Cheese-fare Sunday

Today, on Cheese-Fare Sunday, also known as Forgiveness Sunday, we stand at the threshold of the Great Fast. Our Gospel reading from Matthew 6:14-21 offers us profound guidance as we prepare our hearts and minds for this sacred journey.

"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matthew 6:14-15)

These words of our Lord remind us of the centrality of forgiveness in our Christian life. Forgiveness is not merely an option; it is a divine command. As we seek God's mercy and forgiveness, we must also extend that same mercy to others. This act of forgiving is not always easy, but it is essential for our spiritual growth and healing. Holding onto grudges and resentment only weighs us down and separates us from the love of God.
On this day, we are called to reflect on our relationships with others. Is there someone we need to forgive? Is there someone from whom we need to seek forgiveness? Take this time as an opportunity to reconcile, to let go of past hurts, and to embrace the peace that comes from a forgiving heart.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21)

As we enter the Great Fast, our focus shifts from the material to the spiritual. Jesus calls us to examine our priorities and to seek treasures that are eternal. The practices of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving help us to detach from worldly distractions and to draw closer to God. These spiritual disciplines are not ends in themselves but means to transform our hearts and align our lives with God's will.

Fasting is a powerful tool that helps us to gain control over our desires and to cultivate a spirit of self-discipline. It is not just about abstaining from certain foods but about creating space for God in our lives. Prayer deepens our relationship with God, allowing us to listen to His voice and to seek His guidance. Almsgiving reminds us of our responsibility to care for those in need and to share the blessings we have received.

As we begin this holy season, let us commit ourselves to these practices with sincerity and devotion. Let us forgive one another, seek reconciliation, and focus on the treasures that truly matter. May our journey through the Great Fast be a time of spiritual renewal and growth, leading us to the joy of Pascha.