The Expulsion of Adam from Paradise is remembered on this final Sunday before Great Lent. The rebellion of Adam and Eve in seeking to be like God, without God’s blessing, brought the “fallen condition” upon us and our world. The spiritual consequences are death, sinful inclinations, and hurts to one another. Our Lord Jesus came to save us and restore us to Paradise. As we humbly repent, seeking God’s mercy and help in becoming like Him by living within His commandments, paradise returns to our lives with peace, joy, and eternal life. Forgiving others is part of the process of our salvation.

"Forgive me, a sinner" are words we sincerely say to one another, with the gracious response, "God forgives us all."

May God grant us a soul-profiting and holy Lent!