Ash Wednesday

[Leela]

Should Catholics where ashes in light of Matthew 6:16–18?

“And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 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 who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

 

[promethius]

Should Catholics where ashes in light of Matthew 6:16–18?

“And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 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 who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

Perhaps one should note that wearing the ashes is not in response to the day of fasting. Further, declaring oneself a member of the faithful could hardly be considered “looking dismal”

 

[Joe_5859]

Should Catholics where ashes in light of Matthew 6:16–18?

“And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 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 who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

Since that is actually part of the Gospel reading for today (Ash Wednesday), I think it’s okay to sport the ashes.

 

[Church_Militant]

Besides, in all my life I have never seen any Catholic get “brownie points” from anyone for having “dirt on their forehead” like that.

However, I do like what they used to say to us as they marked us.

“Remember man, that thou art dust and unto dust thou shalt return.”

It’s a call to meditate on our own mortality so as to instill repentance and penance in us that leads to a more Christ-like way of living.

I think that all Christians could benefit from it as the ultimate “altar call”.

 

[BeeSweet]

Besides, in all my life I have never seen any Catholic get “brownie points” from anyone for having “dirt on their forehead” like that.

However, I do like what they used to say to us as they marked us.

“Remember man, that thou art dust and unto dust thou shalt return.”

It’s a call to meditate on our own mortality so as to instill repentance and penance in us that leads to a more Christ-like way of living.

I think that all Christians could benefit from it as the ultimate “altar call”.

What do you mean, “used to say”? That’s all I’ve ever heard including today, except little children are sometimes told, “Jesus loves you,” instead. What is said now elsewhere?

 

[stbruno]

“Turn away from sin, and be faithful to the gospel.”

 

[Church_Militant]

What do you mean, “used to say”? That’s all I’ve ever heard including today, except little children are sometimes told, “Jesus loves you,” instead. What is said now elsewhere?

Really? I have been told “Repent and live the Gospel” (or something like that). Certainly it means the same thing, and is actually a bit more concise, but contemplating my own mortality is something that moves me to deeper conversion, as it should most any rational person.

“Turn away from sin, and be faithful to the gospel.”

[sign]That’s it![/sign]Thanks StBruno!

 

[chrisb]

“Turn away from sin, and be faithful to the gospel.”

This is what we heard this morning. It is the ‘alternative’…

 

[BeeSweet]

I’m a dolt. I’ve heard the alternative as well. I’ve been such a ditz lately!

The alternative is from the New Testatment, Mark 1:15. The one referring to dust is from Genesis 3:19.