Ordinary Time

The feasts of the Liturgical Season of Christmas (Christmas, Mary Mother of God, Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord) have passed and we are now in Ordinary Time.  For many, it’s time for the post-Christmas blues as we pass through the cold, dark, winter days waiting for spring.  But this week, the readings start off with an invitation and miracles. “The Kingdom of God is at hand.” “Follow Me.” Jesus casts out unclean spirits and heals the sick (Mark 1-2).

What is Jesus saying to us about ordinary time?  When He walked into Capernaum and cast out demons who ravaged their victims, it was an ordinary day.  People were caring for their families, even those with unclean spirits, as best they could and Jesus walked right into their messy lives and healed them.  People were busy at work; Peter and Andrew casting their nets and James and John mending theirs. An ordinary day, and Jesus walked up to them and invited them to follow Him.  He healed Peter’s mother-in-law of an ordinary fever, then healed many in the town.  The first four apostles dropped everything in their lives when He invited them to travel with Him as He preached to the towns of Galilee.

Ordinary time is an invitation to build up our faith by letting God into even the small moments in our lives.  Did your teething baby keep you up all night?  God was there.  Did your child take his first steps? God was there.  Did you have a nagging headache because work was stressful?  God was there. Did you wash 3 loads of laundry? God was there.  Did you do home repair or car maintenance? God was there.  Did you serve yet another delicious meal to your family – or burn the pot like I did?  God was there.  Did you enjoy a phone call from a dear friend? God was there.  Did you spend the evening paying bills? God was there.  Did you receive a hug — or experience the loneliness of no hug today? God was there.  Did you enjoy a sunny day, a beautiful sunset, a starry night — or experience yet another day of ongoing rain, snow, or cold?  God was there.  

He is with us in all these moments and calls us to be present with Him in the present moment.  It is in the “now” that we build relationships with others and with God.  He wants time with us for daily conversation and that also means being quiet long enough for Him to speak.  How different would your day have been if you had talked to Him about your weariness, disappointment, frustration, boredom, or sorrow – or thanked Him for all the moments of laughter and joy?  How different will tomorrow be when you realize He is right there helping you carry your crosses?  How different will tomorrow be when you notice all the blessings and little miracles around you?

Our circumstances may not change, but our ability to endure the sorrows and relish the joys certainly will.  Even more important than changing our attitude is changing our relationship with Him. This is how He transformed fishermen into saints, one ordinary day at a time. And He wants to transform our ordinary moments into moments of grace because acknowledging His presence transforms us.  So, what is Jesus saying to you on this ordinary day? 

Thanks to my friend Pam Delgado for letting me use her beautiful picture of Lake Tahoe in this reflection.