Liturgical Seasons

Some Thoughts On Ordinary Time and the Liturgical Year First, the word ordinary as it is used here, does not mean plain. The name comes from the Latin word, “ordinalis” meaning "showing order, denoting an order of succession.” It is used in this sense to refer to the order of the counted weeks. That is to say, it is a season of counted weeks in the Liturgical Year; Week One, Week Two ………….etc. Ordinary Time is divided into two main parts. The first begins on the Monday after the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord and continues through to Shrove Tuesday, the eve of Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent. This first part focuses on the early life and childhood of Christ, and then on His public ministry.  The liturgical color of Ordinary Time is green; however, as in all seasons, other appropriate colors are worn on particular feast days. (For example, white is typically worn for Marian feast days, except in some Spanish countries where blue is an approved liturgical color.) The second period of Ordinary Time is the longest liturgical season. It resumes after Pentecost and runs until the final Saturday before Advent. This period of Ordinary Time focuses on Christ’s reign as King of kings, and on the age of the Church. This is the age we live in now, which is the time between the age of the Apostles and the age of Christ’s second and final coming for which we are ever preparing. The final Sunday in Ordinary Time is the Feast of Christ the King; the Saturday after this feast is the final day of Ordinary time. Again, the liturgical color of Ordinary Time is green; however, as in all seasons, other appropriate colors are worn on particular feast days. So why this ordering of the seasons of the liturgy in this way? It is done this way so that as we worship in the liturgy, we also are taught our Faith. The method of teaching here is by experience. As we progress through each liturgy, a new lesson is taught to us in person. The gospel readings tell the story chapter by chapter; and as the Church's document on the liturgy tells us: when the gospels are read in the liturgy, it is Christ himself who is speaking to us. Now, having been taught by Jesus in the liturgy of the Word, we are ready to encounter him in a deep, personal communion in the Eucharist. Remember how Luke begins his gospel account:   Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and ministers of the word have handed them down to us, I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received. This is the reasons why the church wants us to come weekly to the Sunday Liturgy. It is so that the bond that ties us to Jesus deepens and grows ever stronger, week after week. Our religious life is not a hobby or something to do to feel good on special occasions. It is a person-to-person relationship that requires loving attention if it is to mature and bloom into a fruitful and bountiful communion of love. It is visibly evident that the number of empty pews in our churches each week is growing. Many will say that they do not need to go to church to be a good person; that they still believe in God. But, remember the words of St. James, in chapter 2 of his letter: "You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror." (New Living translation)  Perhaps the best way to grasp the importance of maintaining this communion with Jesus is to recall Jesus' word to us in chapter 15, of John's gospel. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.  “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

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