Let the Ember Days of Advent Begin

Advent Sunday signals the beginning of a new year within the Church cycle. Therefore, today would be the first Ember Days of that new year. If the term seems strange, there is good reason. Prior to Vatican II, the universal church kept Ember Days.

Like many things that changed with Vatican II, Ember Days were left to the pastoral judgment of the National Bishops’ conference. In American, the bishops allowed these beautiful days of fasting, abstinence and prayer to become dormant. I didn’t even know about Ember Days until I began reading some of the prayer books handed down by my parents.

Ember Days are most noticeable tied to the changing seasons as a way to focus our attention on the good things of God’s creation. They are also tied to the liturgical cycles within the Church. Traditionally, Ember Days were a time to pray for vocation since they were once important days of ordination. It seems strange that as a part of celebration of the good things God created we would be instructed to fast. Yet at the time the Church felt it had good reason to call on the faithful to fast. Often we don’t appreciate things we take for granted, such as a bountiful harvest. In the days of old, people were more closely tied to the fruits of their own labor. When we deprive ourselves we come to value what we have been given more. Since the observance of Ember Days are purely voluntary, in our house we do not fast and only abstain on Fridays. It’s not so much laziness as it is a personal choice. Throughout Lent, Sundays are set apart because they are a celebration. There is no fasting on Sundays. It is a celebration of our relationship with Christ filled with great joy. We are invited to His supper in a very real way at the Mass.

It is with this attitude that we celebrate the Ember Days of old. Today is the first Ember Days of Advent. It is observed on the first Wednesday following December 13 and the Feast of Saint Lucia. Ember Days of Advent are to give thanks for the olives pressed for their oils. Olive Oil use can be found throughout the Bible. It was used to light the lamps. It was used to anoint Kings chosen by God. Olive oil was an important part of Jewish culture, seen as a symbol of richness, joy and good health. It is an important ingredient in the recipe for oils used to sanctify the tabernacle. There are many reason throughout the ages to value and give thanks for the Olive Trees and their precious oils Even today olive oil is used in sacraments, anointing the sick and for personal devotions.

It’s always important to acknowledge all that God has done and will continue to do for us. Blessings have nothing to do with your zip code, the kind of car you drive or the size of your bank account. Those things will fall by the wayside soon enough. God’s blesses are forever. His love never fails.

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Lemon Chicken and Asparagus Pasta Supper
4 Garlic Cloves
1 Lemon, juiced and zested
1 lb Asparagus
1 tablespoons Olive Oil
2 boneless Chicken Breasts
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
2 tablespoons Butter
2 cups Chicken Stock
1 cup Milk
1 cup Half-and-Half
12 oz Fettuccine
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded

Peel and mince garlic. Zest lemon, then slice and juice. Trim asparagus. Set aside.

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large sauté pan. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper. Let cook for about 6 minutes per side or until chicken is cooked through and beautifully golden.

Transfer chicken to a plate; tent with foil and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Slice widthwise into serving slices.

Meanwhile bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta per package directions, about 11 minutes. Drain well.

As the pasta cooks, steam the asparagus until tender but crisp. Keep warm.

Melt butter in the now empty sauté pan and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add stock milk, half-n-half and salt to taste to the pan. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate into the sauce.

Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice and zest; stir well. Drain pasta, add to the pan with the sauce. Pull pasta through sauce to coat well. Spread pasta out in a large, rimmed serving platter.

Fan chicken slices out over the pasta. Adorn platter with asparagus. Serve with warm bread and a simple salad for a beautiful supper.

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Behold, the days are approaching, says the Lord
When I will raise up to David a righteous branch.
And a King will reign, and He will be wise. And He will exercise
Judgment and justice upon the earth.
Jeremiah 23:5