Reformation Day

Happy Reformation Day. I think it is significant that the first 3 of the 95 thesis that Luther posted on the door of the castle church in Wittenberg, Germany pertained to repentance. Repentance is what marks Christians. It is what makes us different from other sinners. Christians repent.

1. When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, "Repent" (Mt 4:17), he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.
   
2. This word cannot be understood as referring to the sacrament of penance, that is, confession and satisfaction, as administered by the clergy.
   
3. Yet it does not mean solely inner repentance; such inner repentance is worthless unless it produces various outward mortification of the flesh.
   

Repentance is different than worldly sorry. And just because someone repents, and you forgive, doesn't mean you must trust or reconcile. Trust and reconciliation may be offered by the one wronged over time.