A Moment To Pause: Wednesday 18th February 2026

Good Morning. Thank you for joining all of the Oblate Family today for our time of reflection and prayer today with Mary Tyrrell. Hello and welcome to todays’s Oblate reflection and prayer based on St Matthew gospel chap 6.  In verse 16 we read “And whenever you fast, do not look somber. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father. Pope Leo's Message for Lent this year is entitled "Listening and Fasting," It is a short letter and well worth a read. In his letter the Pope invites us “to fast not from food but from words that offend and hurt our neighbour.   He suggests we avoid harsh words and rash judgement, refrain from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves. He hopes in this way, words of hatred will give way to words of hope and peace. Imagine if everyone fasted from unkind words and cultivated kindness wouldn’t that lead to a joy-filled Easter celebration. And maybe it might even be a simple yet effective way to change our world - home by home , street by street , county by county, country by country till we have all have peace. Our Lady , queen of peace pray for us. Our Lady , queen of peace pray for the world.