Dirty Foreheads

When did the Church begin to impose ashes at the beginning of Lent? Nobody knows with certainty, but we know some history. We can be reasonably certain that the custom was encouraged by Biblical examples from the Old Testament. While the origin of the practice of linking ashes and repentance is unknown, Jeremiah calls for repentance and tells the people to “...gird on sackcloth, roll in the ashes.” [Jeremiah 6:26] Isaiah is critical of the practice of using ashes as a symbol of penitence calling it inadequate to please God, indicating that it was common in his time. Daniel used sackcloth and ashes to symbolize Israel’s repentance in Daniel 9:3.  Jonah reports that upon hearing God’s condemnation of Nineveh, the king “...covered himself with sackcloth and sat in the ashes.” [Jonah 3:6]

The first recorded mention of ashes at the beginning of Lent dates from about 960 AD. Prior to that, ashes had been used to acknowledge penitence and that dates to the 6^th century in Spain. Persons who had committed serious sins and confessed them to a bishop or priest were the focus. They were given a penance that was to be carried out over time and were considered to be entering the Order of the Penitents to serve during that time.  Once their penance was complete, they could be restored by having the bishop give them absolution in the midst of the congregation.

 Our next reference is from the 11^th century when an Abbot mentions that it was customary for all the faithful to take part in a ceremony on the Wednesday before Lent that included the impostion of ashes. Near the end of that century, a pope named Urban II called for the general use of ashes on that day.  Sometime after that, the day came to be call Ash Wednesday. The original practice was for men to have ashes sprinkled on their heads while women had the sign of the cross made on their foreheads.  Eventually everyone had the cross made on their foreheads. In the 12^th century the practice of burning the palms used on Palm Sunday for the ashes was institutionalized.

While much more can be said about the origins and meaning of Ash Wednesday, for today, let’s just acknowledge that the practice has a long history and that it represents a believer’s willingness to confess that God isn’t in control of his/her life. I suspect many of my dear readers can identify with that notion.  I know I can.

With that in mind perhaps this prayer can be helpful. “In this holy time, O God, help us turn our hearts, our minds, our wills, and our actions back to you. Lead us to sincere repentance, not just from the day to day folly in our lives, but from the fundamental shift away from your dominion in our lives. As we acknowledge our sin, remind us also of your abundant grace. Amen.”

Peace

Jerry