What do you think of when you hear the word ordinary? The Encarta Dictionary defines ordinary as “not remarkable or special in any way, and therefore uninteresting and unimpressive.” In the Liturgical Year, as we settle from the high excitement of the Christmas season with all its feasts and solemnities, we move in to a period of Ordinary Time. I believe that these weeks will be anything but ordinary.
This year there are five-and-a half weeks of Ordinary Time from the Baptism of the Lord (January 9) to Ash Wednesday (February 22).
The term “ordinary” in this case does not mean the regular, hum-drum, or run of the mill but rather refers to the numbering of Sundays using ordinal numbers. The period of weeks in this phase of Ordinary Time will focus on the childhood of Jesus and His public ministry and include the celebration of saints and Sundays, feasts and observances. In the rhythm of the Liturgical Year, just like in the rhythm of daily life, we are invited to ebb and flow from high point celebrations to pasturing times of common moments.
- Photo by +Sister Noemi Weygant, OSB. Copyright © All rights reserved.
So as we enter into a time of respite and quiet growth, I wish you a Happy Ordinary Time!
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Sister Lisa MaurerSister Lisa Maurer was born and raised in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, before entering the Monastery, Sister Lisa taught and coached in Catholic Schools within the New Ulm Diocese. Sister Lisa made her first Monastic Profession in August 2009. She currently ministers at the parishes of St. Lawrence and St. Joseph in Duluth.See all of Sister Lisa’s posts. |