Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Reflection on the WORD

“God our Father’s Reward” – Faith: Jesus proclaimed to His disciples, that His Father will reward us when our almsgiving, prayers and fasting are done in the privacy and “secrets” of our hearts; with sincerity and out of love for Him. Ponder on, “Do we live our lives out of our sincere faith, hope and love for God? What is Jesus saying to us here and now?

Matthew 6:4-6, 17-18

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Your almsgiving must be secret, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not imitate the hypocrites: they love to say their prayers standing up in the synagogues and at the street corners for people to see them. In truth I tell you, they have had their reward. But when you pray, go to your private room, shut yourself in, and so pray to your Father who is in that secret place, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.

‘But when you fast, put scent on your head and wash your face, so that no one will know you are fasting except your Father who sees all that is done in secret; and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.’

Today's Pointers on God's Word

As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?

  • Today is Ash Wednesday and marks the beginning of the season of Lent.  This is a season where God’s graces will flow abundantly.  This is a good time to take stock of how we want to deepen our faith experiences with God.
  • Jesus reminds us that when we pray, give alms and the like, we must be more aware of glorifying Him in what we do than falling into the impure motives of parading our “holiness.” 
  • God who sees all that we do in secret will bless us abundantly.  Thus, we are each called to live for God and to strive to live in His ways.