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The silliness, for such it is, of a smudge on the head is a “prompt” to consider that I, as insignificant (on the ‘merits’) as a streak of ashes, was yet deemed somehow worth the death of the Lord.

But nobody is deemed *worth* the death of Jesus. That implies that somehow the person merited that death.

We are both worthy and unworthy of the death of Jesus at the same time.

We are unworthy because of our sin; our rebellion against God. There is simply nothing we can do to ameliorate our condition.

OTOH, we are worthy because we are created in the image and likeness of God. That HE deemed us of worth because of that. Because HE desires fellowship and relationship with us.

One thing I've noticed about the Catholic mindset and remember of it from my upbringing, is the mentality that somehow we can merit (earn) God's favor and approval, His forgiveness and His love, and His favor, all based on what we DO or don't do.

Until and unless people, (and this includes any non-Catholics who think that way) come to understand that God's dealings with us are totally based on HIS character, people will continue to be trapped int heir sins and works based effort to try to please God, to earn His favor and blessing, to appease His wrath - all a monumental waste of time.

I don't know how much you've been following the RF as I have not seen you post in a LONG time, but based on conversations we've had in the past, have you checked out the Tozer threads I've been posting? I think you'd really enjoy them. The keyword is *tozer*.

How are you doing, BTW?

One thing I've noticed about the Catholic mindset and remember of it from my upbringing, is the mentality that somehow we can merit (earn) God's favor and approval, His forgiveness and His love, and His favor, all based on what we DO or don't do.

As a kid, I thought that was the main purpose of going to church and being known as a religious person. I was raised a Baptist...or Babtist as I thought it was supposed to be pronounced. But it was my fault and not theirs and, thus, is not just an RCC thing.

I wouldn't listen to the Truth again until I was 32.

But nobody is deemed *worth* the death of Jesus. That implies that somehow the person merited that death.
We are both worthy and unworthy of the death of Jesus at the same time.

Exactly ...ashes is little more than a "tradition" as is lent.. Give up candy and lose 10 pounds

There is no divine merit in those ashes .. there is no salvation in the ashes ... there is no merit in any of our works.. it is in only in the blood of Christ...

You don’t have to agree with God’s decision to exchange bis Son for you.