True repentance is a complete change in thinking and conduct- a decisive, fundamental change of direction in one's life, a radical reorientation from the path of destruction. It is turning away from sin and turning towards God. In St Matthew’s Gospel, we see this aspect of repentance in the first son, who at first rejected God out of rebellion but later changed his mind (metanoia) and did the work. He represents sinners, tax collectors, and outcasts who initially rejected God, but then turned their hearts back through true repentance. The second son, however, said yes, but never actually goes to work in the vineyard. He represents the self-righteous chief priests and religious elders who talk a good game about following God, yet reject His actual authority and messengers (like John the Baptist and Jesus). They did not walk the talk backing their faith with action.Devotion means nothing if the heart remains unchanged and prideful. However, no matter how badly a person has fallen or how hard they initially refused God, what matters is that one is sincerely contrite and sorry, especially through the sacrament of Confession, which brings true peace