Ordinary Not Boring

Today is the 22^nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. Our priest’s vestments distinguish in that the colors are rich—verdant. The embroidery on the outer robe threads pictures in an Oriental style. Sewn on the back is the Virgin Mary slender, standing with her infant son Jesus. She is graced with a lithe white gown— silky hair shadows her profile. Her face is suggests fine features and porcelain skin. A halo frames Jesus’ cherubic head.

Ordinary Time is one of the five liturgical seasons of the Roman Catholic Church. Symbolizing this season is green, the color of hope. As a convert, I was introduced to this at the age of 33. I found the word, ‘ordinary’ peculiar. The word annoyed me. Nothing in Christ’s Church should be considered ordinary.

But like so many things learned later that sooner, I realize that our language commands a variety of derivatives. Here are a few from an English garden: uniformity, symmetry, harmony, precision, methodical, plan, and course.

I Corinthians 14:33 …since he is not the God of disorder but of peace.

It has been said that we tend to have a disdain for the mundane. But in that day to day discipline, we recognize the special graces when they ‘happen’ along.

'No news is good news' is another that we are familiar. Personally, with the chaos that our world is tending towards, I’m grateful when not much is going on. It means that Rosary prayers are subtly answered. My children are safe. Our bills are paid. Water flows freely from the faucet. Our pantry is full.

I have a new appreciation for ‘ordinary.’ It is anything but boring.