When Ordinary Time Isn't Ordinary

       At the beginning of June, those of us in the Christian tradition entered the longest season of the church year. Until Advent we’ll be in what’s known as the season after Pentecost.
       Sometimes we refer to this period as Ordinary Time. The part of the liturgical calendar that falls outside the major seasons.
       Ordinary Time.
       To be honest, I can’t remember a time that has felt less ordinary.
       During the past few months, a global pandemic has turned our lives, our country, our world upside down. The ordinary things that filled our lives—going to the office or to school, visiting with friends and family, shopping at the mall or eating at our favorite restaurant—all those things stopped or became much more complicated.
       And just when it seemed we might slowly be moving toward something that feels a bit more normal, an unrest began sweeping through our cities and towns. An unrest that reminds us that returning to normal may not be such a good goal after all. The normal that’s worked for many of us has long been a burden or illusion for other Americans—especially those of color.
       Over the next few weeks I hope you’ll join me in reflecting on what it means when Ordinary Time isn’t ordinary. To consider things we might have taken for granted or approached differently at any other time.
       Until then, may the spirit of Pentecost continue to blow through this season after.
                                                                                                                        KP

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