Don't the ashes on our faces contradict the Gospel?

[John_Klicman]

“And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.” Matt 6: 16

When we receive ashes on Ash Wed., are we not going against this scripture passage?

God Bless

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

I just preached on this this morning. At first glance it does seem contradictory. But the Church does not have us wear ashes to draw attention to ourselves. There are many more effective means of doing that. We wear ashes to draw attention to Christ and His willingness to suffer and die for us. Symbols touch us on many levels even when we don’t want them to. Everyone—even the atheist–who sees the cross on our foreheads is reminded that Christianity is about Jesus and the cross.

I am always edified on Ash Wednesday when I look at all the people in our chapel bearing the cross on their foreheads because those crosses tell me that they believe; they are followers of Christ from whom they take their identity. At the end of Mass I told the them to look at each other and behold that what is in the inside today shows on the outside.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.