Metanoia

This Greek word is derived from the root words meta (“after/change”) and noiein (“to think/perceive.”) In the Bible it is frequently translated into English as repentance – something that goes beyond lament into a transformation of one’s entire life. But, importantly for Lutheran theology, it is not merely a desire to “do better” after recognizing sin – but a new way of understanding our entire relationship to sin. For Martin Luther, metanoia meant turning from trying to “pay back” God with good works for the ways in which we have sinned and instead trusting and loving the one who has forgiven all of our sin.

Mark 1:15

¹⁴ Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the good news of God ¹⁵ and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

A New Understanding of an Old Word

Before that there was scarcely a word in all the Scriptures more bitter to me than “penitence (metanoia),” though I was busy making pretenses to God and trying to produce a forced, feigned love; but now there is no word which has for me a sweeter or more pleasing sound than “penitence (metanoia).” For God’s commands are sweet, when we find that they are to be read not in books alone, but in the wounds of our sweet Saviour.

– Martin Luther, Letter to John Staupitz, (1518)                                                                       

Reflection and Prayer

Where do you find yourself focused? Where is your heart drawn? What is “good” about the “good news” for you right now? Where do you specifically need God’s help to renew your mind? Your love?