Thread: Ash Wednesday (To Absolve or not (quite) to Absolve Board: Oblivion / Ship of Fools.


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Posted by daronmedway (# 3012) on :
 
Common Worship Times and Seasons is not a volume of liturgy that features greatly in my ministry. However, I'm now based in a parish with a more liturgical bent and I have been revisiting the provision in preparation for Ash Wednesday.

I've noticed that the suggested Liturgy of Ash Wednesday where there is imposition of ashes seems to side-step the need for an authorised absolution. The rubric reads as follows:

quote:
God our Father,
you create us from the dust of the earth:
grant that these ashes may be for us
a sign of repentance
and a symbol of our mortality;
for it is by your grace alone

that we receive eternal life

in Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

The president and people receive the imposition of ashes, the president first receiving the imposition from another minister. At the imposition the minister says to each person

Remember that you are dust,
and to dust you shall return.
Turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ.
And then... nothing compulsory. Yes, there is this 'optional' rubric.

quote:
One of these two prayers may be said by the president


God our Father,
the strength of all who put their trust in you, mercifully accept our prayers;
and because, in our weakness,
we can do nothing good without you,
grant us the help of your grace,
that in keeping your commandments
we may please you, both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

or

The Lord enrich you with his grace,
and nourish you with his blessing;
the Lord defend you in trouble and keep you from all evil; the Lord accept your prayers,
and absolve you from your offences,
for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Saviour.
Amen.
Is this 'normal' for Ash Wednesday due it's focus on an extended time of contrition? Is this intentional? What is the practice in more, let's say, 'liturgically literate' settings?

For what's it's worth, I've opted for the no absolution option because it seems to me that seasonal provision for the peace is sufficiently 'gospel'. I'd be interested in other people's views / thoughts if it's of interest.

[ 27. February 2014, 16:52: Message edited by: daronmedway ]
 
Posted by Gildas (# 525) on :
 
I remember asking our very nice Con Evo Rural Dean, once upon a time, if we could compare notes about family services. I discovered that we were, more or less, doing much the same thing except he didn't do an absolution at the end of the Confession, presumably because he didn't believe that priests could absolve sins. I could sort of see where he was coming from. Personally, I would absolve. All other things being equal God will forgive you. To decline to absolve, feels to me, like you are hedging your bets as to your flock's salvation. There are, doubtless, occasions when strong words are called for but by and large we should be assuring our people that God loves them.
 
Posted by daronmedway (# 3012) on :
 
I'm fairly conservative evangelical, as you probably know, but I would always normally include an absolution after confession. I always use the us rather than the you form though. What I find interesting about the Ash Wednesday service is that absolution seems to be intentionally hard to find. Maybe it's intentionally like that in order to increase the penitential vibe of the the service?
 
Posted by Gamaliel (# 812) on :
 
Could be, but it might equally be because it is part of a sequence and might not be intended to be taken in isolation.
 
Posted by Fr Weber (# 13472) on :
 
Does this rite assume that the Eucharist follows immediately after the imposition of ashes? If so, then certainly there's a provision for confession and absolution there.
 
Posted by PaulBC (# 13712) on :
 
The whole Ash Wensday service in the Book of Alternative Services (Anglican Church of Canada)
is one of penitence , includes imposition of ashes and the Eucharist .
 
Posted by Anglican_Brat (# 12349) on :
 
In the Canadian Rite, the Absolution follows the Imposition of Ashes, principally because the Imposition follows an extended confession of sin.

No Absolution seems to me to undermine the emphasis of God's forgiving grace. Lent is not just about beating our breasts and moping about how evil we are, it is about placing faith in God's love and grace that forgives all our sin. I'm not a fan of Luther's theology, but he did get that right.
 
Posted by daronmedway (# 3012) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Fr Weber:
Does this rite assume that the Eucharist follows immediately after the imposition of ashes? If so, then certainly there's a provision for confession and absolution there.
Yes, after the Peace. And yes, there's provision but the rubrics says "may" rather than "is". Certainly the service structure says that there is confession and absolution. I just struggled to see where the authorised form of absolution appears.
 
