In Balay Euphrasie, Davao this week we have been having conversations about Liturgy. I was reminded of how my eyes were opened to celebrating the Liturgical Season of Ordinary Time, while missioned in Senegal.
I arrived in Senegal during the dry months of June. It was the first time I saw the fascinatingly different Baobab Trees. I thought they were withering and dying initially. Yet within two weeks, after the first rain of July came, the same Baobab trees were full of life and became a gathering place for people and animals that came their way. And before the year ended, around November the trees were bursting in a celebration of colors after receiving almost 4 months of rain.
Though I could not fully grasp the daily liturgies (since they were in French), I saw the mysteries of life transforming creation. The celebration of Ordinary time became a way of appreciating the unfolding mystery of life before me, and seeing Christ present in all that is, bringing forth fullness of life within and around.
It is in the ordinary time
Where we count life
In a daily rhythm and rhyme.
When we look at the hope and promise
Of a life of love, we cannot miss,
Present and alive in all that is,
around and within us.
When we see and hear
The struggles and pain
And yet celebrations and joy
And grow into the understanding,
That all is within All.
When we get to wait, sit and be
One with all the moments
That may cease to be or
Live on in us
In our walk into eternity.
It is in the ordinary time,
Where we count life
In a daily rhythm and rhyme.
Thanks for your reflection Weeyaa – which took me back to Senegal and the Baobab trees too!
I also came across a quote today from Hans Christian Andersen, that aligns with your thoughts about ordinary time. He says: “The whole world is a series of miracles, but we’re so used to them that we call them everyday things.” In ordinary time, life/love shines through. I just need to be attentive
I love how you capture this profound reality of “ordinary time” in the first and last stanza, Weeyaa. So simple, but so profound..thank you!