit the homes of all believers during the Christmas season, and we should be ready for His arrival. Having a dwelling place that is ready to receive the Lord is an excellent means of preparation for this sacred time of the year.
True repentance is intrinsically linked to “evidence” of conversion in the life of the Christian. Having a veneer of holiness is not enough to be an authentic witness to faith in Christ. Our words and deeds need to be in right alignment. The following passage illustrates the importance of “bearing good fruit” in our daily walk with Christ:
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them. (Mt 7:15-20)
This Advent, may we avail ourselves of God’s abundant grace to produce the good fruit that faith in action brings about in our lives.
Deacon Greg Lambert was ordained in 1997, in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, and currently serves at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Tampa, Florida.. Deacon Greg assists in the areas of RCIA, Adult Faith Formation, and Sacramental Preparation. In addition to his service at the parish level, Deacon Greg is a staff member of Diakonia newsletter for the diaconal community of the diocese. He is also part of the teaching faculty for the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute which has accredidation from the USCCB. His articles have been published in Deacon Digest Magazine, Catholic Stand, Diakonia and Catholic365. He has a BA in Religious Studies and an MA in Theology from St. Leo University.
