Homily

24 February 2026
Tuesday of the First Week of Lent

Introduction

My dear brothers and sisters,

Lent has begun. The ashes are still fresh in our memory. We have promised to pray more, fast more, complain less (hopefully), and maybe even give up something we actually like.

But already, just a few days in, we discover something:
Lent is not as easy as it looked on Ash Wednesday.

Today’s Gospel reminds us that Lent is not about appearances. It is about transformation of the heart.

A Humorous Story

A little boy once gave up chocolate for Lent. He was very proud of himself.

Three days later, his mother found him in the kitchen staring at a chocolate cake.

She asked, “What are you doing?”

He replied, “I’m not eating it. I’m just smelling it… and telling God how much I love Him.”

Sometimes our sacrifices are like that. We give something up—but we stay very close to it!

Lent is not about standing near temptation. It is about stepping away so that our hearts can grow stronger.

The Word

In today’s Gospel (Matthew 6:7–15), Jesus teachs us the Our Father.

He tells us not to pray with empty repetition, as if God needs convincing. Our Father already knows what we need before we ask.

Then Jesus gives us a prayer that is simple, powerful, and deeply demanding.

Notice something important:

• We ask for daily bread — not luxury.

• We ask for forgiveness — but only as we forgive others.

• We ask to be delivered from evil — because we know we are weak.

The most challenging line is this:

“Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

Jesus makes forgiveness the condition for receiving forgiveness. That is radical. That is uncomfortable. That is Lent.

Lent is not just about giving up food.
It is about giving up resentment.
It is about fasting from anger.
It is about surrendering pride.

Three Practical Lessons for Today

1. Pray Simply and Sincerely

Prayer is n about many words. It is about an open heart.

Today, pray the Our Father slowly. Pause at each line. Let it speak to your real struggles.

2. Forgive Someone Intentionally

Is there someone you are holding in your heart with bitterness?

Lent is the time to release them. Forgiveness does not mean approving what happened. It means refusing to let it control your soul.

3. Trust God for “Daily Bread”

We worry about tomorrow, next year, our future.

Jesus teaches us to trust God one day at a time.

Grace is given daily.
Strength is given daily.
Peace is given daily.

Inspirational Quote

“Lent is not about proving our strength to God, but about admitting our need for Him.”

Conclusion

My dear friends,

Lent invites us deeper. Not louder prayer — but truer prayer.
Not harsher fasting — but humbler hearts.
Not religious performance — but real conversion.

When we truly pray “Our Father,” we remember we are children — not masters.

And children trust.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
You know our weakness before we speak.
Teach us to pray with sincerity.
Give us the courage to forgive as You forgive.
Help us to trust You for our daily bread.

Purify our hearts this Lent.
Remove pride, bitterness, and fear.
Make us disciples who live what we pray.

Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.