On the first day of Lent in the Western tradition, the heads of the faithful are plied with ashes. I’ve already given a rationale and defense of the practice of Ash Wednesday for any who are under the impression that the imposition of ashes is somehow contrary to our Lord’s command not to “disfigure” one’s face when fasting (Matthew 6:16-21). The Western “Shrove Tuesday” and “Ash Wednesday” are remarkably consonant in their themes and effects to the Eastern “Forgiveness Sunday” and “Clean Monday.”
Continue reading “The Blessing of Ashes”