Just recently many of our neighbors went to their church and their minister or priest put a smudge of ashes on their foreheads and said, "Dust thou art and to dust thou will return."  In case you wonder what all of this means, consider the following:

According to Roman Catholic tradition, Ash Wednesday is the first day of the forty days of the Lenten season. Lent is a season of penance and fasting in preparation for Easter.    This is a tradition unknown in the early church (M'Clintock & Strong's Ency. of Religion, Vol. I, p. 466).  The idea is borrowed from the ancient practice of penitents demonstrating their sorrow and penitence by appearing in sackcloth and sprinkling ashes on their heads.  This is often mentioned in the Old Testament.  The practice of wearing the smudge on the forehead for a day is a token, reflecting an ancient church tradition unknown to the New Testament and to the first three centuries of Christianity.

According to the customs of this religion, because of the so-called rigors of the coming Lenten season, practitioners can indulge themselves for several days prior to the beginning of Lent. This celebration is called Mardi Gras or Carnival and is generally celebrated in the most outlandish, hedonistic fashion. It is known for its drunkenness, gluttony and immorality.  It equals the most decadent celebration of any heathen people.  But promptly at midnight on Shrove Tuesday, before Ash Wednesday, all festivities must cease.  The faithful of that church are expected to appear before their clergy early Wednesday morning to begin their forty days of fasting and receive their ashes.  Need I explain why those who sincerely strive to following Jesus do not practice such things?  Unknown to and unauthorized by Scripture, we reject it as a doctrine and command of man.