Yesterday, I featured a post on the Lutheran group Brothers of John the Steadfast. Their Steadfast Lutherans site is among those in my blogroll.
Pastor Karl Weber, a BJS member, has occasionally written posts about the significance of Ash Wednesday. Many people today do not understand the biblically historical imposition of ashes. For some, it’s ‘dirt on the forehead — wipe it off’. For others, it is an ostentatious — ergo, prideful — sign that one follows Christ. Today is Ash Wednesday, so perhaps some of my readers were targets of comments over the past few hours. I have been in the past.
Pastor Weber explained the imposition of ashes in his 2012 post (emphases mine, more at the link):
Greetings in Christ Jesus!
Ash Wednesday will soon be here. As in past years the imposition of ashes will be offered to those who so desire. In our age of Botox and our culture’s pursuit of perpetual youth ashes made in the sign of the holy cross + are a good reminder we are mortal; and in Christ that is ok; we will live.
Every now and then I am asked about the use of ashes in light of what the Holy Spirit says through St. Matthew.
And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Mt 6:16-17).
…
Regarding the use of ashes the key in the passage would be “… that their fasting may be seen by others” (16). That is, if one is interested in showing others their piety, he already has his reward. In fact, that’s what Pietism is. But Jesus’ remarks here ought not be construed as a proscription against any use of ashes, any more than “go to your room and shut the door” (Mt 6:6) could be taken to mean that we ought not worship and pray together in church.[1] …
… The imposition of ashes upon the forehead reminds us of our sin and mortality as we enter the holy season of Lent. Ashes made in the sign of the cross proclaim that our hope is not in some medical breakthrough rivaling some fountain of youth.
The Scriptures frequently proclaim the use or imposition of ashes:
- … daughter of my people, put on sackcloth, and roll in ashes… (Jer 6:26).
- … and shout aloud over you and cry out bitterly. They cast dust on their heads and wallow in ashes;… (Eze 27:30).
- The word reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes… (Jonah 3:6).
And then from Jesus himself:
- Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes (Mt 11:21).
Though the imposition of ashes may be new to some people, much like making the sign of the cross + as Martin Luther encourages, or use of a crucifix, or even every Sunday Communion is new for some; it is Biblical and historically it is Lutheran.
But most importantly it’s helpful. When the ash mark sits on our forehead we feel marked because, well, we are marked. The ashes designate that we are real sinners and this is something the world refuses to hear. It’s embarrassing to go around town that way on Ash Wednesday, but that’s the point, isn’t it. And then, at the end of the day, do exactly what Jesus says: wash your face.
The prophet Ezekiel placed a mark upon the foreheads of the faithful in his day so that they lived (Eze 9:4). In addition to marking us as sinners, ashes made in the sign of the + cross proclaim that our hope and confidence rest in Christ the crucified who rose on the third day for the forgiveness of our sins. And because of this we live!
I hope that this helps to explain to believers and unbelievers alike why some Christians keep this reminder of sin and mortality on their foreheads throughout Ash Wednesday.
Churchmouse Campanologist 
6 comments
February 21, 2013 at 10:26 pm
Milton Almeida
Wow! So all those verses quoted are for us to establish a doctrine of Ash Wednesday? Why not Ash Monday? Where is the Wednesday there? My dear brethren of the Lutheran persuasion, I love and adhere to “adiaphora”, but here? Do we need the symbol to be reminded of the thing symbolized when today we have the revelation about our condition called the New Testament? Isn’t this too much lonesomeness from the “step-mother church” from whence God delivered you? Do I really need to be reminded that I am a sinner? Well, perhaps, then I need to watch Mel Gibson’s movie to be reminded that Christ suffered and died for me and how because the Biblical revelation may not be enough…
Listen, I am 98% Calvinist and 2% Lutheran. So, Lutherans, don’t give me flack! I love Luther. You want to throw ashes in your forehead to be reminded of your sins and that you are a sinner or to show forth to others that you are a sinner? Oh, go for it! Now, don’t practice this by committing another sin: that of pride by acting as if you are superior to me in holiness and consecration to the Lord! I don’t know where I did read this, but I am sure it is somewhere familiar: “I was given the Holy Spirit to remind me of my sins and that I am a sinner in need of the Grace of God…” I, for me, deem that to be sufficient and final and I don’t need to get dirty… I am already dirty!
By the way, since you’re quoting the scriptures in the O.T. as you did, why don’t you obey the full meaning and wallow in ashes? Why don’t you go out in the streets (since you want to demonstrate to others that you are a sinner) dressed in sackcloth, and of course, covered with ashes… why follow those scriptures haphazardly?
It is past now, but I still can say it: UNHAPPY Ash Wednesday… BTW, I could never tell you’re a sinner, and perhaps you would never tell you’re a sinner if not by the ashes in your forehead… too bad is once a year on a Wednesday!
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February 21, 2013 at 11:23 pm
churchmouse
Milton — it’s great to hear from you once again, even if you voiced dissatisfaction with my post.
I’m Anglican, by the way. Even in ‘low’ church (the Anglican branch now referred to as ‘evangelical’), the minister has always imposed ashes to those who wished to receive them.
I’m not saying it’s a must or that people need to have ashes but, for some of us, it’s a useful reminder of our lowly state as sinners and the call to repentance. Many find it useful on the road to sanctification.
