![]() ![]() There is absolutely no reason not to observe Ember Days because any assistance we can get that will bring us closer to God should be pursued. Since Vatican II, Ember Days, along with other devotions, are not officially observed however they are still encouraged by the Church. We should not change with the world, but stay close to God. God has not changed however, the world has. Ember Days allow us the opportunity to show God how much we love Him. In other words, I indulged my senses at the expense of God’s law I will therefore now mortify them at the expense of my own comfort. Saint Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Let us exhibit ourselves as servants of God, in patience, in fastings” (2 Corinthians 6: 4). When the Pharisees complained that the Apostles were not fasting, Jesus said they were not because He was with them, but that they would fast once He was gone (Matthew 2: 18). Despite all that we see and hear now – that is, “do what makes you feel good” – Christ’s teachings are clear. So, why do we fast anyway? Well, we do that in expiation of our sins. How we fast during Lent applies to the Ember Days as well. Friday is in memory of His Passion and Saturday is a continuation of Friday. Wednesday recalls the our Lord’s betrayal by Judas. Why Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays? These are particular days of devotion in the early Church. Ember days provide opportunities for this and are a great way to do that during the year. Given all God does for us, what then can we do for Him? We can fast, pray, and be thankful. Our thoughts, as often as we can throughout the day, should be on God and the beauty around us given by God our Father. Every moment of our day should be for the glory of God. So, we should thank God during these days for the beauty of the seasons and remember all our Lord does and has done for us. The Church also instituted these days to sanctify the four seasons of the year. The ordination of priests was also held on Saturdays during Ember weeks however, that is not the case since the Second Vatican Council. Ember Days originated from at least the fifth century and the modern format was arranged by Pope Gregory VII (1073-1085). They are also intended to thank God for the gifts of nature and to teach us to use those gifts in moderation.Īs my grandmother always said, “Everything in moderation.” They also remind us to help those in need. Ember Days are an ancient practice instituted by the Church to thank God for blessings received and to ask for additional blessings in the seasons to come. The term “Ember Days” comes from the Latin “ Quatuor Tempora,” meaning four times. Lucy (December 15th, 17th, and 18th this year). They occur after Ash Wednesday (February 24th, 26th, and 27th), after Pentecost (May 26th, 28th, and 29th, after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 15th, 17th, and 18th), and after the Feast of St. Ember Days are kept on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. They occur four times a year, one for each season. You may have noticed this on the 2021 OLMC calendars and thought, “What exactly are Ember Days?” Well, Ember Days are additional opportunities for sacrifice and spiritual growth throughout the year. The Church too thought of all this and gave us what are called “Ember Days.” ![]() The cool crisp days, a bountiful harvest, and the coming holidays spent with family and friends – there’s nothing better. Summer gives way to autumn, my personal favorite. Gardens are in full bloom with comfortable evenings spent sitting on a front porch or lying in the cool grass daydreaming. Summer brings warm days and many outdoor activities. The subtle hues of the colors of the rainbow are everywhere, the warm air excites the mind, and we look forward to summer. ![]() We move into spring from there and one of the things first noticed are the little flowers popping up everywhere. During the winter season, the beauty of freshly fallen snow and the quiet, peaceful feeling makes for quite the scene. There is nothing better than watching the seasons change and all that comes with it. ![]() One of the perks of living in Colorado, is the changing of the seasons. ![]()
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