The 18th verse of Psalm 51 reminds us of the need for sincerity in repentance.

Psalm 51:18: “For you do not desire sacrifice; a burnt offering you would not accept.”

(Via USCCB.)

True repentance is needed as outward signs are insufficient. By outward signs I mean the actions that imply a changed behavior or a newfound piety. An inner conversion of one’s self is required for the conversion to work and for the penitent to remain on the path to Heaven. Sincerity and honesty is a key factor in this. The penitent needs to get to the root cause of the sin and work on eliminating it and maintain a firm purpose of amending one’s behavior.

In essence, the sacrifice is of oneself. The old, sinful person is sacrificed on the altar of conversion; the old, sinful ways are cast aside. While we will always sin, as no one can be completely free of the attachment to Earthly things and self-interest, we will try as best we can to avoid that which may make us susceptible to sin.

We have that responsibility to ourselves and those about us.

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