“Arise my soul, and review your deeds which have preceded from you. Scrutinize them closely, and shed the rain of your tears, declaring openly to Christ your thoughts and deeds, so that you may be justified.” St. Andrew of Crete (650-740)

Our deeds are our many sins over a life time. Like the sand on the shore, too many to begin to count. Our tears flow from a contrite and humble heart, deeply repentant. Our justification comes from the death and resurrection of Jesus, Our Savior, who took upon himself all our sins. Our deeds are our own. Our tears are ours, moved by the grace of God. Our justification is totally from Christ. We are the recipients and benefactors of his righteousness on our behalf. The desire to sin no more is ours by grace. The decision to repent and move on in the new life from God is ours by grace. But the justification is responded to with the grace of gratitude and firm amendment of heart.