Concept in Definition ABC

In the sacred texts of Judaism there are terms that are not easily translatable. This is what happens with the word teshuvah, as it is translated as repentance but in reality it is a more complex and profound idea.

It is possible to practice teshuvah at any time of the year, but the most auspicious time is during the last month of the Hebrew calendar.

During the time of teshuvah, one must adopt a spiritual posture based on remorse and repentance for sins committed. In other words, the damage caused by the purpose not to commit them again. We could say that in this process of introspection there is a judgment of oneself. It is not a simple self-reproach, but think own actions with the aim of relieving the spirit. In this dialogue Inside there is, in turn, a dialogue with God.

The time spent in teshuvah is oriented toward fullness and the concordance between what is thought, what is said and what is done.

The teshuvah process

In the first place, negative behaviors are renounced by freely deciding that they are not going to be repeated in the future. Then there is an act of confession through words (with the verbalization of the error, the clarification of the

conflict internal). Finally, there is a personal commitment so that the error does not occur again.

Once the repentance process is finished, there is a greater connection between man and God and because of this the idea of ​​teshuvah is understood as if it were a return to God. It should not be forgotten that repentance should be understood as an act of love bye.

This whole process will make sense when a new one appears chance to act improperly and yet end up acting correctly.

The act of contrition among Catholics has a similar meaning

For a Catholic believer when an improper action or a sin is performed, it is necessary to obtain the forgiveness of God. Thus, through the sacrament of confession, the faithful confesses his sin and, through the action of the Holy Spirit, the priest grants him forgiveness for the sins committed.

However, the request for forgiveness only makes sense if there is Will not to make the same mistake again. In other words, only if there is a sincere purpose for amendment is repentance valid for sins committed.

Fotolia photos: Rafael Ben-Ari / Penwin

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