How can churches and individuals utilize Ordinary Time for spiritual growth?

Ordinary Time, as observed in the liturgical calendar of many Christian denominations, represents a period of growth and maturation in the life of the Church. Unlike the more festively marked seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter, Ordinary Time does not celebrate a specific aspect of Jesus Christ's life or the mysteries of the Christian faith. Instead, it offers an extended opportunity for believers to deepen their faith, reflect on the teachings of Jesus, and embody these teachings in their daily lives. This period is marked by the liturgical color green, symbolizing hope and growth, which is fitting as it provides a fertile ground for spiritual development.

Understanding Ordinary Time

Ordinary Time comprises the days outside the major liturgical seasons. It is split into two parts: the first segment occurs between Epiphany and Ash Wednesday, and the second, longer portion, runs from Pentecost Sunday to the first Sunday of Advent. This time is anything but "ordinary," as the term might suggest. The original sense of the term comes from "ordinal," which refers to counting, as the weeks are numbered.

The scriptures and readings during Ordinary Time are carefully chosen to guide believers in a reflective and deep understanding of the life and ministry of Jesus. They offer a sequential reading of the Gospels and the exploration of the teachings and miracles of Jesus, providing a comprehensive insight into His way of life.

Spiritual Growth During Ordinary Time

1. Deepening Biblical Knowledge and Understanding

Ordinary Time allows for a systematic exploration of Scripture. Churches can organize Bible study groups that focus on the readings specific to each Sunday of Ordinary Time. This encourages congregants to not only hear but also discuss and internalize the Word of God. For individuals, this can be a time to commit to daily scripture reading plans that correspond with the church’s liturgical calendar, thereby staying in rhythm with the wider community.

2. Prayer and Meditation

This period is ideal for enhancing one's prayer life. Churches can introduce workshops or retreats focused on different forms of prayer, such as contemplative prayer, Lectio Divina, or the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. Individuals might find this a favorable time to establish a regular prayer schedule or explore new ways of praying, deepening their communication with God. As Paul advises in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “pray without ceasing,” reminding us of the need to maintain a constant dialogue with God.

3. Living the Beatitudes

The teachings of Jesus during Ordinary Time provide a blueprint for Christian living. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12), for example, are a profound summary of Jesus’ teachings and are often featured in the readings. Churches can focus sermons and Bible classes on how to live out the Beatitudes in modern society. For individuals, this might involve reflecting on one Beatitude each week and finding practical ways to implement these values in their personal and professional lives.

4. Service and Outreach

Ordinary Time is an excellent opportunity for churches to ramp up their outreach efforts. This can be coordinated with the themes of the Gospel, such as compassion and service, which Jesus frequently emphasized. Organizing community service events, charity drives, or mission trips can be effective ways to live out the faith actively. For individuals, volunteering within these church-led initiatives or in the local community can serve as a practical application of Jesus’ command to love and serve one another.

5. Christian Education

Churches can use this time to invest in the education of their members of all ages. This might include Sunday school programs that are more intensive or thematic retreats that deal with aspects of Christian doctrine and application. For individuals, especially parents, this can be a time to focus on the religious education of children, perhaps by reading and discussing biblical stories together or participating in family-oriented church activities.

6. Fostering Community and Fellowship

The ordinary weeks can be used to strengthen the bonds within the church community. Organizing regular fellowship meetings, potluck dinners, or small group gatherings can encourage a sense of belonging and mutual support among congregants. For individuals, participating actively in these community aspects can lead to deeper relationships and a stronger support network within the church.

Embracing Ordinary Time

Ordinary Time need not be viewed as a break in the church calendar but rather as an enriching period that contributes significantly to the spiritual growth of both individuals and church communities. By focusing on deepening faith through scripture, prayer, living the teachings of Jesus, service, education, and community building, this time can be profoundly transformative.

Churches and individuals alike are called to use this time wisely, ensuring that it is a period of fruitful growth and deepening of faith. As we navigate through the weeks of Ordinary Time, let us remember the words of Paul in Ephesians 4:15, "speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ." This time, therefore, is a gift, providing us with the space and time to mature in our faith, becoming more Christ-like in our thoughts, words, and actions.