Because at Mass the forehead, mouth and chest are marked

During the celebration of Mass, the Catholic Church has a beautiful ritual where the priest or deacon marks the foreheads of the faithful with a cross of ashes. This ceremonial marking has profound symbolism and serves as a reminder of our mortality, our need for repentance, and our ultimate hope in Christ.

The marking of the forehead is done by the priest tracing the shape of the cross with ashes while saying the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” This gesture calls us to reflect on the brevity of life and compels us to remember our accountability before God. It invites us to put our priorities in order, to let go of worldly attachments, and to focus on what truly matters in the grand scheme of things.

The imagery of the cross on the forehead also carries a message of Christ’s saving love. As Christians, we believe that Christ suffered and died on the cross to redeem us from sin and bring us eternal life. When we receive this Ash Wednesday mark, it is a sign of our commitment to follow in the footsteps of Christ, to carry our own cross, and to seek reconciliation with God and our fellow human beings.

The placement of the cross on the forehead specifically holds significance. The forehead, often referred to as the seat of intellect and reason, represents our thoughts, beliefs, and intentions. By marking the forehead, we acknowledge that our minds need renewal and transformation. We resolve to align our thoughts and attitudes with the teachings of Christ, to live in wisdom and discernment, and to reject the temptations of evil.

Furthermore, during the distribution of ashes, the words “Repent and believe in the Gospel” or “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return” are often spoken. These words echo the call to conversion and remind us that our earthly journey is temporary. They challenge us to examine our lives, to turn away from sin, and to seek forgiveness and reconciliation in order to walk in the path of righteousness.

Apart from the forehead marking, ashes are also applied to the mouth and sometimes the chest. The marking of the mouth signifies our need to guard our speech and use words that build others up, instead of tearing them down. It serves as a reminder to speak the truth in love, to refrain from gossip or slander, and to use our words to bring life and healing.

At times, ashes may also be placed on the chest, close to the heart. This act symbolizes the desire to purify our hearts, to remove the barriers that prevent us from experiencing God’s love fully. It calls us to examine our intentions, desires, and affections, and to surrender them to God’s transformative grace. By marking the chest, we acknowledge that the pursuit of holiness begins in the depths of our hearts.

In conclusion, the marking of the forehead, mouth, and chest at Mass with ashes is a powerful and symbolic gesture that encompasses various aspects of our Christian faith. It reminds us of our mortality, our dependence on God’s mercy and forgiveness, and our call to live as disciples of Christ. It challenges us to align our thoughts, speech, and desires with God’s will and to continually strive for holiness. May this ritual deepen our faith and commitment as we walk the journey of Lent and prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.