The liturgical season of Ordinary Time gets its name of this season from the Latin Ordo – ordered, ordinal. It just means that these are numbered Sundays: first, second, third, etc. I think this word “ordinary” puts a bad rap on it; it makes it sound like there’s nothing special about counting time between Christmas READ MORE
Tag: Explaining the Lectionary
The Lectionary and Scripture Interpretation for the Easter season
In 1969 the General Norms for the Liturgical Year was approved by Pope Paul VI which implemented the reforms of Vatican II. This is what those norms say about the Easter season: In summary, the whole 50 days of Easter is like one long Sunday when we sing Alleluia with all our heart. There are READ MORE
The RCIA Scrutinies
An important part of the process to initiate adults in the Catholic church and prepare them for baptism are the Scrutinies that happen on the 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays of Lent. While these Rites are liturgically celebrated only by the Elect (those seeking baptism), the contents and prayers of these Rites can be fruitful READ MORE
Lent, The Lectionary and Scripture Interpretation
Lent is intended to be a joyful walk toward Easter, a progression of the Church toward the summit of the liturgical year. The focus is on uncovering and rejecting everything that tarnishes or warps Christ’s image within us. During both Lent and Easter we tell our stories… Imagine us all gathered around the Easter Vigil READ MORE
Ordinary Time, The Lectionary and Scripture Interpretation
The title “Ordinary Time” is taken from the Latin ordinal, from which we get our word ordinary. It’s not that this season is bah ha humdrum. Rather, it is a season of counting time from week to week. During Ordinary Time this year, we will march through the gospel of Matthew in a somewhat linear READ MORE
The Season of Christmas
In 3rd century Rome, a pagan feast was introduced for December 25: sol invictus, “the invincible sun,” to celebrate the lengthening days after the winter solstice on the 21st. This feast was gradually co-opted by Christians to celebrate the Lord’s nativity. The Season of Christmas officially ends with the feast of the Baptism of the READ MORE
The Season of Advent
Advent is a multi-layered liturgical time: He came. He’s coming. But he’s always here. “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 Another way of looking at it…. He came once in history. He will come again someday in majesty. He comes to us every day in mystery. “Surely I am READ MORE