An Instruction for Cheesefare Sunday: The Condition for Entering the Holy Forty Days

Beloved brethren! We have now reached the very gates of the holy Fast! They are ready to open before us! Already, according to the ordinance of the holy Church, there has been read to us today in the holy Gospel the instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ on the proper entrance into the labour of fasting.

“If you forgive men their trespasses”, announces the Gospel teaching just read, “your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Mt. 6:14-15). With such tidings does the holy Church meet us at the gates of the Fast! With such a condition does she present to us at the very threshold of the spiritual hall of repentance. We intend to prove our repentance for various sinful indulgences through various bodily deprivations and afflictions: but the Gospel requires of us mercy before sacrifice, so that the sacrifice may be pleasing to God.

All who wish to undertake the labour of fasting and prayer! All who wish to reap abundant fruits from their repentance! Hear the word of God, hear the covenant of God—and forgive, pardon your neighbours their trespasses against you. “If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses”. Amen.