Repentance

Repentance is the renewal of baptism. Repentance is a contract  with God for a second life. A penitent is a buyer of humility. 

Repentance is constant distrust of bodily comfort. Repentance is  self-condemning reflection, and carefree self-care. Repentance is  the daughter of hope and the renunciation of despair. A penitent  is an undisgraced convict. Repentance is reconciliation with the  Lord by the practice of good deeds contrary tothe sins. 

Repentance is purification of conscience. Repentance is the  voluntary endurance ofall afflictions. A penitent is the  inflicter of his own punishments. Repentance is a mighty  persecution of the stomach, and a striking of the soul into  vigorous awareness. 

St. John Climacus