Ash Wednesday: a Catholic coming out day

To: YEAL9 | March 9, 2011 6:12 PM
How can you really believe those authors who try to underscore who Jesus was? What was it about this supposedly "illiterate" carpenter's son that attracted thousands to follow Him and DIE for HIM? To give up everything for Him? Were they all insane?? It just doesn't add up if you look at the facts.

Try reading some ancient history by some of those who were there- like the early Church Fathers such as Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Justin Martyr... just search for their writings online and you'll see that all this bunk you are reading being made up about Jesus just isn't true! These guys were around just after Jesus died and they are historians.

And if so much of the Bible is made up, why do historians use it as a SOURCE regarding the way of life in ancient times?
Maybe because it's true?

May God help you come to understand that Jesus did die for you and for me and one day we'll all be together in heaven. And may our celebration of Lent help us in that!

I am struck by those who would use this day to attack Christians of all faiths. When a teacher molests a student do we attack the teaching profession as a whole? Does my being an electrician make me guilty of a crime other electricians commit? Yes, we must prosecute all criminals and especially those that commit crimes against children but why prosecute the innocent? I am not of the Roman Catholic faith but rather of the Lutheran faith and too understand the need to be reminded, I have sinned. Personally I do not take part in the religious ceremonies but believe it is through forgiveness of self and others I too will be forgiven by God through the Blood of Christ. If my beliefs offend others I am truly sorry but as an American I do have a right to them as others have a right to disbelieve. Unfortunately those that paint with wide brushes put their mark on the innocent. I for one would rather have the mark of the cross in ashes for there I am guilty. Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Jews, we are all of God. All have members that have done criminal acts but that does not and should not condemn the whole.

Come on little children, love one another as the Lord loves you!

devilsadvocate3 3/9/11 1:40 pm.... When you were in your first years of grade school, did you not ever have a show & tell day. On Ash Wensday,not only catholics have ashes but other Christans do as well as a sign and for thoes that ask, you tell. Got it, show & tell. Were is your mind?

Actually, the "vomit-inducing" situation in the Philadephia Archdiocese was the final nail the coffin of the RCC.

The other reasons after a lot of reading about the historical Jesus, common sense and rational thinking:

Jesus as it turns out was an illiterate, Jewish, peasant/carpenter/simple preacher man who suffered from hallucinations and who has been characterized anywhere from the Messiah from Nazareth to a mythical character from mythical Nazareth to a ma-mzer from Nazareth (Professor Bruce Chilton, in his book Rabbi Jesus).

Analyses of Jesus’ life by many contemporary NT scholars (e.g. Professors Crossan, Borg and Fredriksen, ) via the NT and related documents have concluded that only about 30% of Jesus' sayings and ways noted in the NT were authentic. The rest being embellishments (e.g. miracles)/ hallucinations made/had by the NT authors to impress various Christian, Jewish and Pagan sects.

The 30% of the NT that is "authentic Jesus" like everything in life was borrowed/plagiarized and/or improved from those who came before. In Jesus' case, it was the ways and sayings of the Babylonians, Greeks, Persians, Egyptians, Hittites, Canaanites, OT, John the Baptizer and possibly the ways and sayings of traveling Greek Cynics.
earlychristianwritings.com/theories.html

For added "pizz-azz", Catholic theologians divided god the singularity into three persons and invented atonement as an added guilt trip for the "pew people" to go along with this trinity of overseers. By doing so, they made god the padre into god the "filicider".

Current RCC problems:

Pedophiliac priests, an all-male, mostly white hierarchy, atonement theology and original sin!!!!

Dear "Yeal9",

I can understand your being sick to the stomach, reading once more about scandalous priests; and now you energetically proclaim that you are finished with the Catholic Church, as well as with Lent. I am 76 years old; I was baptized as a Catholic shortly after my birth. As soon as I became conscious of Jesus (and of his mother, Mary)I became drawn to him as my saviour. As I grew I became more and more enthralled with him. I became very involved with the Catholic Church. I know and understand the Catholic Church as well anyone could. I know that there have been very many sinful priests throughout history. I recognize my own sinfulness; but the scandals, as awful as they are (and they are indeed awful, do not take away from the fact (yes fact) that the Catholic Church was created and nourished by Christ, and that he will never abandon it. I also know that multitudes of extremely holy people within the Catholic Church have graced the earth with their Christ-like lives and testimony. I personally know many Catholics who love the Catholic Church, and are interiorly crushed by the evil perpetrated by their so-called shepherds. Yet these same people would literally rather die than walk away from the Church; because she is our Mother. I wonder if you ever have been what is called a "practicing Catholic",an active sacramental member of the above-mentioned community of believers; because if you do walk away, the Church will not miss a heart-beat; it will continue its mission, and its sins will be repeatedly washed by the blood of Christ; and there will always be men and women who will love it with all their hearts

