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Lenten Season · Year B

Ash Wednesday

February 10, 2027

Feeding the Hungry and Giving Alms, François Hutin
Feeding the Hungry and Giving Alms, François Hutin, ca. 1737–42The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
A French print of the works of mercy, with bread handed out at a door and the giver's face deliberately kept in shadow.Beware of practising your piety before others in order to be seen by them. So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New YorkThe largest art museum in the Americas, founded in 1870 by a group of New Yorkers who wanted one and had no collection to start from.The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
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

Sermon Brainwave: Ash Wednesday Working Preacher

A podcast conversation across all four Ash Wednesday readings.

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).

Questions preachers ask

Why is Matthew 6 the Ash Wednesday Gospel?

Jesus teaches that giving, prayer, and fasting be done in secret before the Father, and that treasure be laid up in heaven, setting the tone for Lent.

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