The following is an excerpt from a set of Frequently Asked Questions published by the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.
What is the significance of Ash Wednesday and ashes on the
forehead?
Q: Would you please explain the significance of Ash Wednesday.
I've seen some people in the past with black ash crosses on their foreheads.
A: Lutheran Worship: History and Practice, a commentary on
Lutheran Worship, one of our Synod's hymnals, says this about ashes on Ash
Wednesday: "Other customs may be used, particularly the imposition of ashes on
those who wish it. This ancient act is a gesture of repentance and a powerful
reminder about the meaning of the day. Ashes can symbolize dust-to-dustness and
remind worshipers of the need for cleansing, scrubbing and purifying. If they
are applied during an act of kneeling, the very posture of defeat and submission
expresses humility before God."
The use of ashes on Ash Wednesday is a more recent custom
among most LCMS congregations, although some have done it for decades. The ashes
are usually derived from the burned palms from the previous Palm Sunday.
Experience will show, however, that in obtaining ashes this way, it doesn't take
many ashes to "ash" a whole congregation. Like sin, they are very dirty and go a
long way. One palm leaf will produce enough ashes for several years.
Usually the pastor takes the ashes on the end of his thumb and
makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of each worshiper, saying these
words: "Remember: you are dust, and to dust you shall return." This follows most
effectively prior (or as part of) the Service Corporate Confession and
Absolution on pp. 290-291 of Lutheran Service Book.
For more information, read the Frequently Asked Question about
Lent (see page 10).
Usage: We urge you to contact an LCMS pastor in your area for
more in-depth discussion.
Published by: LCMS Church Information Center
©The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, MO 63122-7295
888-843-5267 • infocenter@lcms.org • www.lcms.org/faqs
©The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, MO 63122-7295
888-843-5267 • infocenter@lcms.org • www.lcms.org/faqs
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