Ordinary Time is extremely important because it is not “ordinary” in the sense of being unimportant. The word comes from the Latin ordinalis, meaning “counted” or “numbered.” It refers to the weeks that are numbered throughout the year.
In fact, Ordinary Time occupies most of the liturgical year—about 33 or 34 weeks. If Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter are the great feasts and seasons, Ordinary Time is where Christians learn to live those mysteries in everyday life.
Why Ordinary Time Matters
1. It Is the School of Discipleship
During Ordinary Time, the Gospel readings follow the public ministry of Jesus:
- His teachings
- Miracles
- Parables
- Encounters with people
Week after week, we learn what it means to be a disciple.
2. It Sanctifies Ordinary Life
Christmas celebrates the Incarnation.
Easter celebrates the Resurrection.
Ordinary Time teaches us how to live between those great mysteries—in our homes, workplaces, schools, and communities.
As one liturgist put it:
“The extraordinary mysteries of Christ are meant to transform ordinary life.”
3. It Is the Season of Growth
The liturgical color is green, symbolizing:
- Growth
- Hope
- Perseverance
- Spiritual maturity
Just as plants grow gradually, so does holiness.
4. It Reveals the Fullness of Christ
During Ordinary Time, the Church contemplates the whole mystery of Christ:
- Teacher
- Healer
- Shepherd
- Servant
- Son of God
It is a prolonged meditation on the life of Jesus.
A Homiletic Insight
Many people look forward to Christmas and Easter and think of Ordinary Time as the “in-between season.”
But perhaps the opposite is true.
Most of our lives are lived not on mountaintops but in ordinary days. We do not experience Christmas joy or Easter triumph every day. We experience routine, work, family responsibilities, struggles, and small acts of faithfulness.
That is why Ordinary Time may be the most realistic season of all.
God does not wait for extraordinary moments to sanctify us. He meets us in ordinary days, ordinary work, ordinary relationships, and ordinary acts of love.
The saints became saints not only through great moments of heroism but through daily fidelity.
For a Parish Reflection
Ordinary Time is the season when the Gospel leaves the pages of Scripture and enters the ordinary rhythm of our lives. It teaches us that holiness is not found only in special occasions, but in faithfully following Christ every day.
Leave a Reply