Dirt On Your Head

This Ash Wednesday I opted for Mass AFTER work as to avoid keeping this expression the entirety of the day.

Every year I hear things like:

Hey you know you got some dirt on your head?

You said that’s ashes? Why?

*reaches thumb towards forehead in wiping ready motion*

I thought you were Buddhist?!

You’re not Muslim!?

It’s Black Catholic people?!

You know they worship Mary. Right?

So you worship statues?

You know, I don’t do that. I’m Christian.
——

I am not a spokesperson for the Catholic Church so I’m not going to give a breakdown here but, friends,

Catholics are Christians. Do not wipe anyone’s ashes off.

Also, a jade necklace, meditating, the sign of the cross or a hijab do not give you full insight into someone’s beliefs.

When someone is fasting and praying to become more focused and grow to be a better version of themselves, it benefits you as well. Being that you are a human who will have interactions with them, directly or indirectly.

If you are participating this Lenten season, be encouraged.

And either way, from Dust you came and to dust you shall return. This is not your destination but it is a part of your journey. Grow in it.

Peace Be With You ✌