Ethan Walker
In the Catholic Church, Ordinary Time is the part of the year during which Christ, the Lamb of God, is believed to walk among his followers and transform their lives. Ordinary Time is divided into two sections: the first spans 4–8 weeks after Christmas, and the second lasts about six months after Easter. During Ordinary Time, Catholics reflect on the teachings and works of Jesus, as well as the lives of Mary and the saints. The liturgical colour associated with Ordinary Time is green, symbolising the growth and maturation of Christians as they strive to live Christ's life. The Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, for instance, focuses on the parable of the Good Samaritan, emphasising the importance of showing mercy and compassion towards those in need.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 13th July 2025 |
| Week | Fifteenth week in Ordinary Time |
| Readings | First Reading: Book of Deuteronomy 30:10-14 |
| Second Reading: Letter of Paul to the Colossians 1:15-20 | |
| Gospel: St. Luke 10:25-37 | |
| Entrance Antiphon: Ps 17(16):15 | |
| Alleluia Verse: Jn 6:63c-68c | |
| Communion Antiphon: Ps 84(83):4-5 | |
| OR: Jn 6:57 | |
| Theme | Christians should share Christ's love and compassion |
| Christians should perform the "works of mercy" |
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What You'll Learn
- Ordinary Time occurs twice in the Catholic liturgical year
- The liturgical colour for Ordinary Time is green
- The Third Sunday of Ordinary Time is the Sunday of the Word of God
- Ordinary Time is a time for growth and maturation
- The first reading on the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time is from the book of Deuteronomy
Ordinary Time occurs twice in the Catholic liturgical year
The Catholic liturgical year is divided into several distinct periods, with Ordinary Time encompassing two different periods in the Church's calendar. The liturgical year begins with Advent, which is immediately followed by the Christmas season. The first period of Ordinary Time begins on the Monday after the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, marking the conclusion of the Christmas season, and continues until Ash Wednesday, when the Lenten season commences.
The second period of Ordinary Time in the Catholic liturgical year commences on the Monday after Pentecost Sunday, which signifies the end of the Easter season. This segment of Ordinary Time persists until the commencement of the subsequent liturgical year with the First Sunday of Advent. The absence of a First Sunday of Ordinary Time in the liturgical calendar is noteworthy, as it is supplanted by the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
The designation of Ordinary Time as "ordinary" may initially evoke notions of monotony or insignificance. However, this term actually stems from the ordinal numerals used to count the weeks within this period. Ordinary Time is far from mundane; it is a time of conversion and growth, where the mystery of Christ is progressively woven into history. This period is symbolised by the liturgical colour green, representing the growth and expansion of the Church following the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
The Sundays and weeks of Ordinary Time guide believers through the life of Christ, emphasising the goal of living in accordance with His teachings. This is a time for spiritual growth and maturation, where the focus is on deepening one's relationship with Jesus Christ in the everyday realities of life. The final Sunday of Ordinary Time, known as the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, encapsulates the culmination of this journey.
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The liturgical colour for Ordinary Time is green
As of my information cutoff of January 1, 2023, it is currently the 2nd week of Ordinary Time in the Catholic Church. Ordinary Time is a period in the Catholic liturgical calendar that follows the celebrations of Christmas and precedes the beginning of Lent. It is a time to reflect on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and to focus on the growth and development of our faith.
The liturgical colour associated with Ordinary Time is green. This colour is symbolic and carries a wealth of meaning. Green is often associated with nature and signifies growth, renewal, and life. It represents the hope and vitality of the Christian faith and serves as a reminder of the spiritual growth that we are called to cultivate. The use of green vestments and decorations in the church helps to create a visual connection to these themes.
During Ordinary Time, we are invited to reflect on the ordinary moments of our lives and recognize the extraordinary within them. The green liturgical colour reminds us that even in the simplest of moments, we can find grace, beauty, and the presence of God. It is a time for spiritual growth, for deepening our relationship with God, and for living out our faith in our daily lives.
The colour green has a long history of use in Christian art and symbolism. It has been used to represent hope, virtue, and immortality, often appearing in depictions of paradise or heaven. In the liturgical context, green signifies a time for spiritual growth and maturity, a season to deepen our faith and bear fruit through our actions and deeds.
By donning green vestments, the priest symbolizes the vibrancy and vitality of our faith. It serves as a visual reminder that we are called to live our lives with purpose and intention, always striving to follow in the footsteps of Christ. The liturgical colour green creates a sense of unity and consistency throughout Ordinary Time, providing a visual anchor for our spiritual journey.
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The Third Sunday of Ordinary Time is the Sunday of the Word of God
The Catholic Church celebrates the Sunday of the Word of God on the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time. This day was instituted by Pope Francis in 2019, and it is devoted to the celebration, study, and dissemination of the Word of God. The date varies each year but falls during January. For instance, it was held on January 23, 2022, and will be held on January 26, 2025.
The Sunday of the Word of God is a time to reflect on the priceless gift of God in the inspired Books of the Bible. It is a day to show appreciation for this gift by using it to deepen our understanding of the Christian faith. The Bible should not be merely an ornament on a shelf but a source of strength and refreshment in our daily lives as Christians.
