Here’s a popular Ash Wednesday post of mine called, “What’s that on Your Forehead?”
Q: Hey, your forehead’s dirty. What’s that on your forehead?
A: Ashes…they’re from church.
Q: Why did your church put dirt on your forehead?
A: It’s not dirt; they’re ashes. Today’s Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Catholics wear ashes to show that we want to change to get ready for Easter.
Q: Are they supposed to be in a shape or something? Just looks like a smudge to me.
A: It’s supposed to be in the shape of a cross – like the one that Jesus died on.
Q: So you think you’re something special because you’re wearing ashes on your forehead?
A: No, just the opposite. It shows that without God, this is all we are - ashes. It’s a way of admitting how much we need God.
Q: So how’re you gonna change…gonna become all holy on us?
A: Just trying to become what God wants me to be…a good person.
Q: I hear you guys give up stuff for Lent too. What for?
A: Giving up stuff – like snacks or watching TV or swearing - is kinda like exercise – it’s hard work but it makes us stronger.
Q: So you can’t have any fun for how long?
A: I can still have fun, I’m just gonna be doing some stuff a little differently for 40 days…that’s how long until Easter.
Q: Then you can go back to being your old self?
A: No, that’s the point, hopefully I’ll be an even better version of myself!
March 9, 2011 at 11:20 am
Thank you Joe! I was looking for this so I could share it with my 7th grade religious ed class tonight! They always get a lot out of it!
March 9, 2011 at 11:47 am
Good timing, Henry!