Among Protestants there is debate whether the term metanoeo means to change one's mind or to change one's actions.The Catholic notion of doing penance is this performance of deeds worthy of their repentance. The Douay-Rheims translation of the Vulgate uses "do penance" where the KJV says "repent." To say "do penance" suggests that the repentance and the deeds worthy of that repentance are both required. Are we headed for the old faith/works debate here? ;o)
--drstevejWherefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those at Damascus, then at Jerusalem and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent (metanoein) and turn to God and perform deeds worthy of their repentance.
--Acts 26:19-20</b
"Do Pennance" is not in the range of meaning for the terms Matthew and Esekiel used.In Ezekiel 18:30, the "repent and turn" in the KJV is, in the Septuagint, epistraphete kai apostrepsate which according to the Liddell/Scott Greek-English Lexicon, is to turn about or turn around and turn back. These words imply a change of action (doing penance) along with a change of heart. This fits nicely with St. Paul's remarks quoted above.
drstevej
I do not mean this glibly, but how does the saying of a number of Hail Mary's relate to deeds worthy of repentance? I can see making restitution for theft, offering and apology to someone offended, etc. but ritual acts somehow do not fit in the same category.
[1] repent (change of mind);
[2] turn to God;
[3] perform deeds worthy of repentance.
These are sequential not identical.
The question, it seems to me is whether the RC practice of pennance, is in view here or a lifestyle that reflects repentance (change of mind). For example, a liar should start telling the truth... a stingy person should practice generosity... This would also include making restitution. For example a theif should return the stolen property, a law breaker should turn themselves in and face the consequences.
I appreciate NYers discussion of the rationale for assigning Hail Marys. Personally, I find meditating on relevant Scriptures and conversational prayer regarding the issues more productive. I do not consider the above as doing pennance. Call it semantics, I think there is a substantive difference.