Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Ash Wednesday: To Wipe, or not To Wipe?

I always go through this wrestling match every year. Should I wipe the ashes off my forehead after Mass or not? If I leave them on, I participate in a certain solidarity with my other brethren in the faith. I also remind others about the importance of the day.

Yet, when I hear the words of the Gospel:
But when you fast,
anoint your head and wash your face,
so that you may not appear to be fasting,
except to your Father who is hidden.
And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.
I have to ask myself for whom I am doing this?

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