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Lenten Season · Ash Wednesday · Year A

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Giving to the Needy

February 18, 2026

Bust of an Old Woman in Prayer, Rembrandt van Rijn
Bust of an Old Woman in Prayer, Rembrandt van Rijn, 1629-1630Residenzgalerie Salzburg
Nothing but a face and two folded hands coming out of the dark, the eyes shut, caught in the middle of praying rather than posed at it.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.Rembrandt van RijnRembrandt at about twenty-three, painting his own mother’s generation without flattering it.Residenzgalerie SalzburgThe Residenzgalerie in Salzburg.Residenzgalerie Salzburg
Revised Common Lectionary
GospelMatt. 6:1-6, 16-21Mt 6:1-6, 16-21
Epistle2 Cor. 5:20b-6:102 Cor 5:20b-6:10
Old TestamentJoel 2:1-2, 12-17Jl 2:1-2, 12-17 orIsa. 58:1-12Is 58:1-12
PsalterPs. 51:1-17Ps 51:1-17

Overview & Insights

“Your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4)

Jesus expects his disciples to practice a covenantal piety that centers on a longing for God’s kingdom to arrive and strives to please God, not humans.

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Take it further: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Commentary

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21Mt 6:1-6, 16-21 Working Preacher

A close exegetical reading of the Ash Wednesday gospel.

An Ash Wednesday Meditation SALT Project

An ecumenical, progressive reflection for entering Lent.

Ash Wednesday Loyola Press · Sunday Connection

A Catholic reflection and discussion questions on the Ash Wednesday gospel.

Ash / Dust Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church

A ready-to-use Episcopal Sermons That Work sermon for Ash Wednesday.

Matthew 6Mt 6 Enduring Word · David Guzik

A verse-by-verse evangelical commentary on the whole of Matthew 6.

Matthew 6:1-4 resourcesMt 6:1-4 resources Precept Austin

In-depth evangelical study resources on the giving, prayer, and fasting sayings.

Classic commentaries on Matthew 6Classic commentaries on Mt 6 BibleHub

Parallel classic commentaries on Matthew 6:1 gathered on one page.

Background & Word Study

Will This Be on the Test? Left Behind and Loving It

A word-by-word Greek reading of the Ash Wednesday text.

What is the connection between prayer and fasting? Psephizo · Ian Paul

Examines how Matthew 6 ties giving, prayer, and fasting together as acts of righteousness.

Matthew and WorkMt and Work Theology of Work

Reads Jesus' teaching on treasure and money in Matthew 6 for daily working life.

The Church Fathers

Matthew 6, patristic commentaryMt 6, patristic commentary Catena

Early church fathers' verse-by-verse comments on Matthew 6.

Sermons & Reflections

Wednesday's Ashes Journey with Jesus

A lectionary essay on the meaning of Ash Wednesday's ashes.

Worship & Prayers

Ash Wednesday, Year B UMC Discipleship

United Methodist worship planning notes and liturgical helps for the whole service.

Podcast

#1069: Ash Wednesday - February 18, 2026 Working Preacher (Sermon Brainwave)

Luther Seminary’s homiletics roundtable on this Sunday’s appointed texts, including Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21.

Art & Music

Art in the Christian Tradition Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt's collection of visual art connected to the Ash Wednesday readings.

Study Hub

The Text This Week: Ash Wednesday Textweek

Aggregated Ash Wednesday study, art, and worship links from across traditions (a few links may be dated).

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