Ordinary Time Returns Monday, May 20

This period is called “ordinary” because the weeks are numbered in order – 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. The priest’s vestments are green. After Pentecost Sunday, our church’s Easter decorations come down but Ordinary Time, however, is not at all plain and simple. On the contrary, week after week, we see all facets of Christ’s life, a change from celebrating and delving into one aspect, His Passion, Death, Resurrection, Ascension and the sending of the Advocate, as we did during Lent, Holy Week, and the Easter Season. What could be ordinary about exploring the full sweep of Christ’s works and teachings? The green of Ordinary Time, like the green of nature, also encourages us to grow and mature in our faith, and as the color of hope, to anticipate the gifts of God’s kingdom. We use daily Mass readings for Year II in 2024, and Year B for Sundays, when we read mostly St. Mark's and some of St. John's Gospels.