Ordinary Time

The Latin phrase, "Tempus Per Annum" ("time throughout the year") is rendered into English as "Ordinary Time." That is the term that the Catholic Church uses to designate the two periods of the year that are not connected to the season of Advent and Christmas or the season of Lent and Easter. The first period of ordinary time begins with the evening prayer of the first Sunday following Epiphany, January 6. Although this is not part of my faith tradition, I was struck by the expression itself.

Some sources say that Ordinary Time gets its name from the word "ordinal" meaning numbered, since the Sundays of ordinary time are expressed numerically on the liturgical calendar. But others suggest that Ordinary Time is better related to our word "ordinary," since so much of life feels ordinary indeed after the celebratory season, in this instance, of Christmas and the beginning of the New Year. There were high points in Jesus' ministry, related to us in the Gospels, but we may recall that much of Jesus' life was ordinary too. He worshipped on the Sabbath, "as was his custom." He walked until He was tired, and then He sat down to rest. He ate with common folks, even sinner-people both rich and poor. He went about simply "doing good."

There are some ways we can make these weeks until spring and the celebration of the Resurrection something other than just "ordinary."

8Keep a gratitude journal. Scientific studies show that people who "count their blessings" regularly are happier than those who do not. Once a day, write five things that you are thankful for; they don't have to be earth-shattering, perhaps as simple as a good cup of coffee or your ride coming on time. On Sunday, read the list aloud, saying before each one, "God, I thank you for . . . ," purposely focusing on God's provision, rather than on what you do not have.

8Act on your faith. Look for ways to be kind and generous. Think of the small things you can do today rather than the big ideas that can be conveniently put off until some other time! Mother Teresa said, “We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”

8Read something of morally engaging value. During the seasons of special celebration, we become very busy and may not read much, but during ordinary days—especially in the winter months—we can take time to read what others have written about God and faith and the meaning of life. We don't have to agree with everything we read, and probably won't, but reading spiritually challenging literature is a good way to keep faith vibrant.

8Observe a day of rest and worship. If there are family members in the home, reserve some time with them. As with the other suggestions, this need not be elaborate. Just find something that makes this day special and save that activity for the day.

The weeks after Christmas until spring and Easter need not be a long boring stretch between the good stuff! It can be a time to try new things and refocus our energies on spiritual growth, becoming Exceptional and Rewarding Time rather than Ordinary!

MaryMartha

Information about Ordinary Time from www.churchyear.net and an article in Our Sunday Visitor online at http://www.osv.com by Woodeene Koenig-Bricker. Art from http://www.sxc.hu