photo: www.stfrancisgreenlawn.org

Ash Wednesday:  February 18, 2026

Reflection: “WE EXALT YOUR PROVIDENCE, O LORD, AND WE ENTRUST OURSELVES TO YOUR LOVING CARE,

- with praise and gratitude for the good and beautiful things we have received,

- with confidence when confronted with our human limitations,

- with humble submission to the mystery of God’s purpose when we experience suffering and frustration.

and we commit ourselves to making your providence
more visible in our world,

- with fidelity, living as responsible stewards of the earth and our personal gifts,

- with courage, confronting the evils and injustices of our times,

- with compassion, entering into the joys and sufferings of your people,

- with hope, collaborating with people of good will in fostering your reign on earth.”

(Constitutions – Providence Prayer)

Scripture Readings

Joel 2:12-18: “…it is Yahweh who speaks: come back to me with all your heart…”

2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2:  We are ambassadors for Christ.  “For our sake God made the sinless one into sin, so that in him we might become the goodness of God…Well, now is the favorable time; this is the day of salvation.”

Mt 6:1-6, 16-18:  Almsgiving, Praying and Fasting: “…your almsgiving must be secret…when you pray, go to your private room…pray to your Father who is in that secret place…when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that no one will know you are fasting except your Father…sees all that is done in secret will reward you.”

 

Reflection Questions

1. How do I entrust myself to the loving care of Providence and return to God with all my heart?
2. With fidelity, courage and compassion for others, am I a person reflecting my call to be an ambassador for Christ?
3. Does my almsgiving, prayer life and fasting reflect my daily commitment to making God’s Providence more visible to each person I meet?

Closing Prayer:  2026Congregational Chapter Prayer:

 Provident God, give us a sense of your Presence on our Holy Adventure together.

Strengthen our trust in your providential love and care

as we explore new paths for the future before us.

Open us to see possibilities, give us the courage to embrace them,

and to enter into this Congregational Chapter

ready to embark on a Holy Adventure with You.  Amen

Sr. Barbara McMullen