"Let us receive them (ashes) in a spirit of humility and penance, that by this powerful sacramental we may obtain from almighty God the blessings which the Church implores in the act of blessing them. For, truly, "God overlooks the sins of men for the sake of repentance."
Picture and words above taken from THE SAINT ANDREW DAILY MISSAL
Friends,
ReplyDeleteI like this card for its good old-fashioned message (about "dust") and for another reason. It depicts one of the legitimate (but rarely seen in the U.S.) ways of distributing ashes -- by sprinkling on the top of the head. The pope himself uses this method, as I saw on EWTN last year.
I would prefer that this custom were followed in the U.S., because my opinion (and it's only an opinion) is that visible ashes are in conflict with the last paragraph of Jesus's words in today's Gospel, which you can read here.
If today were not Ash Wednesday, it would be the Memorial of the Holy Martyrs of Nagasaki of 1597. They are known by another name -- a name that will always remind me of this blog's author: "St. Paul Miki and Companions." (When I see "Miki," I think of "Micki.")
God be with you.
John
Thankyou, John, for the information about the ashes. I watch alot of EWTN but missed that last year. Love the association of Miki wiith St. Paul Miki--a new patron saint for you Micki?
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"God overlooks the sins of men for the sake of repentance."
ReplyDeleteYES! Amen! The story of the Prodigal Son. How the Father loves us all so dearly, and yes, equally! (Acts 10:34-35).
John, thank you! Your lamp with God's light shines brightly :-). And thank you, dear Micki!
John - Wow...I never knew that about sprinkling ashes on the head. How interesting. I did wonder why the picture didn't show the priest applying to the forehead. This is so great to learn. Thank you once again my friend. Also, yes, St. Miki...when I first learned of him I was so pleased to see someone holy as a reminder...not the MOUSE.
ReplyDeleteD.S. - Yes D. a somewhat new saint for me. I thought I had a holy card of the martyrs but right now it must be somewhere that I'm not looking :-)
Easter - Yes, I love the story of the Prodigal Son. How comforting to know of His love. Thanks for that reminder.
ReplyDeleteI love Ash Wednesday now, Micki; but when I was a child, oh how my sisters and I used to cry having to walk around and go to school with a cross of ash on our foreheads. Vanity, vanity, all is vanity!!
ReplyDeleteBest Regards, Lynneda
Copied today's picture to my post on Ash Wednesday. Thanks for putting these up.
ReplyDeleteJim
What a perfect card for Ash Wednesday. It's also interesting to read the comments. I always learn something new when I come here.
ReplyDeleteThanks again.
Lynneda - As a child you were carrying your cross on your forehead.
ReplyDeleteJim - Glad you like that image. Another friend said she saw them distributing that way in Rome today (2008).
Kay - I learn also..from all of you. Blessings for a good Lent my friend.
Oh Lynneda, you make me laugh! :-)
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