The Protestant wing of Anglicanism still avoids the blessing and imposition of ashes because of Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount that is the historic gospel for the beginning of Lent:  “And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”[1]
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