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Ember Days
 
“May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
Galatians 6:14
Collect for Holy Cross Day
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to himself: Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer, p.244
 
Sept. 14 is the Feast Day known as Holy Cross Day. “During the reign of Constantine, first Roman Emperor to profess the Christian faith, his mother Helena went to Israel and there undertook to find the places especially significant to Christians. Having located, close together, what she believed to be the sites of the Crucifixion and of the Burial… she then had built over them the Church of the Holy Sepulcher that was dedicated on 14 Sept. 14, 335. It has become a day for recognizing the Cross… as a symbol of triumph, as a sign of Christ's victory over death, and a reminder of His promise.”[1]
 
The Wednesday, Friday and Saturday following Holy Cross Day are marked as Ember Days in the Episcopal Church. Ember Days are “Three days which occur four times a year: the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after St. Lucy's Day (Dec. 13), Ash Wednesday, the Day of Pentecost, and Holy Cross Day (Sept. 14).” The four times each year “became occasions for ordination, for which the Christian community prayed and the candidates prepared themselves by prayer and retreat.”[2]
 
In modern times, these are the four times a year when seminarians are expected to pray and reflect on their discernment, then communicate with their bishop, writing an “Ember Day” letter to provide an update on their progress spiritually, personally and academically.

For the vast majority of people who are not seminarians, these days can still be a good way to set aside some time to pray and reflect on their vocation as Christians. It is a good practice to take a moment to listen for what God is calling each of us to do. I invite you to set aside some time this week, perhaps on Wednesday, Friday or Saturday to spend some time in quiet prayer. As you pray, pray for those who are being called to ordained ministry, and then pray to hear God’s call on you and how you are being called to live out your Christian faith in this world.

The Rev. Lisa R. Neilson
Associate for Pastoral Care and Women's Ministries
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