Reclaiming Ember Days

One of the more unfortunate things that happened to Mr. Pete and me growing up in the post-Vatican 2 era was missing out on some of the traditions that really focus the heart, mind, and soul on the seasons in the Liturgical Year. Ember Days are one of those traditions.

Ember days are 12 specific days scattered throughout the year, three days in conjunction with the four seasons (from the Latin quattuor tempora – meaning four times).

These days are:

• Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after Ash Wednesday.
• Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after Pentecost.
• Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after the Feast of the Holy Cross (September 14) or the third Sunday of September.
• Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after the Feast of St. Lucy (December 13), during the third week of Advent.

These particular days are chosen because Wednesday was the day Christ was betrayed, on Friday he died, and on Saturday he was entombed.

After 1960, observance of Ember Days was left to the discretion of the local bishop. I have never, ever, heard a bishop or priest extolling the practice. But, since many Catholics aren’t even attending church this year because of the Corona virus, this might be a good practice to do at home this year to feel more connected to the faith and part of the church.

That means today, December 16, is an Ember day, as is December 18, and 19.

How to Observe Ember Days

Think of them as little days of sacrifice and penance. That means one regular meal and two smaller meals during the day, and abstain from meat on Friday.

I am fortunate enough to have a missal from 1957 that includes the ember day prayers!

For the Wednesday Ember day in Advent:

Introit Isa 45  Drop down dew, you heavns from above, and let the clouds rain the just: let the earth be opened and bud forth a Savior Ps. 18. 

The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament proclaims His handiwork.

Prayer, Grant we beseech You almighty God that the coming solemnity of your redemption may both confer upon us assistance in this present life and bestow upon us the rewards of everlasting happiness.

Readings:

• Isaiah 2: 2-5 Lesson
• Isaiah 7: 10-15 Epistle
• Luke 1 26-38 Gospel

May our fasting, we beseech You Lord, be acceptable to You and by expiating out sins, make us worthy of Your grace and bring us fulfillment of Your everlasting promises Through our Lord.

Interesting Ember day Lore – the weather conditions on the three Ember Days are indicative of the weather for the entire season – Source: Farmer’s Almanac.