On this day the theme that is brought to us through the hymns and scripture readings in our Church services is the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise. Adam and Eve, not only disobeyed God they neglected to acknowledge their mistakes and ask for forgiveness.
For this reason, this Sunday, the Sunday before Lent begins, is also called forgiveness Sunday.
If Adam and Eve had approached God and asked for forgiveness rather than running away, hiding and blaming each other, they would have been forgiven and reinstated to their former glory.
As we enter Great Lent, let’s put aside all our differences. Let’s find solutions to our disagreements. Let’s ask for forgiveness from each other. Let’s communicate our feelings and find balance in our relationships so we may be worthy inheritors of God’s Kingdom.
Forgiving each other means understanding we are all weak. It means knowing we all make mistakes. It means loving everyone no matter what and being able to work through issues finding a healthy and beneficial solution for all parties.
Forgiving each other means that we see Jesus in the person of our neighbour.
Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia District of Northcote Victoria