GOSPEL REFLECTION, ASH WEDNESDAY, 18 FEBRUARY 2026

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18.  Our gospel reading every Ash Wednesday tells us that we must give alms, pray and fast – the three great acts of piety extending back through Jewish history.  We must do so, not with mixed motives, but with genuine commitment of our hearts as righteous acts.  We hear this gospel reading with the words of the prophet Joel (2:12, the first reading) still echoing within us – “even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your hearts .. rend your hearts, not your clothing.”  Come back to me deeply within your inner being, away from all your mixed motivations, away from all outward display seeking personal acclaim.  As religious people we are reminded emphatically that outward gestures seeking personal admiration of ourselves as pious people makes us “hypocrites,” the word Jesus uses again and again to condemn the Pharisees.  Jesus call to the three acts of piety is part of the Sermon on the Mount, which also tells us that “blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” ( Matt 5:8).

First, the giving of alms, generosity to the poor, in a broad sense meant sharing our material goods  but being merciful and compassionate to the poor in whatever way is needed, for they  are so beloved by God.  The mercy and compassion we extend to the poor are signs of the great mercy of God himself.  We do so with no other motivation than to do what needs to be done without hope for praise by others for doing so.  If we do seek such praise, we are “hypocrites,” play-actors like the Pharisees.

When we pray, we must do so from the very depths of our inner beings, our “hearts.”  Prayer with external gestures meant to attract the praise or admiration of others for being so pious – that too makes us “hypocrites” like the Pharisees.  “when you pray go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret ….” (Matt. 6:6).  Prayer takes place in the inner dimension of our relationship with God our loving Father, not to be seen outwardly as pious and devout.  If we do so, we are “hypocrites,” play-actors like the Pharisees.

And when we fast, we do so in faith and trust, not to appear outwardly pious like the Pharisees.  Then we are “hypocrites” like them.  We fast not only from food and drink, but from our greed, or anger, our suspicion of others, so often the attitudes to the poor in our society.

While we emphasise this gospel to encourage Lenten disciplines, they are not just for Lent but are essential to the discipline of being a Christian disciple.  May we do so willingly, in ‘purity of heart,’ quietly, privately, in order to constantly realign ourselves with God.  That is what we mean by repentance.