Dear "Yeal9",

I can understand your being sick to the stomach, reading once more about scandalous priests; and now you energetically proclaim that you are finished with the Catholic Church, as well as with Lent. I am 76 years old; I was baptized as a Catholic shortly after my birth. As soon as I became conscious of Jesus (and of his mother, Mary)I became drawn to him as my saviour. As I grew I became more and more enthralled with him. I became very involved with the Catholic Church. I know and understand the Catholic Church as well anyone could. I know that there have been very many sinful priests throughout history. I recognize my own sinfulness; but the scandals, as awful as they are (and they are indeed awful, do not take away from the fact (yes fact) that the Catholic Church was created and nourished by Christ, and that he will never abandon it. I also know that multitudes of extremely holy people within the Catholic Church have graced the earth with their Christ-like lives and testimony. I personally know many Catholics who love the Catholic Church, and are interiorly crushed by the evil perpetrated by their so-called shepherds. Yet these same people would literally rather die than walk away from the Church; because she is our Mother. I wonder if you ever have been what is called a "practicing Catholic",an active sacramental member of the above-mentioned community of believers; because if you do walk away, the Church will not miss a heart-beat; it will continue its mission, and its sins will be repeatedly washed by the blood of Christ; and there will always be men and women who will love it with all their hearts

A culture that promotes the avoidance of suffering at all costs easily results in the complete lack of understanding about the role and importance of fasting.

A little suffering in the form of abstinence from meat or fasting from food helps improve one's control over his/her carnal passions.

And once you realize that you can control your passions (and doing so won't kill you), it definitely frees your mind & heart to something more lofty than what can be gained by eating or drinking (or any use of the senses).

After the latest Philadelphia Archdiocese "vomit-inducing" revelations about priestly ped-ophilia and coverups, I am giving up the RCC not only for Lent but permanently.

In actual fact, all of the catholic faiths (Anglicans, Roman Catholics, and Orthodox) and the Lutherans observe Ash Wednesday and the imposition of ashes on the forehead. So do some Presbyterians and Methodist churches. Within the Anglican communion, the intensity of the ritual varies by both parish and diocese. The purpose of the day is to both demarcate the beginning of Lent and also to remind parishioners that they are but mortal, and all mortals both sin and die.

As for Lent, while it is a season of both penance and reflection, it also represents both the forty years in the Sinai of the Israelites after the Exodus and also Christ's forty days in the wilderness where he was tempted by Satan, and did not succumb for his wiles and promises of temporal power. We are asked to walk with Christ through the wilderness, to make sacrifice of our pleasures here as a symbol for what he has promised in the future: life everlasting. In his resurrection on Easter, he overthrew death, banishing it to the eternal void, for those who believe.

While the Roman Catholic Church revamped its rules regarding Lent at the Second Vatican Council, both the Anglicans and Orthodox, for those who attempt to follow the rules, still have a stiffer, more penitential Lent. The rules of Leviticus kick in, effectively manna from Heaven's earthly equivalent is what one is to eat and in limited amounts. Luxuries are given up, the cuisine of the poor is encouraged, in the hope that the rich might better understand the less fortunate.

In fact, the goal of Lent in someways is to enact change in one's life. Beyond the dietary rules, one does not necessarily have to "give something up", the person can actually take something on -- like assisting the poor, help at a soup kitchen, commitment to read parts of the Bible not previously read, pay more attention to those around you in need -- the elderly, the sick, the broken-hearted.

What one should not do is make great show of what they have foregone or undertaken. For as Christ says:

"Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also."

