EMBER WEDNESDAY IN ADVENT

EMBER WEDNESDAY[1] IN ADVENT

This is the golden Mass, O holy Mary –

drop down, dew, ye heavens from above.[2]

when lighted candles crowd the sanctuary,

O fields, bring forth the blossom of God’s love.

This is the golden Mass, O longed-for Maiden,

their swords to ploughshares and their mighty spears

to sickles turn.[3]  You come with gladness laden,

yet who will stanch the ocean of your tears?

This is the golden Mass, O mighty Mother,

Open the portals, princes, open wide.

Through this sealed gate, He enters and none other

Who openeth and will not be denied.

Short is the time of grace: O gracious one,

now in our souls, conceive and bear your Son.

Sister Maris Stella CSJ

Frost for Saint Brigid and other poems. 1949  New York: Sheed & Ward.

Used with permission.

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[1] Ember days were designated by the Catholic Church as days of fasting and abstinence.  The Ember Wednesday  in Advent (the four weeks preceding Christmas) refers to the Wednesday after the third Sunday of Advent.

[2] Isaiah XLV:8

[3] Isaiah II:4