In Jesus’ day, the word “hypocrite” didn’t really have
any bad connotations. Actually, it just meant an actor in a play. Hypocrite
literally means “one who is under a mask”, because actors in Greek plays would
always wear masks to show which character they are playing.
But
Jesus draws a comparison between these actors and people who say one thing and
do another. The person behind the mask doesn’t match up with what the rest of
the world sees! The world sees a pious person praying, but the person is just
doing it to seek attention. The world sees a generous giver, but their
motivation is human praise. Thus, they are actors, hiding behind masks.
Today, you and I will receive a “mask”. We will receive a visible, outward
sign that will show to everyone in the world that we are Christian. But are we?
Does our forehead say we are followers of Christ but our life say otherwise?
These
ashes are not just some empty custom or “culturally Catholic” thing. They are a
tangible sign that we are repenting of our sins and sincerely seeking to love
and serve God. Will these ashes become an outward sign of our inward
repentance? Or will they just be the mask of a hypocrite?
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