Matthew 6:16-21 (KJV)

Ash Wednesday is the GATEWAY to the observance of Lent. The First Sunday of Lent is March 13th.
To be "mindful" of this time of "keeping Lent"; also, to better prepare for the Resurrection Feast through the "50th Day",
Christians of all denominations are invited to participate in Public Worship and private observances.
I already participate in Public Worship each week. For my private practices during this time, I will: a) take away one half hour of T.V. viewing each day, in order to read from a spiritual book by Joyce Rupp,and other authors; b)offer two hours of MY time on Thursday evenings to participate in a Bible Study Class; c)take the price of a whole meal at a restaurant each week, and contribute the money to the Poor Box in our church.
PRAYER, FASTING, and ALMSGIVING are three areas suggested in "keeping" this time in our sight. Prayer may take the form of acts of public worship or the multiple forms of private prayer. Fasting may be from food or from those "things" which glorify the body; Almsgiving is giving money or time to help someone in need.
The prophet Micah (chapter6:verses6-8) tells us "What God Requires" of us if we accept His challenge of Discipleship: DO JUSTICE (help the poor and oppressed as you understand them); LOVE KINDNESS(think the positive thought about someone;say a good word to each person you meet, even if they don't return it-they may "pass it on");WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD (no room for arrogance or entitlement statements here--know that God is Good, He will take care of us in His good time-keep faith).
The Old Testament prophet Micah is our "everyday prophet". His words remind us of what we ought to do 24/7/365. Yet, we sometimes slip off the path on our life's journey. That's why Christians celebrate the Liturgical Seasons of Lent, Easter, Ordinary Time, Advent...Christmas,which are set into the days and nights of our years to help us be mindful of our relationship with God.
Every Relgious Group has its own observances to remind its followers of their relationship with God. These observances help human beings to form a connection with a Power/Creator greater than themselves.
May each person who reads these comments receive a Blessing from God in whatever area of life he/she needs the blessing most. Peace to all!

@Haveaheart - didn't realize terms/slangs/slogans were group specific only. Obviously you are uneducated otherwise you would know there are many gays/lesbians etc. who flock to churches to celebrate Ash Wednesday. Seriously that one bit is what you choose to gripe about? If so than kindly change your "sign-on" name. It's a bit hypocritical don't you think?

@USAPDX - Enjoy wearing that cloak of arrogance, stupidity, and bigotry? Seems to suit you well.

@Kenk3 - Only like minded individuals would have posted a comment like that. Are you USAPDX's twin? I would hate to see what either of you have to say about the rituals of Hindus/Buddhists/Jews/Muslims/Bahias and others.

Frankly, I'm surprised anyone would notice, since at least from my experience as a former Lutheran, Ash Wednesday services were always in the late evening, so I pretty much never took those ashes anywhere but straight home. Perhaps Catholics have services in the morning too, so they can keep the random blotch on all day?

Alas, there is much ignorance about the various iterations of Christianity. In the U.S. traditional Lutheranism and Episcopalianism are both "high" churches in that they are most like Catholicism in rites and liturgy without having the Papal hierarchy (and that was a big part of the reason that Lutherans and Episcopalians broke away from Rome to begin with).

Dear CALVINBOHO,

I am not the poster who compared birthday parties with Lent. I do not know from which branch of Calvinism you come, but the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship, in its Ash Wednesday liturgy, includes the optional Imposition of Ashes.

Dennis7

Too bad there are people like Roer Mahony in the church, people who hide abusers.
It would be more sacred experience without fools like thst around. I wonder if the Federal Grand Jury is still investigating him in Los Angeles?

It's ironic that Ms. Bean uses the gay metaphor of "coming out" (of the closet) to demonstrate her religiosity, given her church's point of view on homosexuality and gay marriage.

There is absolutely no scriptural support for Ash Wednesday or even the catholic religion created period of "Lent."

New Testament kind of fasting is doing without any food for one or more days and trying to make it look like you are NOT even fasting. Jesus even mentioned keeping one's fast secret.

Being Lutheran I also have observed Ash Wednesday and have always found it to be meaningful. I recall hearing pastors talk about how difficult it is to places ashes on the forehead of a small child...we are baptized into Christ's life as well as his death and resurrection...

Washington Post - your "Report Offensive Comment" link does nothing.

Please remove the disgusting and offensive comment by KENK3.

I appreciate the comments from the Lutherans, Episcopalians and others below. As a Catholic, I was under the assumption that Ash Wednesday was recognized by Catholics only. It's good to know that other denominations are also recognizing this day of fasting and abstinence.

