Reflections for February 23, 2026
Today’s liturgy invites us into a profound examination of the heart. As we journey through the scriptures, we find a consistent thread: the transition from a life of mere ritual to a life of radical, transformative love. When we look at these readings through the lens of St. Faustina’s Diary, we see that this transformation is only possible through the floodgates of Divine Mercy.
The First Reading: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18
“Be holy, for I, the LORD, your God, am holy.”
The Book of Leviticus provides us with a “manual for holiness.” It isn’t just about avoiding “big” sins; it’s about the intricacies of how we treat our neighbor—no lying, no slandering, and no holding onto grievances.
Connection to the Diary: St. Faustina understood that holiness was not found in extraordinary ecstasies, but in the perfection of small, hidden acts of love. She wrote:
“True love of God consists in carrying out God’s will. To show God our love in what we do, all our actions, even the least, must spring from our love of God.” (Diary, 279)
When we refrain from a “white lie” or choose not to gossip, we aren’t just following a rule; we are making room for the Divine Will to operate within us.
The Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 19
“Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.”
The Psalmist reminds us that the law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. For the soul seeking Mercy, the Word of God is not a burden but a light that reveals the path toward the Father’s house.
The Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46
“Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Today’s Gospel gives us the “Final Exam.” Jesus makes it clear: our salvation is inextricably linked to how we treat the hungry, the thirsty, and the imprisoned.
The Faustina Connection: Jesus told St. Faustina, “I demand from you deeds of mercy, which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy to your neighbors always and everywhere” (Diary, 742). He gave her three ways to exercise mercy:
- By Deed
- By Word
- By Prayer
If we find ourselves stuck in the cycle of our own self-centered thoughts, these three avenues of mercy are the exit. By serving “the least,” we stop looking inward at our own failings and start looking outward at Christ’s suffering members.
A Lesson from St. Peter Damian (Feb 23rd)
Today we also honor St. Peter Damian, a Doctor of the Church known for his rigorous self-discipline and his tireless work to reform the clergy.
Peter Damian lived in a time of great ecclesiastical challenge. He didn’t just complain about the darkness; he became a light through his own penance and devotion. He reminds us that mercy does not mean a “pass” on holiness. True mercy seeks to restore the soul to its original dignity. Like St. Faustina, he knew that the soul must be purified to truly “soar” in the presence of God.
Living the Word Today
As you go about your day, ask yourself: Am I seeing Christ in the person who annoys me? Am I choosing the “small” path of holiness?
Let us pray with St. Faustina:
“O My Jesus, help me to go through life doing good to everyone…” (Diary, 1314)
