Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This weekend, I get a little bit of a break during the Masses with the deacons preaching. It’s not something that I often talk about or mention, but I think it’s a healthy thing for all involved and for the parish. Don’t get me wrong, I both enjoy and take seriously the act of preaching. But I also think it’s important for the community to hear different perspectives from time to time and allow our deacons to exercise this particular aspect of their ministry. With all that said, while they take on the homily this weekend, I’d like to reflect on the wider context of the readings in my letter this week.
The first thing that caught my eye with the readings is the liturgical context in which they appear. As of this past Monday, we’ve returned to what is traditionally known as Ordinary Time. This tells us that it’s not a special season like Advent or Lent, but the time in between those times, where our day to day faith life is the focus, not some particular holiday or event. Because of that, it may seem like Ordinary Time is somehow less consequential, but I would argue that it’s almost more so. Because it’s in the daily experience of faith and not the extraordinary that saints are made and progress in holiness is accomplished. Everybody is impressed by a miracle, it takes a lot more to believe in God’s presence in the busyness of ordinary life. And I think that the Church understands that reality too.
And so, the readings selected for this weekend are important to pay attention to. Don’t let the timing of things confuse you; technically we’ll be celebrating the 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time. But since the 1st Sunday is always the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord, this week’s readings are the Church’s first opportunity to speak to us about our regular lives of faith. Doubly so, when we consider that we find ourselves in Year A, the first out of a three-year cycle for the Sunday readings. And what are we presented with? A selection from Isaiah, 1st Corinthians, and the Gospel of John. These are foundational texts in their own ways. So much of the Book of Isaiah speaks of the promise of salvation in the coming of the Messiah. St. Paul’s Letter to Corinth is a masterclass in recognizing both the unity and the distinctions that exist in Christian community. And the Gospel of John is rich in theology and in relaying the story of Jesus Christ.
And so, what a blessing it is to have this as the starting point for what we might consider the day-to-day living of our faith. It may not be the flashiest or most intricate in terms of liturgy and of celebrations, but that’s the point. May we all embrace the joy of Ordinary Time and continue to live out our faith daily!
Peace and Goodness,
Fr. Dan
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