Spiritual Conversations on Ash Wednesday
What is ash Wednesday?
This coming Wednesday, the 26th of February, we will observe a dark mark in the shape of a cross on the foreheads of many folks, most belonging to the Catholic Church. This mark is a symbol to be received on Ash Wednesday representing human mortality and repentance. The priest who makes the mark on their foreheads will either say “dust you are and dust you will become” or “repent and receive the gospel”, sometimes both. In Genesis 3:19 mankind was formed from the dust of the earth and to dust, they will return. There are also numerous Old Testament passages where the use of ashes is connected with repentance. So, death and separation from God are real. However, Ash Wednesday is to be followed 46 days later by Resurrection Day (Easter). So now life is possible again.
Ash Wednesday also starts the season known as Lent.
It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting. It is supposed to prepare those serious about what they do for the celebration of Easter. Traditionally those who fasted during Lent gave up certain types of food. While this does happen today, many have started giving up numerous other things. Examples would be going off all social media or not attending any movies or not going out to eat, even to McDonald's.
You now may ask where the ash comes from?
The ashes also result from another Lenten tradition. The Sunday before Easter is Palm Sunday. Participants in the mass receive palms representing the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Many of the palms are returned after the mass. These are stored until the next year when they are burned to ash and then blessed and mixed with holy water to create a more paste-like consistency to adhere better to the forehead of the participant in the shape of the cross.
ok...so now what?
The question for us now is how can we allow Jesus to use us during Ash Wednesday to generate spiritual conversations with individuals bearing that symbol? Pray that we can have doors open either then or later so that we may share the true Gospel of Jesus.
Spiritual Conversation Starters
The goal would be to engage someone with ash on their forehead into a discussion about spiritual things, ultimately leading to the sharing of the Gospel.
Break the Ice: Acknowledge their participation in Ash Wednesday
I see you are participating in Ash Wednesday, can I ask you some questions?
Get them talking: Ask them about Ash Wednesday.
Can you tell me what Ash Wednesday is about?
What did the priest say as he put the ashes on your forehead?
“dust you are and dust you will become” (talks about mortality/death)
Do you know why death came into the world?
Romans 5:12(NLT): 12 When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.
Transition to talk about sin and how sin is removed/paid for. The goal would be to contrast the free gift through faith versus moral good works.
Ephesians 2:8-9(NLT): 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
“repent and receive the gospel”
“What is the Gospel? Have you heard this before? Do you know what it means? (USE 60 Second Gospel Card)
Emphasizing the free gift, not of works, see scripture above.
Can you tell me what Ash Wednesday means to you?
Gets personal on how the individual feels about spiritual things.
Use this to share what your faith means to you after you’ve listened to them.
What does Ash Wednesday look forward to?
Gets to talk about Easter and the Resurrection (Work of Christ)
Use this to invite them to church with you to celebrate Easter.
Do you know one of the main differences between Catholics and Evangelicals?
Allows you to explain the difference:
We are saved by the grace of God through faith in who Jesus is and what He’s done for you. You don’t need to earn righteousness.
See Ephesians 2:8-9, and explain it.
Grace: God giving you something you don’t deserve
Do you know that good works don’t get you into heaven?
Gets right to the point.
If they believe in good works, then you can ask how many good works do you need? What if you don’t get enough? DO you want to take that chance to see if you have enough when the time comes, and death occurs?
Another way to get talking about Ephesians 2:8-9. You can use the book, How Good Is Good Enough.
Remember, you are not here to argue or convince them but to inquire about where they are Spiritually, looking for opportunities to share the Gospel.
Pray that God would give you open doors to share The Gospel!