You may remember that earlier this year, I invited you to join me in observing the Ember Days. The Ember Days are a traditional time of prayer and fasting connected to each season of the year. The idea is to sanctify – to make holy – each season. While not as popular now, the practice of fasting has always been a central part of the Christian call to holiness. It purifies our attachment to food, reminds us of the fact that many go without, and gives us a chance to remind our bodies that there is more to life than the things of this world. We cannot forget Jesus also taught that some demons can only be cast out by prayer and fasting. This is not to say we’re all possessed, but rather to acknowledge that demons are always active in trying to lead us astray. Fasting is a powerful weapon in our fight against this effort.
The Fall Ember Days are typically connected to the harvest season and seen as a chance to give thanks to God as well as implore his help in using the fruits of the earth well. Typically, these days fall every year in the week after the feast of the Triumph of the Holy Cross, which is September 14th. That was this Saturday. So, I’m inviting you to join me in observing the Ember Days this week.
The Ember Days are specifically observed on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Wednesday because it is a reminder that judas betrayed Christ on a Wednesday. Friday because that is when Christ died. And Saturday because that is when Christ lay in the tomb. Thursday, since it is connected to the gift of the Eucharist, is considered the “day between the fasts.” Now, the fast is not particularly intense. It is not what some would call a “black fast,” which means to eat nothing at all. Rather, it is the same as the fasts that the Church asks us to observe on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. That means you can
have one full meal that day and, if needed, two small snacks that are less than half a meal each. Additionally, it includes abstinence from meat. On the Wednesday and Saturday, you can have meat at the one full meal, but not at the snacks. Friday is no meat at all.
The Ember Days are an optional practice, but it is that much more beneficial to those who do it because they freely make the sacrifice. I encourage all who are able (without endangering their health) to join me in this ancient practice. If perhaps it is too daunting to keep the complete practice, then consider doing it for one or two of the days. I especially recommend the Friday. At the very least, do offer some extra prayers at this time for the Church and the harvest. Whatever you choose to do, remember that it is an offering of love and God always rewards those who love him.
– In Christ,
Fr. Albert