Posted by Angloid (# 159) on :
 
I've always wondered about 'absolution' in public liturgy after a corporate confession. I'm happy to pronounce absolution as part of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, but ISTM it is redundant within a eucharist as receiving communion itself is absolution.
 
Posted by daronmedway (# 3012) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Gamaliel:
Could be, but it might equally be because it is part of a sequence and might not be intended to be taken in isolation.
Agreed, but that would be a departure from the usual Anglican pattern of Confession followed immediately by a - preferably thematically related - Absolution. It seems to me that the Ash Wednesday liturgy 'high point of resolution' isn't the Absolution but the more funereal exhortation:
quote:
Remember that you are dust,
and to dust you shall return.
Turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ.
Is this helpful?
 
Posted by Angloid (# 159) on :
 
No, the 'high point of resolution' is the Eucharist.
 
Posted by daronmedway (# 3012) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Angloid:
No, the 'high point of resolution' is the Eucharist.
Fair point. But many people see confession of sin and absolution as a vital for preparation for the Eucharist.
 
Posted by Angloid (# 159) on :
 
Isn't the signing with the ash a form of absolution?
 
Posted by Vade Mecum (# 17688) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Angloid:
Isn't the signing with the ash a form of absolution?
No. The ashes are sacramentals to enable us to keep an holy Lent.
 
Posted by Angloid (# 159) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Vade Mecum:
quote:
Originally posted by Angloid:
Isn't the signing with the ash a form of absolution?
No. The ashes are sacramentals to enable us to keep an holy Lent.
Why should it be 'either/or'?
 
Posted by Vade Mecum (# 17688) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Angloid:
quote:
Originally posted by Vade Mecum:
quote:
Originally posted by Angloid:
Isn't the signing with the ash a form of absolution?
No. The ashes are sacramentals to enable us to keep an holy Lent.
Why should it be 'either/or'?
Because absolution is a Sacrament and ashes are sacramentals. IT's like asking why oranges can't be grapefruits and oranges at the same time.

The collects for blessing of ashes implore God for His absolution, but they do not purport to convey it via the ashes.
 
Posted by daronmedway (# 3012) on :
 
When you refer to the collects for blessing of ashes do you mean the two prayers which follow is imposition of ashes that I mention in the OP, or the prayer before the imposition?

I ask because I can't see any specific absolution in the Liturgy for Ash Wednesday. The closest I can find is in the second optional prayer following the imposition of ashes which says:

quote:
The Lord enrich you with his grace,
and nourish you with his blessing;
the Lord defend you in trouble and keep you from all evil;
the Lord accept your prayers,
and absolve you from your offences,
for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Saviour.


[ 28. February 2014, 15:05: Message edited by: daronmedway ]
 
Posted by daronmedway (# 3012) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Angloid:
Isn't the signing with the ash a form of absolution?
ISTM, that the words that accompany the imposition are exhortation, rather than absolution.

quote:
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ.

 
Posted by Lietuvos Sv. Kazimieras (# 11274) on :
 
As a matter of liturgical comparison it is noteworthy that the Ash Wed. liturgy of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has an extended confession of sin - first in a standard narrative form and then followed by a penitential litany - and then imposition of ashes, followed by "the presiding minister address[ing] the assembly" with a prayer for absolution ("Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins...")that contrasts markedly with the two forms of definitive declaration of absolution that are provided for the Eucharistic liturgy. The prayer for absolution in the Ash Wed. rite just falls short of being an actual declaration of absolution normally made by the presider. Moreover, when the Eucharist follows the Ash Wednesday liturgy of penitence and ashes, the rubrics indicate that the Eucharist is to commence at a point after the absolution would normally have been pronounced in the Eucharist (the penitential rite and absolution are placed at the beginning of the ELCA order for the Eucharist).

This is conceptually different to any Anglican liturgy IME, in which the Ash Wed. penitential order and rite of ashing either includes a declaration of absolution, or the general confession and absolution are said subsequently in their normal position in the liturgy of the Eucharist.

[ 28. February 2014, 15:51: Message edited by: Lietuvos Sv. Kazimieras ]
 
Posted by Fr Weber (# 13472) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Angloid:
Isn't the signing with the ash a form of absolution?
The words spoken at the imposition are admonitions, not absolutions; a putting-on of ashes & sackcloth.
 
