Can we wipe these off now?

     After the 10 a.m. Mass on Ash Wednesday, which included the school children, I was asked a question, "Can we wipe these ashes off our foreheads now?" It wouldn't have shocked me that the younger children would ask this, but the question came from two senior members from our church. It seems they were on their way to eat at a restaurant in a nearby town. This town is predominantly Lutheran and they didn't want to field questions or get into discussions about why they had ashes on their foreheads.

   We talked a little about what a great opportunity that would present for them to share their faith. We also talked a little about how some other religions also distribute ashes on this day too. It seems to be a growing tradition. Before they left I told then I would like to offer them a challenge. I asked them to keep the ashes on their foreheads and see what happens. They said they would take me up on it and let me know how their day went. Needless to say as they were leaving one commented to the other, "If they start to badger me about them I will just go sit out in the car until you’re ready to leave." 

   

That seems something we lack when it comes to showing outward signs that WE ARE CATHOLIC. We don't like confrontation when it comes to talking about our faith outside of the walls of the church we attend. There we feel safe and comfortable, but to take that outside the walls is very scary to many. 

   Is it because we don't know enough about our faith to feel comfortable to talk about it? Or are we afraid that we will be challenged into discussion and we won't have the right answer. 

   Mathew 10:32 says: Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. Yes, it may be hard, but if the situation comes before us, God will give us the words we need if we truly believe and have faith in Him.