[SWTXBelle]

Originally Posted by aephi alum

Sorry for the double post ...

My mother received ashes this morning while in hospital. I'm sure she was thrilled to hear, "Remember, thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return." (Or whatever the current wording is.)

My father went to Mass this morning and received ashes. He washed them off before we went over to the hospital. I didn't think you were allowed to do that. Several nurses were walking around with ashes.

But I digress.......

Two possibilities as to what your mother heard - either "Remember, man, that you are dust and unto dust you shall return." or "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel." Maybe your mom got #2 - it would seem a little more appropriate to the setting! Hope she is improving and will be able to celebrate Easter outside of the hospital.

There's always a discussion about whether or not sporting your ashes all day is a form of "public prayer" specifically discussed in Matthew 6:5. Intelligent response I've heard is it depends on intent - if you wear your ashes to show what a good Christian you are - BAD. If you wear your ashes as a reminder of your mortality and sin , and to serve as a witness to your faith in humbleness of spirit and your need for God - GOOD.