As you know, this past Wednesday many Roman Catholics were seen with an ashen cross on their foreheads between their eyes, right where Hindus put a little red dot, and where some say is your "third eye" that points to your pituitary gland, representing your "ajna chakra," a seat of concealed wisdom and concentration. The Catholic ashen cross marks the beginning of Lent, and represents mortality, repentance, and grief for sins. The ashes, often made from burnt palms from the previous year, are applied in a cross shape with the words "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return" or “turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel.”
Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) and Ash Wednesday are consecutive, contrasting days marking the transition from carnival celebration to the solemnity of Lent. Mardi Gras is a final day of indulgence, feasting, and parades, while Ash Wednesday marks the start of the 40-day Lenten period, characterized by fasting, prayer, and penance. Many Protestants believe that this practice of putting ashes on the forehead to announce fasting violates what Jesus said about fasting. Said the Lord:
"Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." (Matt. 6: 16-18 nkjv)
At the web page "Catholic Answers" we find this explanantion of this passage (See here):
"Doesn’t Ash Wednesday contradict this? By wearing ashes, and especially by sporting them and exhibiting them, aren’t we going against our Lord’s command?
Well, the main point we need to recognize here is that Jesus is talking about our intentions. In other words: don’t fast and make sacrifice in order to show off. Do we wear the ashes for God’s glory or for ours? Jesus is employing hyperbole here to help make his point. He exaggerates, seeming to say we should never fast in a way that others can see, but in reality, what he is doing is reacting to those who make a show of their penance."
Frankly, I find this response to miss the point. What think ye?
1 comment:
I have often wondered about such things. I remember Jesus saying "Call no man father", and then Paul says later " I became your father through the gospel". Of course Jesus used hyperbolic and extreme language to make a point at times. That's is part of communication and language. Should a tradition or thing be rejected just because someone else does it that we disagree with? Should instruments be banned in worship just because those "Arminian Missionary Baptists" use them? Is it wrong to do something according to some church calendar, but ok to do it if it is spontaneous and needed in that moment? I remember in my research of Baptist history, there being many times whole churches and associations being called to fasting and prayer the revival of churches and salvation of souls, and even for repentance because of "coldness of heart". However, wearing some sort of mark means that it could become a point of pride, and could make some to feel compelled to look like they're participating when they really aren't. Whatever we decide, remember our "mark" was given to us in baptism. Our mark is in the way we live. Our mark is obedience in spreading the gospel. Just my nickel's worth since they stopped making pennies
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