"Ordinary Time"

This season is sometimes called “ordinary time.” It is the rest of the year that is not concentrated on the life of Jesus or the giving of the Holy Spirit. With Advent the new church year begins, preparing to celebrate the birth of Christ, the incarnation. Then we spend some time recalling the events of Jesus’ life, his death and resurrection. We celebrate his ascension and the gift of his presence in the coming of the Holy Spirit on the disciples. Then comes a large part of the year called “ordinary time.” In some churches this time is observed as an extension of Pentecost. Either way we seek to follow the Spirit in mission to the world ending “ordinary time” with a celebration of Christ the King.

There is nothing wrong with being “ordinary.” It does not mean boring or second rate. It is the usual way we live our lives. Occasionally we have something dramatic happen. Sometimes we are experiencing the extraordinary. But most of the time we take what comes to us in “ordinary” time. We live ordinary lives. Pretty much the same as many other people.

Some of us are looking for something dramatic or spectacular and not finding it. We discount God’s presence in ordinary life. So we feel incomplete. I remember hearing the stories of gangsters converted to Christianity. My story seemed very dull in comparison with theirs. I almost wished I had been a gangster because then my conversion would be dramatic and interesting. But then I would be diminishing the ways God’s presence and guidance had been given to me. What I needed was gratitude for the ways God was and is at work in my ordinary life.

During ordinary time you can structure your devotional time with either books by David Muyskens: Forty Days to a Closer Walk with God: the Practice of Centering Prayer is intended to be an introduction to Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina. Sacred Breath: Forty Days of Centering Prayer is intended to follow for those who have some knowledge of Centering Prayer and Lectio. You are encouraged to use either of these or another devotional book to help you with a daily practice of prayer and scripture meditation.