The Dash Between The Seasons

Brothers and sisters: 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. (Hebrew 1:1-2)

In the Old Testaments, especially in the book of Leviticus Chapter 23, we find the Jewish calendar which speaks of a week of seven days, with six for work and the seventh day, the Sabbath, for rest and for “sacred assembly.”  This Sabbath Day belongs to the Lord. Leviticus also mentions the date of Passover, Yom Kippur, and other special feast days. God gives us the gift of time. How do we sanctify this gift of time? The Church uses the liturgical calendar, which has evolved throughout the Church’s history, to trace the mystery of salvation and the course of salvation history revealed to us in Christ. The sole purpose of the liturgical calendar is to sanctify the time. As Pope Pius XII wrote in his Encyclical, Mediator Dei, On the Sacred Liturgy, “While the sacred liturgy calls to mind the mysteries of Jesus Christ, it strives to make all believers take their part in them so that the divine Head of the mystical Body may live in all the members with the fullness of His holiness. Let the souls of Christians be like altars on each one of which a different phase of the sacrifice, offered by the High priest, comes to life again, as it were: pains and tears which wipe away and expiate sin; supplication to God which pierces heaven; dedication and even immolation of oneself made promptly, generously and earnestly; and, finally, that intimate union by which we commit ourselves and all we have to God, in whom we find our rest. “The perfection of religion is to imitate whom you adore.” (#152) Our entire Christian life depends on this calendar because it guides us to the heart of what we are all about. Now Advent and Christmas are behind us, we enter, today, the Ordinary Time, and look forward for Lent and Easter. Don’t stay idle, keep engaging! Make the best of the dash between the liturgical season where the substantial growth takes place. “Ordinary” is not a "blah" time, with no events but it a time for us to grow, to commit, to endure, and to make the different. This is a time you and I are called by St. Francis of Assisi to go “where there is hatred, I may bring love; that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness; that where there is discord, I may bring harmony; that where there is error, I may bring truth; that where there is doubt, I may bring faith; that where there is despair, I may bring hope; that where there are shadows, I may bring light; that where there is sadness, I may bring joy.” (Peace Prayer by St. Francis of Assisi) For Jesus every moment was extraordinary. Wherever He went, people were touched and healed. They listened to what He taught and wanted to follow Him. So, let us keep seeking Him in this Ordinary Time. Here are few recommendations from Bishop David Ricken to make your DASH meaningful:

+ Participate in Mass. At Eucharist we personally encounter with Jesus. Regular Mass attendance strengthens one’s faith through the Scriptures, the Creed, other prayers, sacred music, the homily, receiving Communion and being part of a faith community

+ Go to Confession. Like going to Mass, Catholics find strength and grow deeper in their faith through participation in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Confession urges people to turn back to God, express sorrow for falling short and open their lives to the power of God’s healing grace. It forgives the injuries of the past and provides strength for the future.

+ Learn about the lives of the saints. The saints are timeless examples of how to live a Christian life, and they provide endless hope. Not only were they sinners who kept trying to grow closer to God, but they also exemplify ways a person can serve God: through teaching, missionary work, charity, prayer and simply striving to please God in the ordinary actions and decisions of daily life.

+ Read the Bible daily. Scripture offers first-hand access to the Word of God and tells the story of human salvation. Catholics can pray the Scriptures (through lectio divina or other methods) to become more attuned to the Word of God. Either way, the Bible is a must for growth in the Year of Faith.

+ Study the Catechism. The Catechism of the Catholic Church covers the beliefs, moral teachings, prayer and sacraments of the Catholic Church in one volume. It’s a resource for growing in understanding of the faith. Another helpful resource is the U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults (USCCA).

+ Volunteer in the parish. The solid grounding of the Scriptures, the Council and the Catechism must translate into action. The parish is a great place to start, and each person’s gifts help build up the community. People are welcome as ministers of hospitality, liturgical musicians, lectors, catechists and in other roles in parish life.

+ Help those in need. The Vatican urges Catholics to donate to charity and volunteer to help the poor. This means to personally encounter Christ in the poor, marginalized and vulnerable. Helping others brings Catholics face-to-face with Christ and creates an example for the rest of the world.

+ Invite a friend to Mass. A personal invitation can make all the difference to someone who has drifted from the faith or feels alienated from the Church. Everyone knows people like this, so everyone can extend a loving welcome.

+ Incorporate the Beatitudes into daily life. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) provide a rich blueprint for Christian living. Their wisdom can help all to be more humble, patient, just, transparent, loving, forgiving and free. It’s precisely the example of lived faith needed to draw people to the Church in the year ahead.

Rejoice always!
Pray without ceasing!
In all circumstances give thanks! (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Hail Mary full of grace…

Peace in Christ,
Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen