Catholic Answers Live #12595 Is Receiving Ashes Against Scripture? | Why Aren’t You Catholic? - Joe Heschmeyer
Feb 18, 2026
Joe Heschmeyer, popular Catholic apologist and podcaster, explains why ashes are a sign of penitence, not public show. He tackles faith and politics, whether churches should back parties, and when civil law must yield to God. He also explores claims about the papacy, the Antichrist charge, and the differences between Catholicism and Orthodoxy.
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Why Ashes Aren't Hypocrisy
- Matthew 6 condemns practicing piety to be seen, not public acts of penitence like Ash Wednesday.
- Ashes publicly acknowledge sin and can properly lead others to glorify God when motives are right.
Examine Your Motives For Public Piety
- Check your motives: mixed motives are normal but avoid sinful pride as the driving cause of actions.
- Do good publicly to inspire others toward God, not to win acclaim for yourself.
Engage Politics Without Idolizing It
- Participate in politics as a Christian but avoid making partisan identity your ultimate guide.
- Use political authority responsibly while keeping ultimate trust in God, not princes or movements.
