Ember Day is also an opportunity to lament the cries of Earth brought about by climate change and the escalating loss of plant and animal species - Photo:canva.com
Ember Days have an old history and are thought to have been part of celebrations of seed and harvest from pre-Christian times. The word ember as it is used for Ember Day, does not relate to a piece of coal as we might imagine and neither is it directly related to Lent. In this context ember is thought to have come from an old word that relates to a recurring season, such as the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter that are recognized in many parts of the world. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples recognize more than four seasons, that are not fixed to a calendar but are signalled by changes noticed in the local environment. Seasons of the year are identified in a diversity of ways around the world.
Ember Days are known to have been incorporated into Christian liturgies in the early centuries of the Church. The Second Vatican Council retained Ember Days as part of the liturgical cycle. In 2008, the Australian Bishops Conference brought in the observance of autumn and spring Ember Days for the Australian church. Ember days are an opportunity to offer public thanks for the gifts of Earth, and to pray for people and places of need, such as in situations of flood, drought and famine.
Ember Day is also an opportunity to lament the cries of Earth brought about by climate change and the escalating loss of plant and animal species, and to renew our commitments to care as members of God’s creation. This also includes our inter-connections with all that is non-living such as air and water. Ecologists refer to the intricate relationships that make up Earth’s systems as the web of life. In his 1986 book To care for the Earth, Columban Fr Sean McDonagh says, “the word ecology is derived from the Greek word, oikos which means house, or a place in which to live.” Fr Sean says the study of the web of life reminds us that “human beings are part of the house.”
Christian faith teaches that God, Earth and humanity are in relationship. We are invited to be co-creators to protect and sustain God’s creation for future generations. Pope Francis, in his Encyclical letter Laudato Si': On Care for our Common Home says, “The Spirit of God has filled the universe with possibilities and therefore from the very heart of things, something new can always emerge” (#80).
Columban Fr Sean McDonagh says, “the great urge to heal what is broken, reunite what is separated, and recreate the face of the Earth” comes from the Holy Spirit. Fr Sean says the Holy Spirit is the principle of communion, “in her the whole universe is linked together in one nurturing, enveloping embrace” and suggests “we allow our religious imagination and emotions to be gripped by the overpowering presence of the Divine in the world around us.”
Scripture tells us Jesus spent time praying outdoors, early in the morning before dawn, climbing a mountain or by the sea. Jesus offered teachings in parables about God's Reign that reflected what he noticed all around him.
The church offers Ember Day as an opportunity for us to reflect and to offer our prayer.
A blessing:
I ask God to bless my forehead and open my eyes to behold this silence and beauty.
I ask God to bless my hands and strengthen my resolve to act justly, walk humbly and love deeply.
I ask God to bless my ears and listen for the sounds of love in the web of life.
I ask God to bless my heart and resolve to act to transform and be transformed.
(Adapted from a blessing by Margie Abbott RSM, in her book ‘Cosmic Sparks: Igniting a re-enchantment with the sacred’ used with permission)
Sr Caroline Vaitkunas RSM, Peace, Ecology and Justice Team member, Columban Mission Centre, Essendon
