It is interesting that the Orthodox churches of the East do not include Ash Wednesday, with all its sombre and penitential associations, in their tradition. In stark contrast to our use of ashes , their first weekday in Lent is known as Clean Monday. This is an open-air holiday in Greece, and celebrated by a general exodus to the countryside. The springtime of the Fast has dawned, The flower of repentance has begun to open.
Glory be to thee, who alone lovest mankind.
There is freshness and a hope in both actions and words. A looking forward to a new future. The truth is that we need both approaches. As so often is the case within the development of church traditions, some churches have emphasised one truth, some another. We need to go on being open to each other s insights and learning from each other.