Today we celebrate Cheesefare Sunday, the last day before the holy season of Great Lent begins. It is a day of forgiveness.
As we prepare to embark on the spiritual journey of fasting, prayer and repentance, we must first make an effort to forgive all those who have sinned against us. Holding grudges and resentment in our hearts closes us off to the healing grace of God.
Our Lord Jesus Christ taught us to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." If we cannot forgive the minor trespasses of our friends and family members, how can we expect God to forgive our own grievous sins?
On this Cheesefare Sunday, take time to ask forgiveness from those you have wronged through word, deed or thought. And be quick to forgive those who have hurt or offended you. Purge your heart of anger, bitterness and pride.
Only by forgiving others can we become worthy to receive forgiveness from the Lord on Pascha night. Let us enter the Lenten season with hearts full of love, humility and contrition.
Through the prayers of the most holy Theotokos and by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, may God grant us the strength to forgive and the peace that comes with being forgiven.
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