Posted by leo (# 1458) on :
 
It's standard catholic practice not to have the penitential rite in ADDITION to another penitential rite - so you have ashing, asperges, Palm Sunday procession etc. to replace the words of confession and absolution.
 
Posted by Fr Weber (# 13472) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by leo:
It's standard catholic practice not to have the penitential rite in ADDITION to another penitential rite - so you have ashing, asperges, Palm Sunday procession etc. to replace the words of confession and absolution.
That may be a V2 principle. It's certainly not indicated in Ritual Notes or in the general instructions of the Anglican or American Missals.

Also, the asperges is a recollection of baptism, not a penitential rite. And the Palm Sunday procession is an acclamation of Christ's entry into Jerusalem--no penitential content at all in the associated texts.
 
Posted by Angloid (# 159) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Vade Mecum:
absolution is a Sacrament and ashes are sacramentals.
Too much definition! Anyway, I agree that absolution in the context of the sacrament of reconciliation, when the priest has heard the actual confession, is a sacrament: I don't think the 'absolution' in the course of the liturgy is the same thing. Doesn't the Roman rite use the 'us' form for that?
 
Posted by daronmedway (# 3012) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by leo:
It's standard catholic practice not to have the penitential rite in ADDITION to another penitential rite - so you have ashing, asperges, Palm Sunday procession etc. to replace the words of confession and absolution.
My question is whether the penitential rite for Ash Wednesday found in Times and Seasons is intentionally reticent in terms of absolution (i.e. implicit rather than explicit) because the rite marks the beginning of an extended period of contrition/penitence. Almost as if giving an explicit absolution would sort ruin the penitential vibe?
 
Posted by uffda (# 14310) on :
 
I just wanted to add to what LSK contributed, that the rationale in the Lutheran Ash Wednesday Service is that the act of penitence, begun on Ash Wednesday is completed on Maundy Thursday, when the liturgy begins with an extended absolution, and the opportunity for the congregation to come forward for an individual laying on of hands.
 
Posted by Triple Tiara (# 9556) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Fr Weber:
quote:
Originally posted by leo:
It's standard catholic practice not to have the penitential rite in ADDITION to another penitential rite - so you have ashing, asperges, Palm Sunday procession etc. to replace the words of confession and absolution.
That may be a V2 principle. It's certainly not indicated in Ritual Notes or in the general instructions of the Anglican or American Missals.
Well you can't quote a "V2 principle" then compare it with Ritual Notes - that's comparing the Roman Rite with another Rite. In the Roman Rite, both pre and post V2, the penitential rite is suppressed. In the older form the penitential rite was contained in the prayers at the foot of the altar. The 1962 (the last pre-V2 Missal) has the blessing of ashes before Mass begins, then the rubrics say: "There are no prayers at the foot of the altar; the Introit is begun at once".
 
Posted by leo (# 1458) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Fr Weber:
quote:
Originally posted by leo:
It's standard catholic practice not to have the penitential rite in ADDITION to another penitential rite - so you have ashing, asperges, Palm Sunday procession etc. to replace the words of confession and absolution.
That may be a V2 principle. It's certainly not indicated in Ritual Notes or in the general instructions of the Anglican or American Missals.

Also, the asperges is a recollection of baptism, not a penitential rite. And the Palm Sunday procession is an acclamation of Christ's entry into Jerusalem--no penitential content at all in the associated texts.
There is more to it that actual text - the ceremonial speaks without words. In the case of Paul Sunday, the movement from welcoming the Lord who comes to the city and temple of hearts to the Passion where we clamour for his death speaks powerfully of confession and contrition within.
 
Posted by MrMusicMan (# 16343) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by leo:
It's standard catholic practice not to have the penitential rite in ADDITION to another penitential rite - so you have ashing, asperges, Palm Sunday procession etc. to replace the words of confession and absolution.
Absolution isn't part of the Mass anyway. Absolution happens within the Rite of Reconciliation or the Last Rites.
 
