Ordinary Time is the period in the Church calendar outside of other major seasons, and runs 33 or 34 weeks. In Latin, Ordinary Time is called Tempus Per Annum ("time throughout the year"). The season falls between Christmas and Lent, and also between Easter and Advent. It focuses on celebrating the entirety of Christ's person. If you think of the liturgical calendar as the “circle of life”, the mystery of Christ unfolds. In Ordinary Time, the significance and beauty of how Christ calls us to live our lives through him comes to light.
GREEN is the liturgical color of Ordinary Time that we find on priestly vestments and in our church decor. It is the color of life and hope. Ordinary Time is divided into two time periods. Following the Baptism of our Lord is the first period, which continues until Ash Wednesday. In the first span of Ordinary Time, we have wonderful prayer opportunities with our families. The Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord is celebrated on February 2. Many display their nativities until this day. This is also the time for Candlemas (Blessing of the Candles), when parishes may have a prayer service. Oftentimes, families can bring candles to be blessed for use in their homes during the year.
The second season of Ordinary Time follows the celebration of Pentecost; the gift of the Holy Spirit moves us to do God’s work. The Spirit does for us and the Church what Jesus did for his disciples — he left them with his love, fire, and Spirit to share with the world. Trinity Sunday is celebrated the first Sunday after Pentecost. The Holy Trinity gives us fullness in Christ — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The next Sunday is Corpus Christi, which commemorates the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith, and many parishes celebrate Eucharistic processions or Holy Hours at this time.
Ordinary Time is anything but ordinary.
This is a time of conversion, maturation, and quiet growth. It comprises the longest time on the liturgical calendar when the faithful consider the fullness of Jesus’ teachings and miracles while on this earth. The season of Ordinary Time that occurs in the warmer months may prompt us to link our daily prayers with the enjoyment of nature:
- Pray outdoors when taking a walk.
- Plant a small sprig and watch it grow.
- Wake up early and enjoy the sunrise using Morning Prayer (Lauds)
- Incorporate a family prayer time, such as the Rosary, on outings
From: prayerist.com and catechist.com
