What Is the Period Between Christmastide and Lent, and Between Eastertide and Advent Called?

Navigating the Christian liturgical calendar can sometimes feel like traversing a complex map. Many are familiar with the major seasons like Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter, but what about the stretches of time between these significant observances? Understanding these periods – specifically, what is the period between Christmastide and Lent, and between Eastertide and Advent called? – provides a fuller appreciation of the Christian year and its cyclical rhythm. This comprehensive guide will explore these periods, known as Ordinary Time, delving into their meaning, significance, and how they contribute to the overall spiritual journey.

We will not only define these periods but also unpack the theological underpinnings that shape them. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of the purpose and character of Ordinary Time, enabling you to engage more deeply with the liturgical year and its spiritual offerings. We aim to provide a resource that is both informative and insightful, drawing on historical context and contemporary understanding to illuminate these often-overlooked seasons.

Defining Ordinary Time: The Seasons Between the Seasons

Ordinary Time, in its simplest definition, refers to the parts of the liturgical year that are outside of the major seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. It’s essentially the “filler” between the more prominent celebrations. However, this doesn’t mean it’s unimportant or lacks significance. In fact, Ordinary Time provides a crucial foundation for spiritual growth and reflection.

The term “Ordinary” doesn’t imply something common or mundane. Instead, it comes from the word “ordinal,” meaning numbered. These weeks are numbered sequentially, starting after the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (following Christmastide) and continuing until Ash Wednesday (the beginning of Lent), and then resuming after Pentecost (following Eastertide) until Advent begins. This numbering system provides a structure and order to the year, guiding the Church’s focus.

The Two Phases of Ordinary Time

Ordinary Time is divided into two distinct phases:

• The First Phase: This period begins immediately after the Christmas season, specifically after the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. It extends until the day before Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. The length of this phase varies depending on the date of Easter.
• The Second Phase: This longer period begins after the Easter season, specifically the day after Pentecost Sunday. It continues until the First Sunday of Advent, marking the beginning of a new liturgical year. This phase typically comprises the majority of Ordinary Time.

Liturgical Color and Symbolism

The liturgical color for Ordinary Time is green, symbolizing hope, life, and growth. This color reflects the ongoing spiritual growth and discipleship that characterize this season. The readings during Mass and other liturgical services focus on the life and teachings of Jesus, encouraging believers to apply these lessons to their daily lives. The focus is on the everyday aspects of faith, rather than the extraordinary events commemorated during the major seasons.

The Purpose and Significance of Ordinary Time

Ordinary Time is not merely a period of waiting for the next major feast. It is a time for cultivating a deeper relationship with God through prayer, reflection, and service. It is a season of growth, learning, and living out the Gospel in our daily lives. It offers a unique opportunity to focus on the core teachings of Jesus and to integrate them into the fabric of our existence. Many spiritual directors emphasize the importance of finding God in the ordinary, and Ordinary Time provides a framework for doing just that.

During Ordinary Time, the liturgical readings often focus on the Gospels, particularly the teachings and parables of Jesus. These readings challenge us to examine our own lives in light of the Gospel message and to strive for greater holiness. It’s a time to consider how we can better love our neighbors, serve the poor, and live out our faith in practical ways. The rhythm of Ordinary Time encourages a consistent and sustainable approach to spiritual growth, rather than bursts of intensity followed by periods of neglect.

Spiritual Practices for Ordinary Time

While there are no specific liturgical requirements for Ordinary Time like fasting during Lent, it is a time ripe for cultivating personal spiritual practices. Some suggestions include:

• Daily Prayer: Establishing a consistent prayer routine, even for just a few minutes each day, can deepen your connection with God.
• Scripture Reading: Reading and reflecting on the daily Mass readings or other passages of Scripture can provide guidance and inspiration.
• Acts of Service: Engaging in acts of kindness and service to others, whether through volunteering or simply helping a neighbor, can be a powerful expression of faith.
• Mindful Living: Paying attention to the present moment and practicing gratitude can help you appreciate the blessings in your life and find God in the ordinary.

Ordinary Time and the Lectionary Cycle

The Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) provides a systematic approach to reading Scripture during worship services. It follows a three-year cycle (Years A, B, and C), with each year focusing on a different Gospel: Matthew (Year A), Mark (Year B), and Luke (Year C). The Gospel of John is read throughout all three years, especially during the Easter season. During Ordinary Time, the Lectionary provides a continuous reading of Scripture, allowing congregations to encounter the breadth and depth of the biblical narrative. Leading biblical scholars note that this systematic approach allows for a more holistic understanding of the scriptures over time.

