I don't have issues with displaying signs of my faith in public, but placing the Cross on the forehead has always seemed to me to be directly against Jesus' admonition in today's Gospel. He specifically tells His followers to not be like the hypocrites by making a big show about any act of charity or penance. In that light, the Cross of ash on our foreheads is literally putting a sign on our heads that we are fasting for the start of Lent.
With the ashes sprinkled on top of my head, I have not felt like I am "showboating" my faith as much. Meanwhile, I still feel the humility of my temporary existence while making a physical gesture that I have started this year's Lenten journey. The experience feels more personal … even though I guess that I am publicly writing about it.
Wow … I kind of fell right into that bit of irony, didn't I?