February 18, 2026
Ash Wednesday
Gospel: Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
Lent: A Season for Renewal and Repentance

Today, the Universal Church solemnly celebrates the Holy Ashes liturgy, marking the beginning of Lent.

The passage taken from the Gospel of Saint Matthew reveals to us a profound truth: Our Savior Jesus Christ teaches differently from the Pharisees and the Sadducees. The Pharisees emphasized strict adherence to the law of God, while the Sadducees stressed material sacrifices while downplaying true filial piety and love for God. Jesus calls us to focus on the relationship between our hearts and God.

In fact, we, too, can fall into the trap of doing good deeds merely for our own reputation, praying only to attract attention, and fasting just to restore our perishable bodies to their usual state. However, Jesus asks us to perform good deeds quietly, offer our prayers to God from the depths of our hearts, and truly understand the significance of fasting and abstinence.

On this first day of Lent, let us offer this prayer to God together:

Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting this campaign of Christian service, so that, as we take up battle against spiritual evils, we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

©Totus Tuus 2026
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica