John the Baptist came preaching a message of repentance. Part of that message was that the repentant was to “bear fruits worthy of repentance.” (Luke 3:8) Some may refer to these fruits as “penance.” Penance doesn't produce repentance, penance should be the fruit – the evidence - that shows repentance has taken place or is in the process of taking place. Penance doesn't pay a debt of sin, the Cross took care of that. Acts of penance express a desire to “walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work.” (Colossians 1:10)
Thomas Aquinas (1225-1275 a.d.) said there were conditions necessary for true penance:
Contrition, which is sorrow for sin, together with a purpose of amendment
Confession of sins without omissions
Satisfaction by means of good works
With that in mind, may you have a very fruitful Lenten season.
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