There are a few Reformed practices I have problems with (e.g. regulative principle [sung Psalms only, no hymns, for those who aren’t familiar with it], the lack of a main cross in some churches as well as church twice on Sundays), but that’s part of those denominations.
This post was an attempt at explaining why people receive ashes on the first Wednesday in Lent. It wasn’t saying that everyone should receive them.
I’ll come back to this next week in another post, all being well. Feel free to respond again now or wait until then.
How do you explain Carnival to the Reformed in Brazil? I would be interested to know. I see it as syncretic, but how can one stop people from watching? It’s the last time to enjoy themselves and use up all the fat and old flour in the house before Lent — hence, Shrove Tuesday as Pancake Day and Fat Tuesday (also popular in Germany). ‘Shrove’ meant that one had confessed of one’s sins before the 40 days of penitence. Anyway, more to come in the days ahead at some point.
For now, the reason that there is an Ash Wednesday is that:
‘Early Christians began observing Lent the day after Septuagesima Sunday. This is because Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays were not days of fasting in the early Church. So, if the faithful wished to fast for 40 days before Easter, following the example of Jesus, they would have had to start the Monday after Septuagesima Sunday. Today, only Sunday is a non-fast day, which is why Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.’
On a lighter subject, we had some delightful ‘extra forte’ coffee from Brazil earlier this year — absolutely marvellous. We rationed ourselves and had it on weekends only.
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February 25, 2013 at 9:30 pm
Milton Almeida
Carnaval!!!!! Wow! I have written extensively about it and explaining that Carvanal comes from Carne Valle, which means, the “flesh has worth”. I hope there is no such a thing for the Reformed! Many Reformed congregations organize Retreats and they go away from the main centers of the “celebration” for its duration.
My comment was not criticizing those who practice Ash Wednesday. I also know you are an Anglican, which, in the Reformed side, is probably my favorite denomination in the portions where they do agree with John Calvin. I think they’re clearer in what they believe than any other denomination, and with exception of issues on the Canon, I believe the 39 Articles are the most digestible type of Confession out there.
My comment was about the forceful nature in which, at least the Lent and Ash Wednesday practitioners that I know, treat those who believe it to be not necessary! As per this particular group, which can be a sample of the majority, they humble themselves during Ash Wednesday and Lent by committing the oximoronic sin of “being proud of their humility”. There is, however, no doubt in my mind that a number of Anglicans and Lutherans do practice Ash Wednesday and Lent according to the purest traditions of their churches, which includes the godly motivation to do so.
Nice to hear from you again! I follow your post constantly, I have engaged another Anglican in America, a very good Reformed Anglican who is also a blogger, and recently had a pleasant exchange with an English theologian who resides in Germany, who, although he has not identified himself to me in particular about being an Anglican, he is a defender of the 39 Articles. You may even know to whom I am referring.
Blessing brother, and to preserve Christian integrity, testimony and brotherly love: if my style in the above commentary, in anyway sounded offensive to anyone, please, delete it, and I sincerely apologize for my lack of wisdom. May God be praised and be merciful unto me. Seriously and sincerely before Him,
Milton Almeida
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February 25, 2013 at 11:13 pm
churchmouse
Thank you, Milton, for your kind words!
I know what you mean about holier-than-thou Lenten and Ash Wednesday practitioners. To those people, the 40 days of fasting, prayer and penitence are unknowingly presented by clergy, parents and friends as Pelagian events: works-based salvation.
Glad to read that you have linked up with an Anglican and an Englishman — I’m not sure who you mean, but it sounds as if their friendship is edifying and godly. You are fortunate to have met up with each other and must have some marvellous exchanges!
It’s also good to read that you’re not down on the Anglican Communion and still see some value there — thank you.
I read that Carnaval was taken from the Latin for ‘farewell meat/flesh’. I hope to look at this in Friday night’s post.
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February 26, 2013 at 9:04 pm
Milton Almeida
Thank you for being so kind!
Yes, some translate the suffix VALE on CARNE VALE, as a word akin to the verb “to go” in Latin, which in its conjugation has many similar words to VALE. That would render the word as “goodbye flesh” — or go away flesh — in an allusion to the period of Lent. So the idea is even worse: one indulges himself in all kinds of fleshly desires during “Carnaval” time and does so in preparation, or as a “goodbye” to the flesh… as a person who has one last drink “for the road” before he goes sober; as if one has control over sinful acts!
Whatever it is, at least, concerning Brazil, it is became a devilish feast not suitable for Christians to participate.
BTW, the theologian I meant, (and the reason for not mentioning is that I am adherent to the law of “no name-drops”), is Dr. George Ella.
Many think he is Baptist because of his writings on John Gill and agreement, especially with the Eternal Justification issue, others label him a hyper-Calvinist, but I get that as well about me, but he is mainly a great vessel of God. He also has a very interesting and scholarly blog.
Thank you and it was wonderful to renew my contacts with you!
Blessings!
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February 26, 2013 at 10:25 pm
churchmouse
Thank you for the information on Dr Ella. I’ll see what I can find online!
It’s amazing that people would think you were a hyper-Calvinist. I’d think just the opposite. Thank you for being one of God’s ambassadors!
Re Carnaval in Brazil, it’s hard for me to even look at the photos, and I used to search them out all the time. The spectacle looks different to me now, however. I like your analogy of the person who has one last drink ‘for the road’ — how true.
I’ll have a bit more info on the history behind this on Friday night / Saturday. There is some practicality as well as revelry.
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