Ash Wednesday  (18th February 2026)

 
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (NRSV)

6:1 Beware of practising your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

2 ‘So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Concerning Prayer

5 ‘And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 6 But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Concerning Fasting

16 ‘And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.[f]

Concerning Treasures

19 ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust[g] consume and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust[h] consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

God's Holy word for us today - Amen
 

Questions to Ponder

What are the important things in my life?  Is it security, money, recognition, status, other people, my own welfare? 

Perhaps something else?

Should and could we use this time in Lent to change our priorities and place God at the centre of our lives again?
 
Prayer

Loving God, at the start of this Lenten season, we ask that you would lead us and inspire us to give time to you each day, so that we might nurture and deepen our relationship with you. Amen

Call to Action 

Could you consider making a lent donation to an organisation helping others - for example the foodbank, All we can, the circuit work supporting people seeking asylum?