Repentance, Sackcloth and Ashes

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Fifteenth Week :  Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mt 11:20-24*

*First Reading : Ex 2:1-15a*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 69:3, 14, 30-31, 33-34*

*Repentance, Sackcloth and Ashes*

*1) Repentance: A Change of Heart*

Repentance (Hebrew: teshuvah – return) is the central spiritual act of turning away from sin and turning back to God. 

It involves:

Conviction of sin

Confession and sorrow

A commitment to transformation

God does not demand outward signs only, but a heart genuinely grieved by sin and eager for renewal.

*2) Sackcloth: A Garment of Grief*

Sackcloth (a coarse, rough fabric usually made from goat hair) was traditionally worn during times of:

Mourning

National or personal tragedy

Penitence

Wearing sackcloth was a public expression of inner sorrow and humility.

When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly.

— 1 Kings 21:27

Although Ahab was a wicked king, his act of repentance moved God to delay judgment. This shows that God responds to humble hearts.

*3) Ashes: Symbol of Mortality and Sorrow*

Ashes represent:

Mourning over sin

Acknowledgment of human frailty

A return to dust (Genesis 3:19)

People would either sit in ashes, sprinkle ashes on their heads, or roll in them, to show deep sorrow.

*4) The Connection: Outward Signs of Inward Repentance*

Repentance is the inward transformation.

Sackcloth and ashes are the outward signs.

They do not earn forgiveness, but show the depth of sorrow and desire for God’s mercy.

“Who knows? God may turn and relent and withdraw His burning anger so that we shall not perish.”

— Jonah 3:9

In Nineveh, even the king wore sackcloth and sat in ashes. And God relented from destroying the city because their repentance was genuine.

*5) New Testament Perspective*

While sackcloth and ashes are less visible in the New Testament, the spirit of repentance remains essential:

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

— Matthew 5:4

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret.”

— 2 Corinthians 7:10

Jesus emphasizes inner transformation, not just outer rituals.

Sackcloth and ashes teach us that:

Repentance should be deep and sincere.

Humility before God is vital.

True repentance leads to God’s mercy and restoration.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*