We are currently in the second period of Ordinary Time, which began after Pentecost Sunday and will continue until the start of Advent. The first period of Ordinary Time commenced after Christmastime and the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, and continued until Ash Wednesday, which signified the start of Lent and preparation for the celebration of the Paschal Mystery (Easter).
The celebration of Pentecost last weekend took on a deeper significance for us as Christians. Just as the early Church was publicly inaugurated and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we, as a community, are once again called to reflect on our duty and commitment to exemplify Christ’s teachings in our everyday lives.
During Ordinary Time, the liturgical colour green holds a profound significance. Green symbolises life in nature, hope and continuous growth in Christian life. Ordinary time provides us with the graces that draw us into the life of God, and the ongoing spiritual journey. This season in the liturgical calendar is dedicated to exploring and internalising Jesus’ three-year public ministry and His teachings, reflecting on His miracles and contemplating the expansion of the Church. It offers a valuable opportunity for personal meditation, spiritual development and practise to live out the principles of the Christian faith, and to carry out the mission of the Church in the world.
In Ordinary Time, we undergo a period of significant growth and maturation. This is a time when the profound mystery of Christ must become deeply integrated into our lives, leading to the ultimate unity of all things in Christ. Throughout this season, all celebrations are purposefully directed towards the final Sunday in Ordinary Time, which is the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.
We have a few important Solemnities and feasts in the next couple of weeks – The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the closing month of the Rosary on 31 May, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) on 2 June and the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in conjunction with the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctity of Priestly Life on 7 June. These are not just dates on a calendar but pivotal moments for us to unite as a community and deepen our faith in Christ. Following these celebrations, we will observe the Novena and feast on St Thomas, the Apostle, from 1-7 July. These upcoming events are not just dates on a calendar, but opportunities for us to come together as a community, and deepen our faith in Christ.
Finding time for quiet moments of prayer and meditation can be tough in a world of challenges. But we can feel a deeper bond with God when we keep a continuous connection with Him. This can lead to receiving many graces and developing virtues like humility, gratitude and solidarity. May the Spirit of God fill us with strength and courage to represent Christ genuinely in our world today.
Our Lady of the Trinity, pray for us!
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