One of the more unfortunate developments of the liturgical reforms of the past 40 years has been the designation of “Ordinary Time” in the Church calendar.
After coming through four weeks of Advent, Twelve Days of Christmas, the feasts of the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord, we awoke this Monday to the First Week of Ordinary Time. Sound dull?
Well, Ordinary Time is not meant to be so. It simply designates the time of the Church calendar between the major feasts (or solemnities), such as Lent, Easter, Pentecost, Advent and Christmas.
Regardless of the terms used, however, the Church, and all Catholics, understand that with Jesus, no time is ordinary – all time is redeemed and filled with “the grandeur of God.” Just listen to today’s Gospel from the Mass, which recounts the calling of the Apostles.
Seeing Simon (Peter) and his brother Andrew at their fishing nets, Jesus says, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They leave their nets immediately and follow him.
Then he sees James and his brother John. He calls them, and they also drop what they are doing and come after him. No “Ordinary Time” in that Gospel passage!
The message is clear for us. On this Monday, in the midst of the winter of a new year, the Lord is walking by and calling, “Follow me!” Are we entangled in the nets of our lives? Or are we able to drop the needless cares and distractions of life to follow Jesus wherever he leads?
Are we prepared for the Extra-Ordinary Time of Christ in our life?
Extraordinary post.
Hello from Croatia.
http://hr-hb.blogspot.com
Posted by: Ivan | January 13, 2009 at 03:09 PM
Amen, couldn’t agree more, only stipulation might be that “all Catholics should know and understand that …” we are all called to become witnesses to Christ’s salvation message.
Posted by: Jack | January 13, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Congratulations, Brian!
As christians, we should to be prepared not only to attend Jesus' calling. But to call together him, deeply and everybody near us... Shouldn't we?! Included vocations' call, The God's Dream...!
Regards, bro!!!
Tarcisio
www.serra.org !
Posted by: Tarcisio Santos de Salles, Brazil | January 13, 2009 at 08:27 AM