The Catholic Church has seasons, just like the natural world does. Our seasons are based on what is happening in the Church as to what season it is. We have 6 seasons: Advent, Christmas, Lent, Paschal Triduum, Easter and Ordinary Time.
Ordinary time occurs twice, between Christmas and Lent and then again between Easter and Advent.
During Ordinary Time this year we are reading from the Gospel of Matthew on Sundays. This is my favorite time of year. It is a time to really learn who Jesus is through the gospel readings and learn about all that he did while in his ministry. It is a chance to hear the parables, to learn how to follow Jesus, and to be reminded of what makes a disciple.
A Time for Everything
The Church year has times of feasting and fasting, celebrating and slowing down. There are times to be still and times of activity. And just as in the natural world we have visual clues as to the season, the same in the Church. Each season has a color associated with it, green, purple, rose, white/gold, and red all have their place. Green is used in Ordinary Time, purple/rose for Advent and Lent, Christmas and Easter celebrations are white or gold and red is used on Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Pentecost.
Our readings also follow a cycle, we have 3 for Sundays, A, B, and C and 2 for daily Mass, 1 and 2. This year, we are in cycle A for Sunday Mass, which is the Gospel of Matthew.
Our challenge is to read Matthew’s Gospel. Each day, from Jan. 10 to Feb. 6 read one chapter. As you read, underline or make note of verses, phrases or words that strike you. What is God trying to tell you? At the end of our reading, we’ll talk about looking back and finding a verse to guide you in your walk this year or maybe as your life verse. I think the few minutes spent each day reading God’s words will be a true blessing to you.
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