Hey there,
Pop quiz: what do Starbucks, Dyson, and Jerry Seinfeld have in common?
They each took something mundane and ordinary and turned it into something extraordinary.
Starbucks took a simple cup of coffee and created a global specialty coffee empire.
Dyson re-engineered a vacuum cleaner on its way to becoming a leading-edge technology innovator of household appliances.
And Jerry Seinfeld created a ground-breaking television sitcom out of “nothing” that ran for 9 successful seasons.
These are just three examples of people who didn’t accept the status quo. They looked beyond the way things have always been done.
They found new ways to make everyday things delicious, more effective, and hilarious … to make them amazing.
And they serve as inspiration for us to strive to turn the usual to unusual.
As Catholics, it’s easy to let our spiritual life sputter in Ordinary Times, which begins on Monday.
Whose idea was it to call it “Ordinary Times” anyway?
It’s actually not meant to sound mundane or humdrum. Ordinary refers to the fact that the weeks are ordered or numbered.
But since there’s no main driving “thing” to celebrate or anticipate … like we had during Advent-Christmas and will have again during Lent-Easter … we tend to coast along until Ash Wednesday.
Ordinary Time follows Christ’s life as He lives out His public ministry, healing, working miracles, and teaching.
It’s an opportunity for us to take the seemingly mundane days of Ordinary Time and refocus to follow Christ’s example in our daily lives and to deepen our relationship with Him.
This week’s issue of Genuflect will help you ensure your Ordinary Time with the Lord is truly extraordinary. We look at what Ordinary Time really means, why it’s color is green, how to make the most of Ordinary Time, symbols you can use in your home … and more.
Let’s all use this time to go beyond the minimum daily Catholic requirements. To become the extraordinary Catholic the Lord wants us to be … to welcome us into His heavenly kingdom.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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What Ordinary Time Means
Why Is Ordinary Time called ordinary? Why is green the color of Ordinary Time? When Is Ordinary Time? How many Sundays are there in Ordinary Time? You’ve got questions … this article has answers.
What Ordinary Time Means in The Catholic Church | Learn Religions
When is The First Sunday in Ordinary Time?
Spoiler alert: this is a trick question. Philip Koslowski explains why the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time is actually the first Sunday. It is confusing. You’ll have to read this article to fully understand why … buy when you show up to Mass this Sunday you won’t be wondering where the first Sunday in Ordinary Time went.
When is The 1st Sunday in Ordinary Time? | Aleteia
Why Green is Used During Ordinary Time
You see a lot of green during Ordinary Time. The priests wear green, even some Eucharistic Ministers too. You’ll see green banners or other green decorations in the church. My parish’s website changes its color scheme to green during Ordinary Time. It’s no coincidence … green is the color for Ordinary Time. Understanding the symbolism behind why green is used during Ordinary Time will help make this time more extraordinary.
Why Green is Used During Ordinary Time | Aleteia
Spiritually Speaking, Ordinary Time is Anything But
The readings of the Mass during Ordinary Time take us on a walk with Christ as He lives out His public ministry. We hear about healings, signs, and essential teachings during this time. And we are reminded to slow down and focus on how we are living our lives. It’s an opportunity to refocus attention on loved ones, evaluate personal convictions, and assess where our life is going and what changes we’d like to make. If we do it right, Ordinary Time is anything but ordinary.
Spiritually Speaking, ‘Ordinary Time’ is Anything But | Crux
Celebrating Ordinary Time Extraordinarily
The highlights of our Liturgical Calendar are definitely Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. But sprinkled in between we have Ordinary Time, which has just begun. Deacon Greg Lambert believes that Ordinary Times is also a time for celebration and his insight will help you make the most of these days leading up to Lent.
Celebrating Ordinary Time Extraordinarily | Catholic Stand
Liturgical Living Between Christmas and Lent
It’s always a little sad to put away the Christmas decorations. But as Sarah Damm explains, we don’t have to put away our spiritual growth until Lent arrives. She offers seven ways to live liturgically during winter’s Ordinary Time.
Liturgical Living Between Christmas And Lent | Blessed is She
Enhance Your Ordinary Time With Symbols
We’ve packed away all of our Christmas symbols. And when Lent and Easter arrive, we’ll use ashes, palms, fire, and water symbols. But what about Ordinary Time? Just because it’s Ordinary Time doesn’t mean we can’t have symbols. Here are some ideas to add meaningful symbols and activities around your home to make the most out of Ordinary Time.
Symbols in my Home | Creighton Online Ministry
The Feasts and Saints of Ordinary Time
There’s nothing ordinary about Ordinary Time. It represents the longest time of the Liturgical Calendar and focuses our attention on Christ’s life. But we also celebrate some feasts and Saints during Ordinary Time. Here’s what you should know.
What Catholics Should Know About Ordinary Time | Catechist
How Ordinary Time Readings Are Organized
Have you ever wondered how the readings for Mass are selected? As we progress through Ordinary Times, we follow Christ’s life. Here’s how the readings are determined, along with a tip on how to get the most out of Sunday’s Gospel reading.
How Ordinary Time Readings Are Organized | Creighton Online Ministry
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