Forgive Me, a Sinner
Categories: parish-life, feast-days
Date: 01 March 2009 01:52:42
When Adam received of the food, as a transgressor was he driven from paradise. But Moses, purifying the pupils of his eyes with fasting, was made worthy to behold God. Wherefore, you who long to dwell in paradise, come, let us keep far from unprofitable food; and you who desire to see God, come, let us fast the four Mosaic tens. And by perseverance and sincerity in prayer we shall put down the passions of the soul and remove the wiles of the flesh, ascending lightly towards the celestial way, where the ranks of angels praise the indivisible Trinity with unceasing voices, to behold the transcending comeliness of the Master. Therefore, O life-giving Son of God, make us who trust in You, worthy there to exchange glad tidings with the hosts of angels; by the intercessions of the passion of Your Mother, O Christ, and of the Apostles, Martyrs, and all the saints.
Matins Sticheron
Today goes by several names in the Orthodox Church: the Sunday of Forgiveness, the Sunday of the Explusion of Adam and Eve from Paradise and also Cheese Fare Sunday [for it is the lasy day on which dairy may be eaten before Pascha [Easter]]. It is titled the Sunday of Forgiveness due to the mutual asking of forgiveness that generally occurs after Vespers this evening. However, due to circumstances where we cannot rent the hall, and to also ensure as many are present as possible, we held this straight after Liturgy. Beginning with the priest, we each confess our sins, known and unknown, and ask for the other person's forgiveness with the words, "Forgive me, a sinner." The reponse comes, "May God forgive you." [I have also heard "As God forgives, I forgive."]
As the heart of Christianity is love, and the practical expression of this love to one another, I do find this mutual asking for forgiveness both very moving as well as the perfect start to Great Lent. Relationships are at the heart of our faith, and their brokenness, in whatever form, is a sad and tragic state to be in. And in that spirit, if I have, in any way, offended, upset or hurt you, by what I have said or done, or not said or not done, I ask with love for you to forgive me, a sinner.