Ordinary Time

So what's with the title?

In the liturgical calendar of the church there are various seasons that are observed by Christians at specific times in the year. Most people know this wether they are aware of it or not. For example Christmas and Easter are two events/celebrations/traditions that are recognized in the liturgical calendar. I understand the liturgical calendar to follow the life of Christ - from his birth till his death on the cross - and also the events following (such as Pentecost - the movement of the Spirit of God into the hearts and lives of those who follow Jesus' way). However, these major events/traditions, are segmented from one another with, what is sometimes called (in some Christian traditions) "Ordinary Time."

When I was first introduced to the liturgical calendar, I was most baffled by this term ordinary time. It made me think that the people who came up with it just ran out of steam. It was as if, they successfully marked off the passage of time in a meaningful way for 2/3 of the year, and then they just said, "And the rest shall be called ordinary time." The term makes me think that the time isn't marked off at all - that it is common or plain or that there is nothing special about it. But if you read the article on ordinary time in wikipedia, it will tell you that it "does not mean common or plain, but is derived from the term ordinal or 'numbered.'" And this tells me that it is very special and cherished time. It makes me think of that place in the Bible that talks about numbering our days - which, I think, is another way of telling us to appreciate each moment and live into it to the glory of God.

Here's the short of it: I named this blog Ordinary Time because I've just recently changed vocation from Associate Pastor to stay-at-home-dad. I think, if I'm not careful, I'll start treating this phase of my life as ordinary, common or even boring. On the other hand, if I start numbering my days, I believe that I will discover that there is nothing common or boring about it. I believe that I will discover that God is interested in the mundane - that he finds value in it. I know this to be true through Jesus' incarnation - God became human, normal, ordinary, one of us.

This blog is about Ordinary Time - numbering our days - and discovering that God is dwelling among us.