Ash Wednesday

[Catherineanne]

I am sure this is not a particularly important question, but there is no harm in asking, I hope.

This year I am going to an early Mass at Canterbury Cathedral for Ash Wednesday. I usually leave the ashes for a very brief time, and then wipe them away with my hand, usually upwards into my hair, even before the service is over. The ashes remain, at least until I can wash them away, but they are not so obvious to other people. This is because I don't particularly like being visible.

My friend, however, leaves them on his forehead not just for the service but for hours afterwards. I am not sure how he manages to do this; it would make me very uncomfortable.

I wondered what other people do. Do you leave the ashes there, and if so, for how long?

 

[MKJ]

I also don't really like to go out in public with them - I am pretty introverted and also don't like people noticing me. i tend to think though that may be a good reason I should just leave them - I am not particularly inclined to display my religious beliefs publicly and sometimes that is a failing.

For other people who are inclined to ostentatious faith it is probably better not to wear them in public.

Anyway, my usual solution is just to head directly home. Though last year my smudge was rather faint and just looked like I hadn't washed in months, so I wiped it off the rest of the way.

 

[PaladinValer]

All day.

 

[Catherineanne]

All day.

I suspect that is the way it is intended to be done; or was, when ashing first came about. I also suspect it will be beyond me. I am certainly not ashamed of the ash cross, but I don't like anything that draws attention to me.

I read on one site that our Lenten fast begins from the moment the ash cross is signed on our forehead. I like that thought.

I will talk to my priest about it if I can find him online before Wednesday (he is travelling).

 

[Catherineanne]

I also don't really like to go out in public with them - I am pretty introverted and also don't like people noticing me. i tend to think though that may be a good reason I should just leave them - I am not particularly inclined to display my religious beliefs publicly and sometimes that is a failing.

For other people who are inclined to ostentatious faith it is probably better not to wear them in public.

Anyway, my usual solution is just to head directly home. Though last year my smudge was rather faint and just looked like I hadn't washed in months, so I wiped it off the rest of the way.

I think I agree with you; I prefer not to leave it there, so probably should. Otoh, I will be 100 miles from home, visiting my d, and then getting the train home in the afternoon. 100 miles of witness on public transport is really jumping into the deep end!!!

 

[Albion]

I have left them on for an hour or so, but I generally think that wearing them all day and in all situations, as many Catholics do, is more a show of being religious than anything else.

The imposition of ashes itself is obviously the thing that matters, not going around in society afterwards looking devout to your co-workers and strangers.

 

[PaladinValer]

For me, it isn't about "looking devout."

Ashes are a sacramental; a mystery asides from the major seven. It has a physical sign and, while it may or may not provide a spiritual grace, it reminds us spiritually of our Lenten journey with Christ to Calvary. With His rising, we too, once ashes, will rise with Him.

That is why I leave them on all day. Not for others, but for myself.

 

[Albion]

For me, it isn't about "looking devout."

Ashes are a sacramental; a mystery asides from the major seven. It has a physical sign and, while it may or may not provide a spiritual grace, it reminds us spiritually of our Lenten journey with Christ to Calvary. With His rising, we too, once ashes, will rise with Him.

You get all of that in less than eight hours, I'd guess. Really, it doesn't matter to me if you keep the ashes on all day or not; that's a personal choice.

However, I always try to follow Paul's advice in such matters and consider what others will think. After all, you're not seeing what's on your own forehead, unless you're looking into every store window, but anyone who meets you will have an opinion.

 

[PaladinValer]

However, I always try to follow Paul's advice in such matters and consider what others will think. After all, you're not seeing what's on your own forehead, unless you're looking into every store window, but anyone who meets you will have an opinion.

I don't base things on what others think but on truth and truth alone. If a person's opinion is based on poor theology or an incorrect opinion, I'm not going to acquiess to fulfill their wants and desires. If someone enquires, I teach. If anything, they're a good witness tool in addition to their sacramental nature.

Furthermore, we do have five senses, not just one. I can feel the ashes even if I cannot see them. My mind is on them that day, not other things.

 

[Albion]

I don't base things on what others think but on truth and truth alone.

Well then, your choice is clear.

 

[brevis]

I will not be able to attend

 

[Catherineanne]

I will not be able to attend

I am sorry to hear that. Is there not a church near enough to you?

 

[Catherineanne]

For me, it isn't about "looking devout."

Ashes are a sacramental; a mystery asides from the major seven. It has a physical sign and, while it may or may not provide a spiritual grace, it reminds us spiritually of our Lenten journey with Christ to Calvary. With His rising, we too, once ashes, will rise with Him.

That is why I leave them on all day. Not for others, but for myself.

That is a lovely answer.

Father has replied to my text, and says that he does not leave the ash cross on. I think this year I will do as I usually do, and maybe change next year, when I am not quite so far from home.

 

[Catherineanne]

I have left them on for an hour or so, but I generally think that wearing them all day and in all situations, as many Catholics do, is more a show of being religious than anything else.

The imposition of ashes itself is obviously the thing that matters, not going around in society afterwards looking devout to your co-workers and strangers.

Well, I was looking more for personal views and choices, rather than over-generalised condemnation of what other people choose to do, but thanks anyway.

 

[Catherineanne]

You get all of that in less than eight hours, I'd guess. Really, it doesn't matter to me if you keep the ashes on all day or not; that's a personal choice.

How kind.

However, I always try to follow Paul's advice in such matters and consider what others will think. After all, you're not seeing what's on your own forehead, unless you're looking into every store window, but anyone who meets you will have an opinion.

Most excellent.

You are clearly in no need of ashing at all, being already far closer to perfection than the rest of us Paul ignoring Christians.

 

[brevis]

I am sorry to hear that. Is there not a church near enough to you?

It is, but there would be just one service and it will be in the morning, while I'm working

 

[Albion]

How kind.



Most excellent.

You are clearly in no need of ashing at all, being already far closer to perfection than the rest of us Paul ignoring Christians.

Oh dear. Having a bad day?

 

[Drax]

However, I always try to follow Paul's advice in such matters and consider what others will think. After all, you're not seeing what's on your own forehead, unless you're looking into every store window, but anyone who meets you will have an opinion.

They are welcome to their opinions. I'd be ashamed to remove it merely because judgmental people don't like it.

 

[Albion]

They are welcome to their opinions. I'd be ashamed to remove it merely because judgmental people don't like it.

I didn't say anything about "judgmental" people or whether someone might not "like" it.

 

[seeking_perfection]

I'm off to a Wednesday evening service, 7.30pm Eucharist & Ashing. I tend to leave it on until I get home and then shower and go to sleep. At least, thats what I did last year.