Repentance is acknowledging our condition and needing saving
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.
It is also the subsequent desire to the goodness of God’s presence. It is the Prodigal Son acknowledging the situation in his Fathers house are good.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.
Knowing God’s goodness asking to bless you and save you.
Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; build up the walls of Jerusalem;
then will you delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.
God on his part invites us
“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.”
Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.
The First and Second Reading tell us the earth and all its inhabitants are God’s, and He does not stop Himself from inviting everyone to Himself. Assyria, i.e. the Ninevites were pagan, yet He called them to repentance. So also us. He desires all of us. Nothing can separate Him from us, except if we say no to Him.