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The ancient Christian cycle of time we colloquially refer to as the “Church Calendar” is one which helps us to relive our story, much as our families have their own traditions around each holiday (which often end up being tied to the Church Calendar in some way, shape, or form). It can feel like a sprint for half the year as we enter from Ordinary Time into Advent, through Christmastide, catch our breath for a moment of Ordinary Time, then off to Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. When we reach our nearly half a year of Ordinary Time, it can seem like green never goes away (the liturgical color of Ordinary Time).

So, why “Ordinary?” Is it because it’s so boring compared to the highs of Christmas and Easter? The answer is a strong NO. The term "Ordinary Time" comes from the Latin word ordinalis, which means "numbered" or "ordered.” So when we speak of Ordinary Time we are merely referring to the number of Sundays after Pentecost, or after Trinity Sunday—depending on which day you choose to use. There is nothing ordinary about Ordinary Time, but it is an opportunity to focus on The Church, the body of Christ. What do I mean by that?

As an ancient faith (and as part of a tradition that remembers!), we have a plethora of Holy Days and Saints who have gone before us that we can choose to remember all throughout the year. Take, for example, Pg. 699 in the Book of Common Prayer (2019) which provides a calendar of Saints and Holy Days we can remember. But, on May 31st, there is a “Red-Letter Holy Day” these are major moments in the calendar which correspond to big moments in Jesus’ and the Church’s life.

These are days of special observation, but also allow for a deeper understanding of the faith. Today is the day the church recognizes St. Alcuin, Deacon and Abbot of Tours, who died in 804. Who was St. Alcuin? Great question! Click here for a Wikipedia article on who he is. We have these moments to learn about our faith almost daily.

With all of that said, Ordinary Time is far from it. It is the time of the Church. May we find inspiration from our forebears in the faith as we seek to turn Ordinary Time into Extraordinary Time!