Ash Wednesday 2026
We begin our annual observance of Lent with the Ashes of Ash Wednesday and once again we take up our annual campaign of spiritual renewal. The cry of today is repent and believe the Good News as we prepare for Holy Week and Easter. As we place the ashes on our foreheads and listen to the words repent and believe in the good news, we remember that the Church teaches that prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are significant ways to become closer to God. In the First Reading the Lord urges a heartfelt return with fasting and repentance, highlighting his gracious and compassionate nature. A communal fast is called, involving all, with priests pleading for mercy, leading to God’s compassionate response to His people. in the Responsorial Psalm acknowledging our sins, we implore God’s mercy and cleansing. We seek a renewed heart and spirit, and then we will find God’s presence and the restoration of the joy found in His salvation.
In the Second Reading St Paul tells us We implore you on Christ’s behalf to reconcile with God. Christ bore our sins to make us righteous. Embrace God’s grace, for now is the time of salvation. In the reading from Matthews Gospel Jesus emphasizes the importance of sincerity in faith practices. He advises against performing acts of charity, prayer, and fasting for public admiration, as such actions lack true spiritual value. Instead, he encourages discreet and private expressions of faith, assuring that God, who sees what we do in secret, will duly reward genuine devotion. The question for each of us on Ash Wednesday is how we will celebrate Lent this year as individuals and as members of the local community. Over the next six weeks there will be a packed programme of activities providing many opportunities for spiritual renewal coupled with fasting and alms giving and I encourage you wherever you are reading this to try and take up some of the opportunities provided in your area for Lent. May God give us the grace to make a good Lent as we begin our journey on the road to Holy Week and Easter.
Fullerton T 