Were you aware we are in ‘Ordinary’ time? You might respond that, with the way the world, or even our country is at the moment, it is surely anything but ordinary! Yet in the church year, the time between the major festivals is known as Ordinary time.
It is a bit of a shame we associate the word ordinary with something common, yet in fact the word ordinary is derived from the Latin word ordo, from which we have the English word order. In effect, it simply means that the life of the church is ordered – it recognises a rhythm in life.
This time of the year we are in effect, just getting on with life. I have to say that as wonderful as the Platinum Jubilee was, with so much going on and events to attend, it has been a quiet pleasure to simply get back to the ‘ordinary.’
I suppose that is like food. I adore all kinds of food and a special meal is a real treat, but while it might be lovely to be able to eat, ‘special meals’ – expensive and requiring skilled cooking such as those at celebrations – eventually eating a lot of them is never going to do me much good. They are something to be enjoyed only as a luxury. What sustains us is food that is wholesome, and nutritious, not luxurious.
During the church year it is recognised that ordinary is in fact something to savour. It is a time to devote ourselves to issues that require our attention; day to day tasks that may not be glamorous but are necessary.
Jesus spoke of himself as the ‘Bread of Life.’ A curious title, but then, bread is the most common and necessary food, the entire world over. A simple food accessed by everyone. A food to be shared. Jesus as the ‘Bread of Life’ can satisfy our deepest needs and longings and give us a confidence in life to face every day with peace and joy.
Perhaps ordinary is not such a bad thing after all.
Revd Susan