As we transition from the vibrant celebrations of Easter into the liturgical season of Ordinary Time, Catholics are invited to reflect on the deeper meaning of this period. While it might seem less eventful compared to the dramatic observances of Lent, Easter and Advent, Ordinary Time is a crucial part of the Church’s liturgical calendar. It offers us a unique opportunity for steady spiritual growth and deeper engagement with our faith in the rhythm of everyday life.
The term “Ordinary Time” might initially appear to suggest something mundane or unremarkable, but it derives from the Latin word “ordinals”, which means “numbered” or “ordered”. This season is called “ordinary” because it refers to the ordered weeks that fall outside of the major liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter. Ordinary Time is divided into two periods: the first starts after the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord and lasts until Ash Wednesday, and the second begins after Pentecost and continues until the start of Advent.
The liturgical colour for Ordinary Time is green, symbolising growth and new life. This is fitting as Ordinary Time is a season of maturation and deepening of our faith. Just as green leaves and grass indicate health and vitality in nature, the green vestments worn by priests during this time remind us of the spiritual growth and renewal that should characterise our journey through these weeks.
Ordinary Time provides a spiritual framework that encourages us to grow in our relationship with God through consistent, everyday practices. Here are a few ways we can embrace this season:
- Deepening Prayer Life: Without the pressing demands of fasting or feasting, Ordinary Time allows for a steady and sustained focus on personal prayer. This is a perfect opportunity to develop a daily prayer routine, whether through the Liturgy of the Hours, the Rosary ot personal meditation.
- Engagement with Scripture: The Gospels read during Ordinary Time recount Jesus’ teachings and miracles. These passages provide rich material for reflection and application in our daily lives. Setting aside time each day to read and meditate on Scripture can help us to internalise Christ’s message and better live out our faith.
- Acts of Charity: Ordinary Time calls us to live out the love of Christ in practical ways. Engaging in acts of charity and service, whether within our families, parishes or broader communities, is a concrete way grow in virtue and compassion.
- Participation in the Sacraments: Regular participation in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, sustains our spiritual health. Receiving the sacraments with devotion helps us to remain close to God and strengthens us against the challenges of daily life.
Ordinary Time challenges us to find the sacred in the ordinary. It is a reminder that holiness is not confined to special seasons but is found in the everyday moments of our lives. This period teaches us that every day is an opportunity to encounter God’s grace, whether in our work, relationships or personal struggles.
Many saints’ feast days are celebrated during Ordinary Time, providing us with models of holiness and perseverance. Reflecting on their lives can inspire us to live out our faith more fully. Saints like St Therese of Lisieux, who found holiness in her “little way” of small, everyday sacrifices, remind us that ordinary acts of love and faithfulness can lead to extraordinary sanctity.
As we enter into Ordinary Time, let us embrace this season as a time of steady growth and deepening faith. By focusing on daily practices of prayer, scripture reading, acts of charity and participation in the sacraments, we can cultivate a vibrant and resilient spirituality. Ordinary Time is not a time of spiritual dormancy but a season rich with opportunities for renewal and transformation. may we journey through these weeks with open hearts, seeking to encounter God in the ordinary moments of our lives, and emerge with a faith that is stronger and more deeply rooted in Christ.
