My oversized, black sweater is my favorite article of clothing. It鈥檚 quite ordinary in appearance, yet it brings me so much comfort and joy that I can barely part with it when I鈥檓 home, even standing guard as it makes its way through the laundry cycle. There have been idle threats by loved ones that the sweater just might disappear, but that only makes me wear it more.
鈥淲hy such an attachment to an ordinary black sweater?鈥�, you might ask. Guess you could say we have been through a lot together: long walks, short naps, great conversations, tough conversations, good books, TV shows and movies, family dinners, late night worry, tears, hugs, prayers, laughter, lots of family celebrations. To be honest, I think I鈥檓 sentimentally attached to the sweater because it is covered in memories of some important everyday moments in my life, as a wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend.
Those moments matter.
The liturgical season of Ordinary Time, reminds me of my ordinary black sweater. How something ordinary can become extraordinary over time.
The days during this season might appear quite ordinary, because they aren鈥檛 marked by lights, Christmas trees, gifts and more celebrations. However, they do light the way, offering us the chance to live God鈥檚 Word and live the lessons of the Incarnation and the Resurrection in the day to day moments of our lives.
These days matter.
But living our devotion during Ordinary Time is a challenge. It takes patience and conviction, especially in a world that doesn鈥檛 value 鈥渙rdinary.鈥� Ordinary anything is considered dull, humdrum, disposable, routine, uneventful, and our faith practices can be swept away in that thinking. But our Catholic spiritual practices can provide the spiritual discipline and nourishment we need to put our faith to work. That鈥檚 when we encounter Jesus in the everyday moments of grace: a smile, a kindness, a prayer, a hug, a conversation, a sacrifice. With a simple gesture, our ordinary day can become extraordinary.
As we live Ordinary Time, let鈥檚 hold on to the prophetic passage from the first reading for the Baptism of the Lord, which announces that God鈥檚 spirit will guide his faithful servant and bring justice and love to the world. This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus. His mission is our mission too. Now that revelation is anything but ordinary.
What did you learn about Jesus and yourself during the Advent/Christmas season?
How can you take those lessons and share them with others?
What is the Spirit calling you to do during Ordinary Time?
10 Ways to Make Ordinary Time Extraordinary
- Find a new prayer for the season and pray it each day. Maybe you can take this prayer with you on a daily/weekly walk or workout.
- Once a week, write a handwritten note to someone special in your life that you might not otherwise reach out to. Let them know how much they mean to you.
- If you don鈥檛 normally attend weekday Mass, try to do so during this season. Or consider inviting someone new to go to Sunday Mass with you.
- Pray the Rosary. If you don鈥檛 know how, there are lots of resources at your local church and online. We are also happy to send you some resources from the C21 Center. Send us an email: church21@bc.edu with ROSARY in subject line.
- If you are older, reach out to a young person and lend a hand. If you are younger, reach out to an older person for a hand. Maybe it鈥檚 a conversation or cup of coffee. We all need each other.
- During these challenging times in our Church, connect with a priest or women religious in your life and offer gratitude. Let them know that you are praying for them and our Church.
- Find a Catholic school in your area, email the principal and let them know that their work matters greatly. Maybe they have an opportunity for you to volunteer or help out in some way? Could be the beginning of something鈥�
- Do something for God every day/week that pushes you out of your comfort zone.
- Offer your forgiveness to yourself or to someone else. You might consider going to Confession and receiving sacramental forgiveness. Pope Francis talks often about the beauty of this Sacrament and the opportunity for spiritual growth.
- Make a promise to be present in God鈥檚 love each and every day. You can begin by giving God what you are trying to own/solve/control.
Share your ideas and practices for Ordinary Time and inspire others. Send us an email: church21@bc.edu
KAREN KIEFER is the Director of the Church in the 21st Century Center at Boston College and the mother of four daughters