![]() ![]() Rather, it is the same as the fasts that the Church asks us to observe on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. ![]() It is not what some would call a “black fast,” which means to eat nothing at all. 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. And Saturday because that is when Christ lay in the tomb. Wednesday because it is a reminder that judas betrayed Christ on a Wednesday. ![]() The Ember Days are specifically observed on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. As it so happens, these ember days always end up during the 3rd week of Advent, which is this week. The date for these is linked to the feast of St. Finally, the Ember Days are a time to pray and fast for an increase in vocations. That are always during Advent, so they are also focused on preparing for the coming of Christ as well. The Winter Ember Days are traditionally a time of prayer for a good seeding for the next years harvest. Fasting is a powerful weapon in our fight against this effort. This is not to say we’re all possessed, but rather to acknowledge that demons are always active in trying to lead us astray. We cannot forget Jesus also taught that some demons can only be cast out by prayer and fasting. 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. While not as popular now, the practice of fasting has always been a central part of the Christian call to holiness. The idea is to sanctify – to make holy – each season. The Ember Days are a traditional time of prayer and fasting connected to each season of the year. We’ll pause temporarily on our journey through Rerum Novarum to remember an ancient practice called the “Ember Days.” You may remember that we’ve observed these before. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |