Meat-fare Sunday

As we gather today on Meat-fare Sunday, we stand on the threshold of the Great Fast, a time of spiritual preparation for the glorious celebration of Holy Pascha. Today, we reflect on the Parable of the Last Judgment, found in Matthew 25:31-46, a powerful reminder of the essence of our Christian faith and the two facets of the commandment of love.

In this parable, Jesus paints a vivid picture of the final judgment, where all nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the righteous from the unrighteous, like a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. The criteria for this separation are not based on religious rituals, personal achievements, or even our professions of faith. Instead, Jesus emphasizes the importance of our actions towards others, especially those who are marginalized, overlooked, and in need.

Jesus tells us that whenever we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick, and visit the imprisoned, we are doing these acts of love and mercy to Him. Conversely, when we neglect these acts of kindness, we are neglecting Christ Himself. This parable challenges us to see Christ in every person we encounter and to respond with love and compassion.

This Meat-fare Sunday, as we prepare to abstain from meat and begin our Lenten journey, let us also commit to a deeper, more authentic repentance. Let us strive to put our faith into action, showing mercy and kindness to all, and recognizing Christ in every person we meet. In doing so, we will not only prepare ourselves for the joy of Pascha but also live out the true essence of our Christian faith.