Since it is likely that, being men, they would sin every day, St. Paul consoles his hearers by saying 'renew yourselves' from day to day. This is what we do with houses: we keep constantly repairing them as they wear old. You should do the same thing to yourself. Have you sinned today? Have you made your soul old? Do not despair, do not despond, but renew your soul by repentance, and tears, and Confession, and by doing good things. And never cease doing this.
This quote profoundly highlights the perpetual nature of human fallibility and the importance of continuous spiritual renewal. Similar to how a house naturally deteriorates over time and requires regular maintenance, our souls are susceptible to wear and sin. Recognizing this shared truth should evoke humility and an active commitment to self-improvement. The analogy of repairing a house serves as a reminder that mistakes are inevitable, but they do not define us if we are willing to mend and revive our spiritual wellbeing consistently. It encourages an ongoing process of repentance, tears, confession, and doing good—elements central to many spiritual pursuits for cleansing and restoring oneself. Instead of discouragement at sin, the emphasis should be on hope and the grace of renewal. Each day presents an opportunity to start anew, to shed the weight of guilt, and to strengthen our moral character. Embracing this mindset fosters resilience and a realistic approach to personal growth. The message is universal: no one is perfect, but perseverance in bettering oneself through humility and genuine repentance is key to a fulfilled spiritual life. Ultimately, the quote calls for steadfastness and optimism—no matter how old or worn our souls might become, regeneration is always possible with sincere effort. Constant renewal becomes a daily pledge, turning life's inevitable setbacks into opportunities for growth and grace.
