Five Ways
to Repent by
St. John Chrysostom
Saint John Chrysostom
-Doctor of the Church
Biography:
John Chrysostom is an important Early Church Father who served as archbishop of Constantinople.
He is known for:
(1) his preaching and public speaking,
(2) his denunciation of abuse of authority by both ecclesiastical and political leaders,
(3) his Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, and
(4) his ascetic sensibilities.
The epithet Chrysostomos means "golden-mouthed" in Greek. This denotes his celebrated eloquence. Chrysostom was among the most prolific authors in the early Christian Church, although both Origen of Alexandria and Augustine of Hippo exceeded Chrysostom.
He is honoured as a saint in the Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran churches, as well as in some others. In the Roman Catholic Church he is recognized as a Doctor of the Church.
-Contents taken from Wikipedia
5 Ways to Repent by
St. John Chrysostom
1. Condemn oneself for one sins
2. Do not bear a grudge against anyone, even your enemies
3. Correct, ardent and deep prayer of the heart
4. Alms-giving
5. Abundant modesty and heartfelt humility
[1. Condemn Oneself for One Sins]
The first way is to condemn yourself for your sins. The Lord esteems this action greatly. If, of your own volition, you condemn your sins, you’re less likely to repeat them. No fault will be found at the heavenly tribunal over the timely awakening of your conscience through self-criticism.
[2. Do not bear a Grudge against Anyone, even your Enemies]
The second valuable path of repentance is not to bear a grudge against anyone, even your enemies. Always hold your anger in check and forgive the sins of others, because then the Lord will expunge your own. This is an effective form of cleansing, since the Lord Himself approved it when he said: ‘If you forgive the debts of others, then you’ll certainly be forgiven by our heavenly father’ (Matth. 6, 1).
[3. Correct, Ardent and Deep Prayer of the Heart]
The third safe way of repentance is the correct, ardent and deep prayer of the heart. Let’s not forget the widow in the Gospel who persisted in her case before a cantankerous judge until she finally got what she wanted (Luke 18, 1-8). If she won over the tetchy judge through persistence, how much easier it’ll be for us to persuade our heavenly Father, Who’s calm, friendly and kind and Who’ll certainly give us whatever we need for our salvation.
[4. Alms-giving]
The fourth secure path of repentance is alms-giving, the power of which is inexpressibly great. The Prophet Daniel told King Nebuchadnezzar to wash away his sins with alms and his transgressions with mercy for the poor. Love can cancel out sins. Through charity, repentant transgressors rectify all things, by their struggles and the grace of God.
[5. Abundant Modesty and Heartfelt Humility]
The fifth steady way is a combination of abundant modesty and heartfelt humility. A witness to this path is the publican in the Gospel parable. His genuine humility lifted the whole burden of his sins.
-Contents taken from St. Elisabeth Convent official website
