What Is Ordinary Time?
Ordinary Time is the longest season of the liturgical year, spanning 33 or 34 weeks divided into two periods. The word 'ordinary' does not mean boring or unimportant, but refers to the ordinal numbers used to count the weeks (First Sunday of Ordinary Time, Second Sunday of Ordinary Time, etc.). Ordinary Time is a time for growing in our understanding of the faith and for putting Christ's teachings into practice in our daily lives.
The first period of Ordinary Time begins after the Christmas season and continues until Lent. The second period begins after the Easter season and continues until Advent. During Ordinary Time, we focus on the public ministry of Jesus and His teachings, growing in our relationship with Him and learning how to live as His disciples in the world.
The Biblical Foundation
Ordinary Time is based on the biblical accounts of Jesus' public ministry, particularly the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. During this time, we hear about Jesus' teachings, miracles, parables, and interactions with people. We learn about His mission to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to call people to repentance and faith.
The readings during Ordinary Time help us to understand Jesus' message and to apply it to our lives. We hear about the Beatitudes, the Lord's Prayer, the parables of the Kingdom, and Jesus' teachings about love, forgiveness, and service. These readings provide us with practical guidance for living the Christian life.
The Structure of Ordinary Time
Ordinary Time is structured around the Sunday readings, which follow a three-year cycle (Year A, Year B, and Year C). Each year focuses on a different Gospel: Year A focuses on Matthew, Year B on Mark, and Year C on Luke. The Gospel of John is read during special seasons and on certain Sundays throughout the year.
The first reading at Mass is usually from the Old Testament and is chosen to complement the Gospel reading. The second reading is from the New Testament letters and provides additional teaching and guidance. The responsorial psalm helps us to respond to God's word in prayer and song.
The Liturgical Color
The liturgical color for Ordinary Time is green, which symbolizes growth, hope, and life. Green is the color of nature and represents the growth and development that should take place in our spiritual lives during this season. It reminds us that we are called to grow in holiness and to bear fruit in our lives.
The green color also symbolizes the hope that we have in Christ and the new life that He offers us. It reminds us that we are called to be witnesses of Christ's love and to bring His light to the world. The green vestments worn by the priest and the green decorations in the church help to create an atmosphere of growth and renewal.
Ordinary Time and Spiritual Growth
Ordinary Time is a time for spiritual growth and development. It is a time to deepen our relationship with Christ, to grow in our understanding of the faith, and to put Christ's teachings into practice. During Ordinary Time, we are called to:
Grow in Prayer: Ordinary Time provides us with many opportunities to grow in our prayer life. We can develop a daily prayer routine, participate in the liturgy more fully, and learn new forms of prayer. Prayer helps us to grow closer to God and to hear His voice more clearly.
Study the Scriptures: The readings during Ordinary Time help us to grow in our knowledge and understanding of the Bible. We can read the daily readings, study the Sunday Gospel, and reflect on how God's word applies to our lives. Scripture study helps us to grow in wisdom and understanding.
Practice the Virtues: Ordinary Time is a time to practice the virtues and to grow in holiness. We can work on developing virtues like patience, kindness, generosity, and humility. The practice of virtue helps us to become more like Christ and to live as His disciples.
Ordinary Time and Mission
Ordinary Time is also a time for mission and evangelization. During this season, we are called to share the Gospel with others and to be witnesses of Christ's love in the world. This includes:
Proclaiming the Gospel: We are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others through our words and actions. This might include inviting others to Mass, sharing our faith with friends and family, or participating in evangelization programs.
Serving Others: We are called to serve others in love, following the example of Christ. This might include volunteering at a soup kitchen, visiting the sick, or helping those in need. Service helps us to grow in charity and to be witnesses of Christ's love.
Working for Justice: We are called to work for justice and peace in the world, following the Church's social teaching. This might include advocating for the poor, working for environmental protection, or promoting human rights. Justice work helps us to build the Kingdom of God on earth.
Ordinary Time and the Saints
During Ordinary Time, we celebrate the feasts of many saints who provide us with examples of how to live the Christian life. The saints show us how to grow in holiness and how to serve God and others with love. Their lives inspire us to follow Christ more closely and to be witnesses of His love.
The saints also remind us that holiness is possible for everyone, not just for a select few. They show us that we can grow in holiness in our daily lives, through our work, our relationships, and our service to others. The saints are our companions on the journey of faith and our intercessors in heaven.
Ordinary Time and the Family
Ordinary Time is a wonderful time for families to grow together in faith. Families can pray together, read Scripture together, and participate in the liturgy together. Ordinary Time provides many opportunities for families to learn about the faith and to put it into practice.
Families can also use Ordinary Time to develop good habits and routines that help them to grow in holiness. This might include daily prayer, weekly Mass attendance, regular confession, and works of charity. These practices help families to grow closer to God and to one another.
Conclusion: Growing in Faith
Ordinary Time is a gift from the Church that helps us to grow in our faith and to become more like Christ. It is a time to deepen our relationship with God, to learn more about our faith, and to put Christ's teachings into practice. Ordinary Time is not ordinary in the sense of being boring or unimportant, but is a time of growth, renewal, and mission.
By participating fully in Ordinary Time, we can grow in holiness and become better witnesses of Christ's love in the world. We can develop a deeper relationship with God, learn more about our faith, and serve others with love and generosity. Ordinary Time is a time of grace and opportunity, a time to grow in our love for God and for others.