Ordinary

Sometimes we talk about the liturgical calendar. Here's one of those times

Today seems to be a good time revisit that conversation. We’ve just entered Ordinary time. Not “ordinary” in the sense of “routine or not special or blah” but in the sense of “not seasonal.” In effect there are only two kinds of time in the church’s year: Jesus’ time, otherwise known as Advent-Christmas and Lent-Easter, and the Church’s time. Which is to say, the rest of the year. The calendar teaches us a critical lesson. Either we’re focusing directly on Jesus and learning what he says and does and is, or we’re living our life as the church, as the Body of Christ saying and doing and being what he modeled.

Sometimes when I’m trying to schedule something in a congregation someone will say something like “We can’t do it then, it’s summer” or “We need to wait for the snow-birds to return” or “You can’t plan it then; we might get weather!” It often seems to me like we need to squeeze congregational life into the limited spaces between the good weather and the bad.

Instead, we need to look at “ordinary time” as a key season. This is the church’s time to really get things done. That’s the reason for the liturgical colour which is green, the colour for growth! We now enter this longest period of the year. This is when we need to get to work, get focused on the mission, look outward into the community and figure out how to say and do and be what Jesus has taught us.

Carman has been talking about the call to swing into action. I think we’re on the same page here folks. I know you’ve been waiting patiently for some good summer weather, for leisure time, prepping for camp or reunion. But let’s not forget that this time really IS special. This is “Ordinary Time” – time to grow the church.

What does that mean to you? Can we do it all? Is there a way to enjoy a wonderful summer without forgetting our commitment to be the Body of Christ where we are? I think so but it will be a challenge. Are you up for it?

Posted by Marion