Homily – Thursday, 26 February 2026

First Week of Lent - Thursday

Introduction

My dear friend,

Lent has just begun, and maybe you’ve already made a few promises to God. Perhaps you’ve said, “This year I’m really going to change.” But if you’re honest, you might also be thinking, “Sure, Lord… but let’s not get too hectic.”

Lent has a way of exposing the small compromises we make. It gently — and sometimes not so gently — shows you where your heart really stands.

Today, God’s Word speaks directly to you.

Life Story

There’s a story about a man who proudly told his priest,
“Father, this Lent I’ve stopped losing my temper completely.”

Just then someone bumped into him outside the church, and he shouted,
“Can’t you watch where you’re going?!”

He turned back to the priest and said,
“Well… I stopped until five seconds ago.”

Sound familiar?

You can intend to change. But real conversion shows itself when you’re under pressure — at work, at home, in traffic, or when someone tests your patience.

The Word

In today’s Gospel (Matthew 7:7–12), Jesus speaks straight to your heart:

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

Notice the movement:

• Ask – You are invited to speak honestly to God. He is not distant. He is Father.

• Seek – Faith is not passive. You must move. You must choose Him daily.

• Knock – Don’t give up when change feels slow. Keep going.

Jesus reminds you that if earthly parents know how to give good things, how much more will your heavenly Father give you what you truly need.

God is not stingy with grace.
But you must be willing to open your heart.

And then comes the challenge:

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

That’s where Lent becomes real.
How you treat people reveals how deeply you’ve allowed God to work in you.

Three Practical Lessons for Your Day

1. Pray Honestly

Don’t give God polished prayers. Tell Him exactly where you struggle. Ask boldly. Trust that He hears you.

2. Deal with Your Own Heart First

It’s easy to see what others must fix. Lent is about what you must surrender — pride, resentment, gossip, impatience.

3. Choose Kindness in Small Moments

Before speaking, pause.
Before reacting, breathe.
Ask yourself: “Would I want this said to me?”

That simple check can transform your day.

Inspirational Quote

“God never tires of forgiving you; you are the one who sometimes tires of asking.”
— Inspired by Pope Francis

Conclusion

My friend,

God is not far from you this Lent. He is closer than you think. He is already knocking.

The question is simple:

Will you open?

Ask.
Seek.
Knock.
And trust that the Father who loves you is ready to receive you.

Personal Prayer

Merciful Father,

You never grow tired of calling me back to You.

Give me the courage to repent sincerely
and the humility to change my ways.

Remove from me every hardness of heart.
Help me to recognise Jesus
as the greatest sign of Your love and mercy.

May this Lent truly transform me —
in how I think, how I speak, and how I live.

Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.