(Listen to this homily here).
We begin the season of Ordinary Time for 2015. I have always found this title slightly
ironic. Especially after
celebrating Christmas, there is nothing ordinary
about our faith. Jesus became a
baby for us and later gave his life!
Our
readings provide a great transition from Christmas to this new season. In the opening words from the letter to
the Hebrews we hear, “In
times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the
prophets; in these last days, he spoke to us through the Son, whom he made heir
of all things and through whom he created the universe…” This powerful passage summarizes all of
salvation history and reflects on what Jesus’ birth meant.
The
opening verses of the Gospel according to Mark describe the beginning of Jesus’
public work. He proclaims: “This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel”
and then calls the first disciples.
Sometimes I joke about the timing of our liturgical seasons. Especially when Lent comes early I
think, “Jesus was just born, and a few weeks later he is already on the cross!” Yet the reality is, we don’t know much
about Jesus’ life after Christmas until his public ministry as an adult. In fact, Jesus was only twelve when he
is last described as a child.
Ordinary Time allows us to reflect on the salvific
mysteries of our faith which we celebrate at Christmas and Easter. As we begin this season we continue to
discern what Jesus’ incarnation means for my life, how he is calling me to
deeper conversion and more faithful discipleship.
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