The 3rd Sunday in preparation for the Great Fast is called Meat-Fare because during the week following it a limited fasting-abstention from meat-is prescribed by the Church. This prescription is to be understood in the light of what has been said above about the meaning of preparation. The Church begins now to “adjust” us to the great effort which she will expect from us seven days later. She gradually takes us into that effort-knowing our frailty, foreseeing our spiritual weakness.
The Last Judgement
The Sunday lessons in preparing us for the Great Fast began with Zaccheus – (desire for Christ), the Publican and the Pharisee (humility), the Prodigal Son (the Father’s all consuming love for us) and now the Last Judgement. If we are not moved by the first 3 lessons, the Church now soberly shows us what is in store for those who do not repent.