Sunday of Meatare of the Last Judgment Feb. 6

On this third Sunday, we are powerfully reminded of a complemantary truth: no one is so patient and so merciful as God, but even He does not forgive those who do not repent. The God of love is also a God of righteousness, and when Christ comes again in glory, He will come as our judge. "Behold the goodness and severity of God" (Rom 11:22). Such is the message of Lent to each of us; turn back while there is still time, repent before the End comes. In the words of the Great Canon:
The end draws near, my soul, the end draws near;
Yet thou dost not care or make ready.
The time grows short, rise up: the Judge is at the door.
The days of our life pass swiftly, as a dream, as a flower.
This Sunday sets before us the "eschatological" dimension of Lent: the Great Fast is a preparation for the Second Coming of the Savoiur, for the eternal Passover in the Age to Come. Nor is the judgement merely in the future. Here and now, each day and each hour, in hardening our hearts towards others and in failing to respond to the opportunities we are given of helping them, we are already passing judgement on ourselves. (Triodion)
Image: Andrey Rublev. Fresco "The Last Judgment"