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Author Topic: Ash Wednesday  (Read 1037 times)

Offline keptbyJesus

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Ash Wednesday
« on: February 01, 2008, 10:16:15 AM »
Hey Fam,
Rochelle33 and I were wondering, what is the purpose of people (mostly catholic's) putting ashes on their foreheads on Ash Wednesday?
If it had not been for the Lord on my side, where would I be!!!

Offline under13

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Re: Ash Wednesday
« Reply #1 on: February 01, 2008, 10:22:22 AM »
I was wondering, what is the purpose of people (mostly COGICS) putting oil on their foreheads on Sunday?  :D :D

Just Joking






My church is Lutheran and we do it every year. Why? I dont know. BUT I googled it


from wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ash_Wednesday
Quote
In the Western Christian calendar, Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and occurs forty-six days before Easter. It falls on different dates from year to year, according to the date of Easter; it can occur as early as February 4 or as late as March 10.

At Masses and services of worship on this day, ashes are imposed on the foreheads (or tonsure spots, in the case of some clergy) of the faithful. The priest, minister, or in some cases officiating layperson marks the forehead of each participant with black ashes, in the shape of a cross, which the worshiper traditionally retains until washing it off after sundown. The symbolism echoes the ancient Near Eastern tradition of throwing ash over one's head signifying repentance before God (as related in the Bible). The priest or minister offers the worshiper an instruction while applying the ashes.



Offline chevonee

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Re: Ash Wednesday
« Reply #2 on: February 01, 2008, 10:23:16 AM »
 The symbolism echoes the ancient Near Eastern tradition of throwing ash over one's head signifying repentance before God (as related in the Bible
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Offline Dredakyst

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Re: Ash Wednesday
« Reply #3 on: February 01, 2008, 10:25:00 AM »
Quick version:
Back in the old testament they used to dress up in sackcloth & ashes to show God that they were sorry for their sins... this just symbolizes that...

Offline Dredakyst

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Re: Ash Wednesday
« Reply #4 on: February 01, 2008, 10:26:05 AM »
Quick version:
Back in the old testament they used to dress up in sackcloth & ashes to show God that they were sorry for their sins... this just symbolizes that...

Edit: man this board is quick it was 0 replies before i started typing..lol

Offline under13

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Re: Ash Wednesday
« Reply #5 on: February 01, 2008, 10:30:42 AM »
Edit: man this board is quick it was 0 replies before i started typing..lol

You gotta press the preview button, it lets you see if others have posted while you were typing (most of the time)

Offline vtguy84

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Re: Ash Wednesday
« Reply #6 on: February 01, 2008, 10:38:43 AM »
You gotta press the preview button, it lets you see if others have posted while you were typing (most of the time)

You can also select an option to warn you when someone has posted while you were typing. :)
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Offline rochelle33

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Re: Ash Wednesday
« Reply #7 on: February 01, 2008, 10:56:07 AM »
I get confused about Ash Wednesday because of Isaiah 58:5..."You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds bending in the wind.  You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ASHES.  Is this what you call fasting?  Do you really think this will please the Lord?"
"Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world."

Offline under13

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Re: Ash Wednesday
« Reply #8 on: February 01, 2008, 11:01:03 AM »
I get confused about Ash Wednesday because of Isaiah 58:5..."You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds bending in the wind.  You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ASHES.  Is this what you call fasting?  Do you really think this will please the Lord?"

I understand what you are saying, what about those who have to let everybody know that they are fasting?

Matthew 6:16-18 (The Message)

 16-18"When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don't make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won't make you a saint. If you 'go into training' inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn't require attention-getting devices. He won't overlook what you are doing; he'll reward you well.

Offline rochelle33

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Re: Ash Wednesday
« Reply #9 on: February 01, 2008, 11:02:58 AM »
I understand what you are saying, what about those who have to let everybody know that they are fasting?

