Universal Utterings
for February 18, 2026
A Godcast
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02-17-2026 Matthew 6 v0108 Pray To Your Father In Secret on Ash Wednesday
The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 6 Verse One thru Eight
1 “[But] take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. 2 When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, 4 so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. 5 “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. 7 In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent in the Christian liturgical calendar, a season dedicated to reflection, repentance, and preparation for Easter. Traditionally, Ash Wednesday involves the imposition of ashes on the forehead of worshipers, symbolizing mortality and repentance. The ashes are typically derived from the burnt palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday.
The Gospel of Matthew, particularly chapter 6, verses 1-8, speaks directly to themes of humility and sincerity in acts of faith. In this passage, Jesus instructs His followers to practice their righteousness in secret, warning against performing good deeds to gain public acknowledgment. The verses emphasize the importance of inner devotion rather than outward appearances. This teaching aligns beautifully with the observance of Ash Wednesday, a day where believers are reminded that genuine repentance comes from the heart, not from a desire for recognition.
As Catholics apply ashes to their foreheads, they acknowledge their human frailty and their need for God’s grace—the essence of what Jesus teaches in Matthew 6. The ashes symbolize a breaking away from a superficial approach to faith, inviting believers to enter a season of introspection and sincere devotion. Moreover, Jesus underscores that God sees the intentions behind actions and values an authentic relationship over mere ritualistic observance.
Thus, Ash Wednesday connects deeply with the teachings of Matthew 6, reminding Christians that the journey through Lent is not about public displays of piety, but a profound internal commitment to grow closer to God. The observance calls individuals to examine their motives, embrace humility, and seek a true transformation of the heart, preparing them spiritually for the celebration of Easter. Amen.
Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.
At the Savior’s command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.
I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.
I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20
02-17-2026 Matthew 6 v0108
**Pray To Your Father In Secret**
In shadows deep, where secrets dwell,
The heart must cast its silent spell.
A humble path, no need for show,
In whispered grace, let kindness flow.
Do not parade your deeds of light,
In public squares, for earthly sight.
For when the trumpet sounds your name,
The praise of men is fleeting fame.
But in the quiet, where the lost reside,
Let virtuous acts in stillness bide.
With open hands and earnest prayer,
God sees the heart’s true longing there.
Seek not your treasures in the eyes of men,
For gold will tarnish, but love won’t end.
In faith’s embrace, let true hearts speak,
In simple words and gestures meek.
So pray in silence, let your spirit soar,
In hidden places, seek Him more.
For in the depths, where souls entwine,
The loving gaze of God will shine.
Let not your words be empty cheer,
In every breath, let Him draw near.
For gifts unseen, in faith’s embrace,
Will find their home in Heaven’s grace. Amen.
© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins
February 18, 2026 @ 05:37 AM EST
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**† God First Ministries, Inc. is a Roman Catholic Lay Ministry not sponsored by The Church but is accepted by the IRS as a Religious Charitable Org. and is exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations made through PayPal using GodFirstforJesus@gmail.com, or given to GFM are tax deductible. †**
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