I like ashes sprinkled rather than having them marked on my forehead. (Not that it matters what I like.)
The cross on the forehead is dramatic and is a great witness - but sprinkling reminds me of the ancient penitential custom. I also like to sprinkle my bread with a bit - like St. Francis... privately of course.
If you sprinkle then you don't have to wipe. What?
Where's the liturgical sackcloth though, really.
ReplyDeleteUnderneath. Priests wear hairshirts I think. What?
DeleteMy 2 year old grandson went to Mass this morning with his mom. He asked what the "dot" on her forehead was all about. Sweet :)
ReplyDeleteThat's cute. I saw a puppy on the news that had a perfect black dot on his forehead - if he were mine I would have to call him Ashton. I wonder if Ashton Kutcher was born on Ash Wednesday? Ashley Judd?
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ReplyDeleteThe ashes father used to mark my forehead were a little dry, so I got a sprinkling anyway . . . right on my nose. It is already one of my most memorable Ash Wednesdays.
I automatically kneel and pray with my forehead either resting on folded hands or supporting my head with my left hand on my forehead - the ashes don't have a chance of remaining. I had a guy distributing who had a very light touch anyway.
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