Ash Wednesday: Honoring God or Practicing Righteousness Before Men?

I know I’m going to get some flak for this, but hear me out and try not to miss the point I’m making. Let me begin by shedding light on Ash Wednesday, which marks the commencement of the six weeks preceding Easter Sunday known as Lent. This day is primarily observed by Roman Catholics and some Protestant denominations through the practice of marking a cross on their foreheads with ashes. However, while the intentions of these Ash Wednesday participants may seem noble on the surface, this practice is not only unbiblical but also certain aspects of it are explicitly prohibited by the Scriptures.

The purpose of Ash Wednesday is to commence the Lenten season with the ritualistic act of painting a cross on one's forehead with ashes. This goes against the biblical directive for fasting, as stated in Matthew 6:16-18 (ESV), "And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

The Scripture is clear that fasting should be a personal and private act that is meant to be kept between the individual and God. The public spectacle made out of the Roman Catholic and mainstream observance of Ash Wednesday is not only an insult to the Scriptures but also a disregard for the true essence of fasting.

It is vital to understand that the attention and accolades received by those who observe Ash Wednesday, practicing their righteousness before men on earth are their only reward, as Jesus himself stated. In Matthew 6:2-4 (ESV), Jesus warned, "Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."