The New Testament speaks of repentance as a gift from God. Christ came so that he might "give" the gift of repentance to Israel (Acts 5:31), to the Gentiles (Acts 11:18), and unto all that they might proceed from repentance into a mature knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 2:25). Yet, many things get in the way of repentance. Out of pride, many of us cling to our sins and justify our misdeeds to ourselves. Out of shame, many of us will cover up or ignore our sins as if we could simply pretend they were not a burden. Furthermore, out of the lusts of the flesh, we avoid repentance so that we might continue to indulge what we rebelliously know to be sin.

This booklet offers many meditations and prayers on repentance. Perhaps there is a particular sin you have in mind for which you seek forgiveness. Or, as is the case for all of us, you might simply be struggling with the ongoing temptations of the flesh. This book, God willing, might help draw you closer to an attitude of the heart befitting of penance-that is, confession, repentance, satisfaction, and forgiveness.