Father Rick’s Three-Minute Homily for Ash Wednesday

February 18, 2026, Matthew 6:1-6,16-18

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021826.cfm

This Lent, Set Your Standard High – 40 Days To Greatness!

Competition is an inherent part of life. We play games around the kitchen table, watch
our children compete in sports as they grow, and strive to advance in our careers for
better pay and responsibilities. Unsurprisingly, the scribes and Pharisees also aimed to
surpass the average person.  
 
In the Gospel for Ash Wednesday, Jesus tells us not to compare ourselves to others.
He calls us to a higher standard. Our potential for greatness (holiness) is far greater.
Jesus is our standard, and He invites us to be like Him. We don’t compete with others.
We follow Jesus.  
 
He mentions three things that help us to be like Him: Almsgiving, prayer, and fasting.
When we approach these with genuine humility and love, not just obligation, it deepens
our connection to Jesus and fosters sincerity in our hearts. This attitude is essential for
true growth. 
 
See what happens when we pray, help people, and fast with this motivation: “Lord, I
know I have a spark of greatness to be like You. Unfortunately, I can’t muster enough
effort to get over the hump. I want to in my heart, but it is so easy to give up. I need a
push, like trying to get up a hill. Get behind me, Lord, and inspire me, motivate me. 
And here is His push.
 
The three aids He mentioned in the gospel: 
· Giving more alms than I usually give to people experiencing poverty. 
· Giving You more attention in my day. 
· Giving up that snack, favorite food or activity. 
       
Pray with me: “Lord Jesus, it doesn’t seem like much when I do it with You. Ah, that’s
when I reach my potential to be the best friend I can be to You—forty days for You to be
my best, not a bad deal.  
 
Gospel Challenge: 
“So, Lord Jesus, what specific action will I take this Lent?”
_________________. Take a moment to sit with the Lord, then fill in the
blank. This is your personal journey, your Lenten season. You can do it. Jesus set that
standard just for you, and He is with you every step of the way. 
 
Love Your Neighbor:
Peace be with you.

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
 pastor@bscchurch.com