Besides the special liturgical seasons of Christmas and Easter, the Church celebrates several weeks of Ordinary Time. It is called Ordinary Time because the days and weeks follow a specific order or schedule.
The focus of Ordinary Time is not on extraordinary seasons and holidays, but on the entire life of Christ, the ordinary holiness of Sunday, and the Eucharist.
Ordinary time reminds us that the regular work of a Catholic is perpetual worship of God, consistent evangelization, and regular support for the poor and vulnerable.
The first, shorter part of Ordinary Time runs from the Christmas Season until Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.
The longer portion of Ordinary Time begins after Easter and continues through the summer, all the way until Advent.
Ordinary Time is not common or mundane:
Ordinary Time is time with a plan:
Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Acts 2: 46-47
The Lord is revealing Himself to us in our everyday lives:
The green of Ordinary Time represents life and hope:
Ordinary Time is a time for growth and maturation, a time in which the 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.
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Allowing Jesus to walk with us throughout the year:
A time to read Sacred Scripture in order and in harmony:
Holy Mother Church is conscious that she must celebrate the saving work of her divine Spouse by devoutly recalling it on certain days throughout the course of the year. Every week, on the day which she has called the Lord’s day, she keeps the memory of the Lord’s resurrection, which she also celebrates once in the year, together with His blessed passion, in the most solemn festival of Easter. Within the cycle of a year, moreover, she unfolds the whole mystery of Christ, from the incarnation and birth until the ascension, the day of Pentecost, and the expectation of blessed hope and of the coming of the Lord. Recalling thus the mysteries of redemption, the Church opens to the faithful the riches of her Lord’s powers and merits, so that these are in some way made present for all time, and the faithful are enabled to lay hold upon them and become filled with saving grace.
Pope Paul VI, Sacrosanctum Concilium, December 4, 1963
Be transformed into disciples in the ordinary moments of life:
This is the time that saints are made:
The Truth, Goodness, and Beauty of the Catholic Church
Unlikely prophets:
Share this page with friends and family to start a conversation about your faith.
Don’t miss a post. Learn more about the Catholic Church and strengthen your Catholic faith.
Find more Fiercely Catholic video issues here.
Subscribe here.
