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Gospel Reading for February 18, 2026 – Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18
ADMISSION
Ash Wednesday
Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”
———
The seasons of Christmas and Ordinary Time seem to have passed so quickly, for today we enter the Season of Lent—a sacred time of repentance and charity.
It is almost ironic that the Pharisees would put on gloomy faces when they fasted, making sure everyone noticed their sacrifice. In truth, fasting is an ADMISSION of our weakness, our sinfulness, and our need to repent. How, then, can one take pride in it?
Another questionable practice was their desire to publicize their almsgiving. Yet giving alms is an ADMISSION of God’s graciousness toward us. We share with others—especially those in need—because we ourselves have first received from him. It is not something to boast about; rather, it is a humble act of gratitude, a quiet “giving back” for the blessings given to us.
Our rituals and devotions become empty if they remain mere external practices, detached from a living and loving relationship with God. Without inner conversion, they are only gestures; with sincere faith, they become offerings of the heart.
As we begin this Lenten journey, let us reflect on the Prayer of St. Francis, which beautifully sums up what we Christians are called to be—
Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring your love.
Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord,
And where there’s doubt, true faith in you.
Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope.
Where there is darkness, only light,
And where there’s sadness, ever joy.
Oh, Master, grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console.
To be understood as to understand.
To be loved as to love with all my soul.
Make me a channel of your peace.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
in giving of ourselves that we receive,
and in dying that we’re born to eternal life.
