On Monday we resumed the season of Ordinary Time, as the Easter season concluded with the Easter dismissal on Pentecost Sunday. We have come through the seasons of Lent, Holy Week and Easter, and along the way we have learnt certain lessons, grown spiritually, and hopefully been given the graces we need to become missionary disciples for Christ. Ordinary time is that time when we now live out our baptismal promises.
“Ordinary Time” in the liturgical calendar isn’t called that because it’s dull or unimportant. The term comes from the Latin word “ordinarius,” which refers to a sequence or order, specifically the numbering of the weeks in this period. Therefore, “Ordinary Time” signifies the standard, numbered weeks of the church year that are not part of the major liturgical seasons like Advent, Christmas, Lent, or Easter.
Ordinary time is that time when we explicitly live out our mission in our everyday life, without the great heights and depths of the pervious season. To some people it may seem boring as at least externally not many things seem to change. I don’t think it’s boring, in fact I think it is the most challenging part of the year because I now must do the work that I committed myself to during my spiritual highs, or during the large and impactful events / seasons we have been through. I need to reflect on my life and my weaknesses and my need for reconciliation, without the sorrow of the Passion and death of Jesus before my eyes to motivate me.
I now need to do the works of love and charity that the structure and habit of Lent made that little easier to do, and I need to do it consistently and untiringly for the 34 weeks of ordinary time rather than the 5 weeks of Lent. I now need to motivate myself to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit when the fire of Pentecost is but a dim memory. I need to find the courage to make decisions which may be unpopular, I need to be able to find my own authentic God given voice when I am not buoyed up by the immediate joy of Easter Sunday.
So no, ordinary time is not ordinary, and it isn’t boring.
One of the greatest helps to us during this period is our community of faith. The community can lift us up when we are feeling tired, or uninspired or unmotivated or bored. There is something about having people know who you are and will miss you when you are not there that helps us to be more faithful. Think of the community as your spiritual gym buddy. I know that having a gym partner makes it easier to get out of bed in the dark and cold of winter. The community does the same for us, or rather, it does if we let it, if we choose to be a part of the community rather than just a stranger who comes every now and then, doesn’t engage and
disappears as soon as the last not is sung, if not before.
And so, I want to explicitly welcome all of those who might be new to our community or may be returning to it after a time of absence. Each of you, all of you are welcome. Find your place in this family, the thing that only you can do or be. Reach out to others and allow others to reach into the depths of your heart. Allow yourself to be part of the journey, the song of joy the Lord is weaving in our hearts, because you are welcome.