I bet some priests like to put ashes on boy's foreheads before they give them oral sex.

A CHRISTIAN show & tell day, ASH WENSDAY.

Dear Dennis7,

I don't accept the premise of birthday celebrations being compared to observing Lent. It is sort of like comparing apples to oranges.

That is not meant to "be judging" just stating my observation.

As far as I understand, "The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer — through prayer, repentance, almsgiving and self-denial — for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the events linked to the Passion of Christ and culminates in Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ."

Is my giving up chocolate for every day but Sunday, TV, or Chipotle for 40 days really self denial? Let us be honest.

On another note, if one were to "observe" what was listed in the above description of Lent, should it not be done in private. Matt. 6:6 explains, "But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

Not on a twitter feed, facebook post, or on a Washington Post page?

I am not judging, honest... all I am saying is that there is a difference between our 21st Century attempts to be "more spiritual" and a real understanding of the gravity of what our Lord suffered and accomplished as well as what I have been given by being grafted to him.

As far as I understand the Westminster Shorter Catechism first question is:
Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?

A. Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever.

Is Lent doing this or is the event an opportunity to thump our chests and say "look at me."

As a cradle Roman Catholic with 11 years of Catholic school education (2-12) pre- and post- Vatican II, I have trouble with the wearing of ashes in public.

On one hand I understand Ms. Bean's defensive Catholicism and feeling good about other Catholics wearing their faith on their sleeves....oops! I mean foreheads.

I also like the idea of varying our rituals once a year, checking our egos and trying to get a perspective on what's really important in life by rubbing our faces in death.

On the other hand, I feel a conflict with the admonition of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew "But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that no one will know you are fasting except your Father who see all that is done in secret; and your Father who sees all that is done in secret with reward you."

I don't mind receiving the ashes in a religious service. I feel conflict when I wear them outside of the church. Maybe Catholic parishes can update their practice by providing hand wipes in oil in the back of the church so that some of us may have the option of receiving our ashes and to put oil on our head and wash our face.

CalvinBoho - Unless you physically recreate the womb and experience of labor and birth, why celebrate birthdays, right? Maybe we should celebrate 9/11 by having landmarks and their workers blown up. No, you celebrate something in honor of it. It doesn't need to be the exact same experience to appreciate the actual event. I don't get re-married every year just to honor my anniversary... Don't be so literal. If someone contemplates the sacrifices made on their behalf and can make even a small token of acknowledgement, it can only strengthen their faith. How is that ever a bad thing? Most religions have this practice as so many civic organizations. Also, no one is ever limiting your ability to make more action if you feel you need a deeper connection. But this is an introspective period, please don't tell others how to do it. Judge not...

Yeah, I will be giving up Lent for Lent. Let us be honest, the ritual is a poor attempt at recreating the hardship and suffering that Christ experienced in the wilderness and on the cross. Unless one is committed to pull an "Into the Wild" I do not see the point.
On a further note, we who are Christians have been saved by grace through faith in Christ, not by works. Unless one gives up their life for Christ, he or she will lose it.... That is a bit more than not eating meat, a little dust on one's forehead, or an extra church ceremony to show off one's self righteousness.

The media is the reason that most people think that Ash Wednesday and Lent are only observed by Roman Catholics. Every year TV news and newspapers trot out a local Catholic church/priest/mass showing the distribution of the ashes. As a Lutheran, I've always wondered if media folks are so uneducated that they think that Catholicism is the only form of Christianity. My Lutheran Church will distribute ashes today at its Holy Communion Service. Nowadays, even some Methodists and Presbyterians will be distributing ashes. Why not surprise us next year by offering the thoughts of a Lutheran or Methodist or Episcopalian on the meaning of Ash Wednesday and Lent. Or, is it just too easy to go to the closest Catholic Church?

Just a goofy cult ritual that will one day die.

As a Lutheran I will also attend Ash Wednesday service today and receive a cross on my forehead.

Please note that many, many Christians observe Ash Wednesday. Episcopalians/Anglicans, and most mainline Protestants.

Someone else may have already pointed this out, but as an Episcopalian I must remind you that we also observe Ash Wednesday with the crosses on our foreheads. That sportscaster or grocery clerk might be Anglican..!