Ashes to Go

It’s the latest convenience. Ashes to go on Ash Wednesday.

Now Christians can get their ash on, show everyone their spirituality, and altogether avoid the Divine Service where our Lord speaks to us in His Word and feeds us in His Supper.

How sad!

Christians are free to receive or not receive ashes on Ash Wednesday. It is neither commanded nor forbidden in Holy Scripture. But for those who do receive them, don’t use them to draw attention to yourself. What’s more, ashes to go is no substitute for joining God’s people in God’s house on the first day of Lent, confessing one’s sin and hearing Jesus’ absolution, taking to heart His Word, and partaking of His body and blood.

So go and receive ashes if you desire. Just don’t forget to receive what is truly important. After all, Ash Wednesday is not about you and your forehead, but about Jesus, what He won for you on the cross, and the means through which He gives you His blood-bought gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation. Come and hear His life-giving Word this Ash Wednesday!