March 5, 2025 – Ash Wednesday
Reading: Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-21
We begin our Lenten pilgrimage from darkness to light, from ashes to resurrection. The sign of the cross on our foreheads is a reminder that we are dust, and to dust we shall return. It is also a call to believe In the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In Matthew 6, our Lord is concerned more with what we do in private than in public. He says, “Whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.” When we give alms, help others, especially those in need, pray privately, and fast privately, these marks of discipleship shine brighter in the darkness than in the light.
Jesus doesn’t want us to shine our own light or blow our own trumpets on our almsgiving, or our times of prayer and fasting for others to see. Let us humbly do these things “in secret”, with sincerity and humility and in thanksgiving to God for his grace and many blessing. As we give to and help others, pray for others, and fast quietly, “your Father who sees in secret will reward you”.
Prayer:
Dear God, help me to give, pray, and fast according to your will and in your way. Move me from selfish gain to selfless giving. In Jesus’ name.
Amen
The Rt Rev Datuk Danald Jute
Bishop of Kuching (Sarawak & Brunei Darussalam)