The Old Testament readings during Ordinary Time are often chosen to complement the Gospel readings, providing context and highlighting the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. The Psalms are also an integral part of the Lectionary, offering a rich source of prayer and reflection. By following the Lectionary, individuals and congregations can participate in a shared journey through Scripture, fostering a sense of unity and connection.

Comparing Ordinary Time to Other Liturgical Seasons

Understanding the differences between Ordinary Time and the other liturgical seasons helps to clarify its unique role in the Christian year. Advent and Lent are seasons of preparation and repentance, characterized by a spirit of anticipation and self-reflection. Christmas and Easter are seasons of celebration and joy, commemorating the birth and resurrection of Jesus. Ordinary Time, in contrast, is a season of ongoing discipleship, focusing on the everyday aspects of faith.

While Advent and Lent often involve specific practices like fasting or abstinence, Ordinary Time is more open-ended, allowing individuals to choose practices that best suit their needs and spiritual goals. The major seasons are often associated with specific colors and symbols, while Ordinary Time is characterized by the color green, symbolizing growth and life. Each season contributes to the overall rhythm of the Christian year, providing a balanced approach to spiritual formation. A seasoned theologian once remarked that Ordinary Time is where faith truly takes root and bears fruit.

Theological Reflections on Ordinary Time

Ordinary Time offers a unique theological perspective on the nature of faith and discipleship. It reminds us that faith is not just about extraordinary moments or dramatic events, but about the daily choices we make and the way we live our lives. It emphasizes the importance of finding God in the ordinary, of seeing the sacred in the mundane. It challenges us to live out the Gospel message in our homes, workplaces, and communities.

The theology of Ordinary Time also highlights the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It reminds us that the Spirit is constantly guiding us, teaching us, and empowering us to live as disciples of Jesus. It encourages us to be open to the Spirit’s leading and to trust that God is at work in our lives, even when we don’t see it. This perspective fosters a sense of hope and resilience, reminding us that we are not alone on our spiritual journey.

Ordinary Time in Different Christian Traditions

While the concept of Ordinary Time is common to many Christian traditions, there may be variations in how it is observed and understood. In the Roman Catholic Church, Ordinary Time is a prominent part of the liturgical year, with specific readings and prayers assigned to each Sunday and weekday. In some Protestant traditions, the emphasis on Ordinary Time may be less pronounced, but the underlying principles of ongoing discipleship and spiritual growth remain important.

Some traditions may use different terms to describe this period, but the underlying concept remains the same: a time for focusing on the everyday aspects of faith and living out the Gospel message in our daily lives. Regardless of the specific tradition, Ordinary Time offers a valuable opportunity for spiritual growth and reflection.

Overcoming Challenges During Ordinary Time

One of the challenges of Ordinary Time is that it can sometimes feel, well, ordinary. The lack of major feasts or specific liturgical requirements can lead to a sense of complacency or spiritual stagnation. It’s important to be intentional about cultivating spiritual practices during this time and to find ways to stay engaged with the liturgical year.

Another challenge is that the demands of daily life can easily distract us from our spiritual goals. It’s important to prioritize prayer, reflection, and service, even when we are busy or stressed. Finding a supportive community or spiritual mentor can also be helpful in staying motivated and accountable. Remember that Ordinary Time is not just about surviving the mundane, but about thriving in it.

Resources for Engaging with Ordinary Time

There are many resources available to help you engage more deeply with Ordinary Time. These include:

• Daily Mass Readings: The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website provides the daily Mass readings, including the Gospel, Old Testament, and Psalm readings.
• Liturgical Calendars: Many publishers offer liturgical calendars that provide information about the liturgical year, including the dates of feasts and seasons.
• Spiritual Reading: Reading books or articles on spirituality, prayer, or the lives of the saints can provide inspiration and guidance.
• Online Communities: There are many online communities where you can connect with other Christians and share your experiences of faith.

Living a Life of Faith in Ordinary Time

Ordinary Time is a reminder that the Christian life is not just about extraordinary moments or dramatic events, but about the daily choices we make and the way we live our lives. It’s about finding God in the ordinary, of seeing the sacred in the mundane. It’s about living out the Gospel message in our homes, workplaces, and communities. By embracing the opportunities of Ordinary Time, we can grow in our faith and become more faithful disciples of Jesus.

As we navigate the periods between Christmastide and Lent, and between Eastertide and Advent, let us embrace the invitation to cultivate a deeper relationship with God through prayer, reflection, and service. Ordinary Time offers a unique opportunity to focus on the core teachings of Jesus and to integrate them into the fabric of our existence. It is in the quiet moments, the daily routines, and the ordinary interactions that we truly encounter the divine and live out our faith.