The papal document associated with this day is titled "Aperuit illis," which is taken from Luke's Gospel. In this passage, the Evangelist describes how the Risen Jesus appeared to his disciples and "opened their minds to understand the Scriptures." Pope Francis issued this directive to set aside a Sunday entirely for the Word of God, recognizing the infinite riches contained in the dialogue between the Lord and his people.
The readings for the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time often include excerpts from St. Luke's Gospel, emphasizing the importance of preserving the essential facts concerning Christ, his words, and his works. The First Reading in 2022 was taken from the Book of Nehemiah, chapters 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10. This passage reflects on the time when the people of Israel returned to their land after the Babylonian Captivity, marking a period of rebuilding.
On this day, Catholics may pray for guidance and repentance, seeking to glorify God and witness their faith to those around them. The Sunday of the Word of God is a significant commemoration in the Catholic Church, providing an opportunity to focus on the Word of God and deepen their understanding of their faith.
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Ordinary Time is a time for growth and maturation
The Catholic liturgical calendar is often referred to as the "circle of life", with Ordinary Time encompassing two distinct periods: after the Christmas season and after the Easter season. Ordinary Time typically spans 33 to 34 weeks, commencing on the Monday after the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which marks the conclusion of the Christmas season. This initial phase of Ordinary Time persists until Ash Wednesday, which heralds the commencement of the Lenten season. Ordinary Time resumes on the Monday after Pentecost Sunday, the conclusion of the Easter season, and continues until the First Sunday of Advent, which marks the beginning of the new liturgical year.
Ordinary Time is imbued with profound significance in the Catholic faith. It is regarded as a period of growth and maturation, during which the mystery of Christ is gradually woven into the fabric of history. This period is characterised by the liturgical colour green, symbolising growth and new life. The Sundays and weeks of Ordinary Time guide believers through the life of Christ, emphasising conversion and the embodiment of Christ's teachings. Believers are encouraged to actively participate in this liturgical season by examining their habits, cultivating gratitude, and engaging in daily Gospel readings.
The first span of Ordinary Time offers opportunities for prayer and reflection. It is marked by the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord on February 2nd, when families traditionally display their nativities and parishes hold candle blessing services. This initial season of Ordinary Time is a time for quiet growth, as believers contemplate the teachings and miracles of Jesus. The symbol of two fish and a basket of bread, evocative of Jesus' "Loaves and the Fishes" miracle, is often associated with this period.
The second season of Ordinary Time commences after Pentecost, symbolising the descent of the Holy Spirit and the growth and expansion of the Church. This period is characterised by green vestments and altar cloths, signifying the growth and spread of the Gospel to all nations. The final Sunday of Ordinary Time, known as the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, represents the culmination of history, with all things united in Christ.
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The first reading on the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time is from the book of Deuteronomy
For Catholics, Ordinary Time is the period during the year when Christ, the Lamb of God, is believed to walk among his followers and transform their lives. The liturgical colour associated with Ordinary Time is green, and it is observed on days when there are no special feasts. Ordinary Time includes two different periods in the Church calendar: the time after the Christmas season and the time after the Easter season. The Church year begins with Advent, followed immediately by the Christmas season. The first period of Ordinary Time starts on the Monday after the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which marks the end of the Christmas season, and continues until Ash Wednesday, when Lent begins. The second period of Ordinary Time starts on the Monday after Pentecost Sunday, which marks the end of the Easter season, and continues until the First Sunday of Advent, when the liturgical year begins anew.
The Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time is a significant day in the Catholic liturgical calendar. The first reading on this day is taken from the Book of Deuteronomy, specifically Deuteronomy 30:10-14. This passage contains the final discourse of Moses before the selection of Joshua to lead the people into the promised land, marking the conclusion of the covenant-making ceremony. In this reading, Moses addresses the people, urging them to heed the voice of the Lord and follow His commandments. He emphasizes that God's commandments are not distant or mysterious but are instead close to their hearts, and they only need to carry them out faithfully.
The commandment to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind, as referenced in the first reading, is known as the Shema in Jewish tradition. It is derived from Deuteronomy 6 and is recited multiple times a day as a basic Jewish prayer. The Shema proclaims the oneness of God and expresses the depth of love and devotion one should have for the Lord.
The Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time also includes readings from other books of the Bible, such as the Gospel of Luke and the letter of Paul to the Colossians. These readings provide additional context and theological insights that complement the first reading from Deuteronomy.
Through these readings and reflections, the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time offers Catholics an opportunity to deepen their understanding of God's word and to grow in their faith during Ordinary Time.
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Frequently asked questions
Ordinary Time is the part of the year in which Christ, the Lamb of God, is believed to walk among his followers and transform their lives. This period is marked by the liturgical colour green, which is associated with the time after Pentecost. Ordinary Time is divided into two sections: the first spans 4-8 weeks after Christmas, and the second lasts about six months after Easter.
Ordinary Time is a time for growth and maturation, during which the mystery of Christ is called to penetrate ever more deeply into history. This period is a time of conversion, during which Catholics are expected to live the life of Christ. The goal of Ordinary Time is represented by the final Sunday in the period, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.
Pope Francis instituted the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time as the Sunday of the Word of God, devoted to the celebration of the Word of God.
