Ordinary Time: What does it mean and how to live it?
In the liturgical calendar of the Church, Ordinary Time may seem, at first glance, a ‘less special’ space compared to the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent or Easter. However, this time has a deep meaning and beauty that invites us to live our faith in a daily and concrete way.
What is Ordinary Time?
Ordinary Time covers the periods between Christmas and Lent, and then between Pentecost and Advent. It is called ‘ordinary’ not because it is less important, but because it is organised in numbered weeks, guided by the ‘ordinariness’ of Sundays.
During this time, the liturgical colour is green, symbolising hope and growth. Ordinary Time is a time to meditate on the public life of Jesus, his teachings, miracles and encounters with people.
Why is it important?
Ordinary Time invites us to integrate faith into our daily lives, into the ‘ordinary’ of our days. This time reminds us that holiness is not only lived in the great moments of celebration, but also in the small daily actions: in family, work, study and service to others.
How to live Ordinary Time
- Delve into the Gospel Each Sunday in Ordinary Time we proclaim excerpts from the Gospel that illuminate different aspects of Jesus’ life and teachings. Take time to reflect on these readings and how to apply them in your daily life.
- Seek God in the everyday Find God’s presence in the simplest moments: a conversation with a friend, a job well done, or the silence of personal prayer.
- Practice the virtues Ordinary Time is an opportunity to grow in patience, generosity, humility and love of neighbour. Do small acts of kindness that reflect the heart of Christ.
- Celebrate the beauty of creation The greenery of this liturgical season also invites us to care for and contemplate nature as God’s handiwork. Go for a walk, be grateful for the landscapes around you and be aware of your role as a custodian of creation.
- Participate in community Faith grows when it is lived in community. Attend Sunday Mass, participate in parish groups or service initiatives.
A time of continued grace
Ordinary Time is an invitation to walk with Jesus in the ‘day to day’ of our lives, growing in faith, hope and love. Far from being an ‘unimportant’ time, it is a period of continuous grace in which we can turn our daily actions into extraordinary moments of encounter with God.
In this Ordinary Time, remember that every small gesture can be an opportunity to live the Gospel. God calls you to find it in the simple and to make your life a daily offering of love!