Each and every day, thoughts arise in the human mind where we ask life’s great questions. We ask ourselves “What is the Truth?”, “Why do we love the Lord?,” and “What is the purpose of Ordinary Time on the Liturgical Calendar?” In order to understand Ordinary Time, we need to understand the liturgical calendar. The liturgical calendar of the Church determines the feast days of the saints and the scripture readings for each day of the year. One Church Year contains 6 seasons. The seasons are Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, the Sacred Paschal Triduum, and Ordinary Time. Ordinary Time, which makes up the largest part of the Church Year, is divided into two sections. The first section takes place between the Epiphany (January 6) and Ash Wednesday, which is about 4-8 weeks. The second section lasts from Pentecost to Christ the King Sunday, which lasts about six months. So, what do we do during this time? When Ordinary Time is put between the powerhouse events of Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Advent, we struggle to get a sense of importance out of this season. The season thus becomes a mere stone in the road of the Church Year. Though this stone seems insignificant, it represents a season of growth. The scriptures during Ordinary Time show Christ’s life of service. This represents conversion for us. The color of Ordinary Time is green, which is a color of new life and beginnings. The USCCB states Ordinary Time as “a time in which the Mystery of Christ is called to penetrate ever more deeply into history until all things are finally caught up in Christ.” In simpler terms, this means we use this time to realize the works of Christ and to perform them ourselves. So, as we wrap up this Ordinary Time, let us consider the meaning of Jesus’ Teachings found in the scriptures so that we may live them out as reflections of Christ.
Ordinary Time: The Church’s Greatest Mystery
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About the Contributor
Samuel Almazan, Staff Writer
Samuel Juan Almazan Jr is currently a junior at Cardinal Newman High School. He attends St. Ann Catholic Church(The oldest and therefore, (as he believes) the best Parish in the Diocese of Palm Beach). His Patron Saint is St. Ignatius of Loyola. Samuel believes he is the greatest student in the history of Cardinal Newman High School. He is a role model to all those around him. He also thinks he is the greatest student athlete in the history of school. Samuel is captain on the swim and weightlifting teams. He is member of the Gaming Guild, Campus Ministry, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and the Honor Council(which was disbanded). Samuel loves the Catholic Church and will defend it till his death. Lastly, Samuel wants to go into the military when he grows up.