Seasonal Reflection: Ordinary Time, Winter 2016
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In a previous reflection we learned that Ordinary
Time on the liturgical calendar doesn’t have quite
the same meaning as “ordinary” in common usage.
Nevertheless, I’m going to use it in that way here.
I recently moved, which is why this reflection is
late. They say moving is one of the three top
stresses in life. I now understand why. One of the
things moving has done for me is make me yearn for
“ordinary time.” There is nothing so appealing as
feeling at home, having a place for everything and
knowing where that is, of the simplicity of routine
rather than having to think every little thing
through, of having to remember every place that
needs to know your new address, of making those
contacts, spending hours dealing with businesses
that offer you a dozen prompts before you get to the
right office, IF you get to the right office, of
sitting on hold, or trying to decipher how to do all
this on line, and on and on.
Yes, I have a new appreciation of ordinary time, and
I thank the Church for providing us with a period of
Ordinary Time, as well. It allows us to focus on
what really matters, rather than getting distracted
by the pressures of this and that that sometimes are
unavoidable, but sometimes are of our own making. In
Ordinary Time we get to calm down enough to notice
the blessings found in little things like a chirping
bird, a gentle breeze, a kind gesture, a tasty meal,
some favorite entertainment. We meet Jesus where he
is in everyday people and happenings, and we feel
secure. Lent is almost upon us, so let’s make the most of what is left of Ordinary Time until it returns several months from now.
Help me stay in the present tense today.
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Pax Christi Metro New York © 2016 |