Posted by leo (# 1458) on :
 
Not in the RCC but the C of E muddies the waters by having absolution.
 
Posted by MrMusicMan (# 16343) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by leo:
Not in the RCC but the C of E muddies the waters by having absolution.
I meant RCC as I thought the poster I was quoting was also specifying RCC. Forgive me, I've been away from the Ship for awhile... I've forgotten the unique muddy of our waters here. [Biased]
 
Posted by Fr Weber (# 13472) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by leo:
quote:
Originally posted by Fr Weber:
quote:
Originally posted by leo:
It's standard catholic practice not to have the penitential rite in ADDITION to another penitential rite - so you have ashing, asperges, Palm Sunday procession etc. to replace the words of confession and absolution.
That may be a V2 principle. It's certainly not indicated in Ritual Notes or in the general instructions of the Anglican or American Missals.

Also, the asperges is a recollection of baptism, not a penitential rite. And the Palm Sunday procession is an acclamation of Christ's entry into Jerusalem--no penitential content at all in the associated texts.
There is more to it that actual text - the ceremonial speaks without words. In the case of Paul Sunday, the movement from welcoming the Lord who comes to the city and temple of hearts to the Passion where we clamour for his death speaks powerfully of confession and contrition within.
I'll err on the side of wanting an explicit confession.
 
Posted by leo (# 1458) on :
 
I am tempted to ask why your sins are more heinous than mine.

Happy Lent!
 
Posted by Fr Weber (# 13472) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by leo:
I am tempted to ask why your sins are more heinous than mine.

Happy Lent!
Well, you know why priests wear black; it's to match the color of their hearts.

Same to you, leo.
 
Posted by daronmedway (# 3012) on :
 
This presto wears blue, like a good evangelical.

As my free church friends say about us, "Look for the one's who wear blue. They're the good guys."
 
Posted by Angloid (# 159) on :
 
Up here it means you are an Everton supporter.
 
Posted by Jade Constable (# 17175) on :
 
Our AffCath priest wore blue shirts when he was a hospital chaplain (this I think is a common approach because blue is seen as friendlier?), and still has them. Last year he attended a memorial service (as a mourner, not in a clerical capacity) where the dress code was blue, white and silver so he wore one of them - those who knew him got quite a shock!
 
Posted by Vulpior (# 12744) on :
 
Our service yesterday ran:
I haven't researched the rector's source, but I'm glad that our penitential words (and actions) resulted in absolution.
 
Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Yes, we had that built into a normal Choral Second Order Eucharist, with the appropriate Preface and so forth. The evening service, which we attended, had about 60. I'm not sure how many were at the 7 am, but someone said there had been a 50 or so at Midday; both of these were said services.
 
Posted by leo (# 1458) on :
 
I went to a church other than my own and there was a definite absolution (which I still think is unnecessary). It started 'The Lord enrich you...' and finished 'absolve you from all sour sin'. I don't know which book it came from but everything else followed Times and Seasons as far as I could make out.
 
Posted by daronmedway (# 3012) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by leo:
I went to a church other than my own and there was a definite absolution (which I still think is unnecessary). It started 'The Lord enrich you...' and finished 'absolve you from all sour sin'. I don't know which book it came from but everything else followed Times and Seasons as far as I could make out.
it would have been this:
quote:
The Lord enrich you with his grace,
and nourish you with his blessing;
the Lord defend you in trouble and keep you from all evil;
the Lord accept your prayers,
and absolve you from your offences,
for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Saviour.
But that isn't an authorised CW absolution and it isn't a compulsory part or the liturgy. It's just one of two optional prayers that following the Imposition of Ashes.
 
Posted by Rosa Gallica officinalis (# 3886) on :
 
that prayer is an authorised CW absolution (Number B72) according to New Patterns

[ 09. March 2014, 15:55: Message edited by: Rosa Gallica officinalis ]
 
Posted by daronmedway (# 3012) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Rosa Gallica officinalis:
that prayer is an authorised CW absolution (Number B72) according to New Patterns
I stand corrected. Thank you.
 
Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Fr Weber:
Well, you know why priests wear black; it's to match the color of their hearts.
Oi ... I resemble that remark
 


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