Meatfare Sunday
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The Fast of Meatfare Week is a preparation for the Great Fast. This week, the structure of the church services changes, music becomes more solemn, and abstinence from meat is introduced on Wednesday as well as Friday. Traditionally this was the last day for the consumption of meat in a home. For those who will follow the strict fasting regulations, this is also the week in which to eliminate dairy products from the kitchen, so that by next Sunday, there will be none left.
The texts of the services emphasize that the Last Judgment awaits everyone, whether or not they believe in God. None of us will escape this! Thus, we are called to be aware of our sins NOW, and to examine our hearts carefully. Where do I need healing? What do I need to be delivered from? Am I addicted to something that is unhealthy for my soul: alcohol, pornography, drugs, anger, sloth, drugs, abuse of others? How do I treat my spouse, my family, my friends? What do I read or watch consistently? In short, what in my life interferes with my spiritual growth and my relationship with God?
At the end of time, no matter how much Man may protest that God does not exist, there will be an accounting for each and every individual. And those who have failed to follow God’s commandments among Christians, and the natural law among non-Christians, are doomed. Great the joy of those who are saved! How awful must be the hatred that binds Satan and his sinful followers together! And where exactly do I think that I am going to end up? No one is assured of salvation: it is a free gift from God, and we, to whom the fullness of revelation has been given in the teachings of the Church, are responsible indeed for what we do and say here and now.
May our prayer be that of the Kontakion for today:
Every creature shall tremble before you. A river of fire shall flow before your judgment seat; the books shall be opened, and all secrets revealed. On that day, O righteous Judge, deliver me from the unquenchable fire, and make me worthy to stand at your right! - Vespers