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As we transition from the vibrant celebrations of Easter and Pentecost into the season of Ordinary Time, it is essential to understand the deeper significance of this period in the liturgical calendar. The term "Ordinary Time" might initially seem to imply something mundane or unremarkable, but a closer examination reveals a rich and profound meaning that can transform our spiritual lives.
The Connection Between Ordering, Ordinal, and Ordinary
The word "ordinary" in Ordinary Time is derived from the Latin word "ordinalis," which means "numbered" or "ordered." This etymology is crucial to understanding the purpose of this liturgical season. Ordinary Time is characterized by the sequential numbering of Sundays: the First Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, and so on. This ordering reflects the structured and rhythmic nature of the Church's liturgical year.
However, the concept of "ordering" extends beyond merely numbering Sundays. It invites us to order our lives around Christ, making Him the center and guiding force in all that we do. Just as the Sundays of Ordinary Time are ordered, so too should our lives be ordered in relation to Jesus. This season is a call to integrate our faith into the ordinary, everyday moments of our lives, recognizing that every aspect of our existence can be sanctified by His presence.
Focusing on the Public Ministry of Christ
Ordinary Time is also a period dedicated to reflecting on the public ministry and life of Jesus Christ. During this season, the Gospel readings recount the teachings, miracles, and parables of our Lord, inviting us to immerse ourselves in His words and actions. By contemplating the ordinary moments of Christ's life on earth, we are reminded that the extraordinary can be found in the seemingly ordinary, and that every aspect of our lives can be sanctified by His presence.
This focus on the public ministry of Christ helps us to see how Jesus lived out His mission in the ordinary moments of His life. He taught in synagogues, healed the sick, and shared meals with friends and strangers alike. These everyday activities were infused with divine purpose and love, demonstrating that holiness is not confined to extraordinary events but is present in the daily rhythms of life.
The Longest Season of the Liturgical Year
Ordinary Time is the longest season of the liturgical year, spanning a significant portion of the calendar. This extended duration underscores the importance of living our faith in the ordinary moments that make up the majority of our lives. It is a reminder that our spiritual journey is not limited to the extraordinary feasts and celebrations but is a continuous process of growth and transformation that takes place in the ordinary rhythms of daily life.
The length of Ordinary Time also reflects the reality that most of our lives are lived in the ordinary. While we may have moments of great joy or profound sorrow, the majority of our days are filled with routine activities and responsibilities. Ordinary Time invites us to find God in these moments, to recognize that He is present with us in the mundane tasks and daily interactions that make up our lives.
Ordering Our Lives Around Christ
To truly embrace Ordinary Time, we must strive to order our lives around Christ. This means making Him the center of our thoughts, actions, and decisions. It involves creating a "spiritual plan of life," similar to a monastic horarium, to ensure that we make time for prayer, reflection, and the sacraments amidst our daily routines.By ordering our lives around Christ, we allow His presence to permeate every aspect of our existence. This ordering helps us to maintain a sense of purpose and direction, even in the midst of the busyness and distractions of modern life. It reminds us that our ultimate goal is to grow closer to God and to live in accordance with His will.
Conclusion
As we journey through Ordinary Time, let us embrace the deeper meaning of the word "ordinary" and allow it to shape our perspective. May we order our lives around Christ, finding Him in the ordinary moments and allowing His extraordinary grace to permeate every aspect of our existence. In doing so, we will discover that the ordinary is anything but mundane; rather, it is a sacred space where the divine intersects with the human, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.By understanding the connection between ordering, ordinal, and ordinary, and by focusing on the public ministry of Christ, we can fully appreciate the significance of Ordinary Time. This season is an invitation to live our faith in the everyday moments of our lives, recognizing that every moment is an opportunity to encounter God and to grow in holiness.