Matthew 6:16-18 (The Message)

 16-18"When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don't make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won't make you a saint. If you 'go into training' inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn't require attention-getting devices. He won't overlook what you are doing; he'll reward you well.



Yep.  He makes it clear that no one is supposed to know you are "fasting" (i.e. walking around with Ashes on your head).  I don't get it. 
"Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world."

Offline Fingers!

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Re: Ash Wednesday
« Reply #10 on: February 01, 2008, 04:29:07 PM »
From my understanding, it's a symbolic representation of repentance.  So, to me, Ash Wednesday?  Sure, why not.  Lent?  Ahh...  I don't know.  Can't find that in the Bible.   

Offline under13

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Re: Ash Wednesday
« Reply #11 on: February 01, 2008, 04:38:47 PM »
We do it at night, so its not like we're at work all day with ashes on our heads.
So If it is wrong to wear ashes on our heads (one day a year), is it also wrong to display crosses on a necklace?(365 days a year) ?/? ?/?

Offline rochelle33

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Re: Ash Wednesday
« Reply #12 on: February 01, 2008, 05:21:22 PM »
We do it at night, so its not like we're at work all day with ashes on our heads.
So If it is wrong to wear ashes on our heads (one day a year), is it also wrong to display crosses on a necklace?(365 days a year) ?/? ?/?

At my job, there is actually a priest who comes in the afternoon, and anyone who wants to go get ashes can.  Then these people walk around for the rest of the day with ashes on their heads.  I would never walk around with dirt on my head at work.  But that's just me. Besides, I don't have to have dirt on my head either for God to know what I'm doing - or not doing.  He knows me. 
"Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world."

Offline under13

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Re: Ash Wednesday
« Reply #13 on: February 01, 2008, 05:34:07 PM »
At my job, there is actually a priest who comes in the afternoon, and anyone who wants to go get ashes can.  Then these people walk around for the rest of the day with ashes on their heads.  I would never walk around with dirt on my head at work.  But that's just me. Besides, I don't have to have dirt on my head either for God to know what I'm doing - or not doing.  He knows me. 

There is a difference between dirt and ashes :D
Do you ever get anointed with oil at church?
Is there a difference between being anointed with oil or anointed with ashes?

Offline rochelle33

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Re: Ash Wednesday
« Reply #14 on: February 01, 2008, 05:38:51 PM »
There is a difference between dirt and ashes :D
Do you ever get anointed with oil at church?
Is there a difference between being anointed with oil or anointed with ashes?

To me it looks like dirt.  It looks they're walking around w/a dirty spot on their heads - mostly to prove a point.  Keep in mind, these people are the ones who go to church on Christmas, Easter, and when someone dies or gets married.  I just find it hypocritical when they do the ash thing once a year and then walk around like it's their ticket to heaven.  Yes, I have been anointed w/oil. 
"Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world."

Offline under13

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Re: Ash Wednesday
« Reply #15 on: February 01, 2008, 05:45:14 PM »
To me it looks like dirt.  It looks they're walking around w/a dirty spot on their heads - mostly to prove a point.  Keep in mind, these people are the ones who go to church on Christmas, Easter, and when someone dies or gets married.  I just find it hypocritical when they do the ash thing once a year and then walk around like it's their ticket to heaven.  Yes, I have been anointed w/oil. 

I feel you

Offline rochelle33

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Re: Ash Wednesday
« Reply #16 on: February 01, 2008, 05:48:18 PM »
I feel you

Cool.  I always wondered if I was the only one who felt that way...LOL
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Offline under13

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Re: Ash Wednesday
« Reply #17 on: February 06, 2008, 05:48:46 PM »
Am I the only one going to get ashes tonite??

Offline vtguy84

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Re: Ash Wednesday
« Reply #18 on: February 06, 2008, 06:22:03 PM »
Ash Wednesday is repentance day for Mardi Gras, which is the day beforehand. :)
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