Sunday of Cheesefare: Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise 

FORGIVENESS SUNDAY (February 15, 2026)

Glory be to Jesus Christ! Glory be forever!

This is the final day before the Great Fast (Lent). The theme for this Sunday reminds us that we are exiles in this world, that our true home is in the Eternal Paradise, the Heavenly Kingdom which we lost through the Fall of Adam and Eve. Our journey to Pascha starts us on a pilgrimage towards the pain of the passion, the redemption on the cross, and finally it also leads us to the joy of the resurrection. This Sunday’s Gospel (Matthew 6: 14-21) teaches us the importance of reconciliation with one another, of mutual forgiveness, before we start our pilgrimage. 

Our spiritual life manifests itself in this physical world, revealing what is clear to God and to others around us. Others can perceive what we truly value, regardless of our verbal claims about our priorities. A person who seeks forgiveness from God but fails to forgive others is prioritizing earthly treasures rather than heavenly ones, as they reject what God, who is eternal, desires. What is forgivness? It is righteousness, the right care of others that Our Lord taught along with the love of the Father.  Whenever we need to reassess our spiritual direction, we can examine the tangible evidence by looking at our relationships with others. Are we requesting things that align with the heart and mind of God?

Monday, February 16, is known as “Clean Monday” and marks the beginning of the Great Fast (Lent). I’ve previously shared the abstinence and fasting guidelines—please do what you can. This is a spiritual pilgrimage, and each of us is called to do our best, striving toward renewal and deeper communion with God. All journeys have their ups and downs. Let us begin this journey with prayerful hearts and a spirit of hope.

Peace and Grace, Tim