Nothing "ordinary" about Ordinary Time

 While we have just completed the Easter season of the Church year, and entered that long period of green in varied shades, we or at least me, have to shift gears pretty dramatically. There is an element of gratitude that we return to somewhat of a more routine schedule in parish life, but life does not cease by any means.  This period of year called Ordinary remains not so much the "same old/same old" but rather a graced time in which we can reflect on our walk of discipleship with Christ.  The ordinary term refers to the order of the calendar and the thematic elements that the scriptures are often arranged to carry. Christ is risen, the Spirit has come upon the Church and now we must bring that same mission of Christ entrusted to the Apostles and through them to the everyday lives of believers.  That is no small task especially in today's increasingly secular culture.

So we hear of the call of the disciples, the preaching and teaching in parables of Jesus, we bring the miracle stories of healing and gratitude, awe and wonder experienced by the crowds who followed the Lord.  We, like those centuries before us, must take some time to digest all that is given us and to ultimately answer the call of Christ in each of our own lives.  It is a rich and diverse season of approximately six months. 

As the United States Catholic Bishop's website describes:

"While Christmas and Easter Time highlight the central mysteries of the Paschal Mystery, namely the Incarnation, death on the cross, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, and the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.  The Sundays and weekdays of Ordinary Time, on the other hand, take us through the life of Christ.  This is the time of conversion.  This is living the life of Christ. 

Ordinary Time is a time for growth and maturation, a time in which they mystery of Christ is called to penetrate ever more deeply into history until all things are finally caught up in Christ. The goal, toward which all of history is directed, is represented by the final Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe."

Take the opportunity this time of year from now until the end of November to be enriched through the Scriptures, prayer, the Holy Eucharist on a weekly basis, and generous service of others in Christ's name to bring his message of good news to a world that is broken and in need of profound healing.