Faith, Mission and Identity

Reflection: The Season of Ordinary Time

Adapated from Dominic Albano

Ordinary Time is a liturgical season, just like any other. And just like any other season in the liturgical calendar, this season celebrates a very specific time in the life of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

When we think of liturgical seasons, we typically think of the major seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. These seasons celebrate what could be thought of as “The Main Event.” Namely, the incarnation, birth, passion, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus.

Seems like there isn’t much to celebrate after that, right?

Wrong!

The 33 (or 34 depending on how the feasts fall) weeks of Ordinary Time contain the rest of Jesus’ earthly ministry and some of the major events of the Gospels we have come to know and love.

The miracles, the parables, the calling of the twelve, the sermon on the mount, the bread of life discourse. . . we get all that and more during this season. Truly, there is much to celebrate.

Why the word Ordinary?

The term ‘ordinary’ in common terms typically refers to something plain, unimpressive, or unexciting. A kind of ‘it is what it is’ mentality. For that reason, many people hear ‘Ordinary Time’, and they immediately think of the season as such. But that understanding doesn’t reflect the true meaning of the season.

Ordinary, in this context, comes from the Latin term ordinalis, meaning ‘numbered’ or ‘ruled’. This title simply refers to the ongoing and rhythmic nature of the season. Just like everyday life, there is a rhythm to the days and the weeks. Sure, we have holidays and special occasions that we look forward to that change the pace, just like we have holy days and feasts in the Church year. But those special occasions aren’t the whole picture, just like there is more to the life of Christ than what we celebrate in other liturgical seasons.

What are we supposed to do?

Like all liturgical seasons, Ordinary Time is meant to be lived! Participating in Ordinary Time means participating in the everyday life of Jesus.

According to the USCCB:

“The Sundays and weeks of Ordinary Time, on the other hand, take us through the life of Christ. This is the time of conversion. This is living the life of Christ. Ordinary Time is a time for growth in which the mystery of Christ is called to penetrate ever more deeply into history until all things are finally caught up in Christ.”

Think about that last phrase for a moment. Caught up in Christ.

One of the realities of everyday life is that it is easy to get caught up in things.

Social media.

Schedules.

Work.

Worry.

The list could go on.

But what would life look like if you were caught up in Christ?

Getting caught up in Christ

So how can I embrace this liturgical season and get caught up in Christ:

1. Examine your habits. Your day-to-day life is typically just a series of habits played out one after the other. If you want your life to change, your habits are the first place to look. A great new habit to start: reading the daily Gospel or prayer.

2. Gratitude. Joy always finds its root in gratitude. Try starting each day by thanking God for five ordinary, everyday things. If you have a family, try going around the table at dinner time and listing things together.

Ordinary Time is anything but ordinary. But the true power of the season is only unlocked if you live it!

World Youth Day - One Year Out Event

On Friday, 19 August, students attended the WYD One Year Out event at De La Salle College Caringbah. This event allows students to meet fellow pilgrims and get a ‘taste’ of the WYD experience. 

Attending the recent WYD event was incredibly refreshing and exciting. I found myself loving every moment. 

We started the morning with an introduction and a few games to prepare us for the day. The ‘hosts’ explained what exactly WYD was and how the whole thing would operate, as well as the opportunity to hear from some recent participants who detailed their experiences, including how they found their faith developing and becoming stronger, each in their own ways. We were also unbelievably lucky to experience a concert by FRG Ministry Band with priest Robert Galea and a performance by Josh Angrisano. These performers were so unimaginably talented and created an amazing atmosphere. Everyone loved it! We also had many opportunities to pray, including a session of Adoration in the afternoon. Reconciliation was even offered to us throughout the day. During these times, I found myself reconnecting and developing my faith, feeling quite at ease and beginning to understand what WYD was about. 

To end the day, we received little gift bags! These included stickers, rosary beads, bookmarks, information cards and a WYD Lisbon T-shirt. I am so glad I could participate in this event, and I am now very excited for my WYD journey to commence.

Molly Menzel

I didn't know what to expect at this World Youth Day Event, but I'm so glad I went because it was so much fun! The atmosphere with people from different schools across Sydney was amazing; everyone seemed happy and enjoying themselves. There was live music to entertain us, and we sang and danced. The event explained what World Youth Day is, and also got to know the experiences of previous people who went. 

Before this event, I wasn't completely sure if I wanted to go to World Youth Day or not, but this experience definitely helped me understand what it was, and now I'm really hoping that I can go.

Naomi Lissette

Jamie Lee Wood

Director of Religious Education and Mission