by the Rev. James A. Weathersby,
Isaiah 58:9b-14 Psalm 103:1-8 Hebrews 12:18-29 Luke 13:10-17
In the Christian Liturgical Calendar, there are many “high holy” days like those of other faith practices. These dates are usually in celebration of the faithful actions of believing men and women of God, whose service was more distinct, unique, or martyred. There is another season on the Christian calendar, called “Ordinary Time.” This is the longest period, between Pentecost (acknowledging the coming of the Holy Spirit) and Advent (celebrating the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ). Ordinary time seems an in-between the special-events time, where nothing significant occurs in the life of the Christian Church. However, let’s look elsewhere.
Psalm 103 begins, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy Name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” (Vs.1-2). The Psalms were meant for worship services, classroom instruction, private devotions and public outcries to God. The writers of the Psalms are kings and nobility, working class and poet laureates. The Holy Bible is a product of the Hebrew culture and utilizes their language structure, imagery and chauvinisms, endemic to any peoples. Real people wrote the Bible, for real people to read and hopefully grasp the invitation to know the same God.
The designation, Ordinary Time, could be a down time, nothing significant to recognize, no people to pattern after. Nothing really…until we read slowly Psalms 103: 1 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy Name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Don’t forget the benefits of God. This Psalm reminds the reader that God is worthy of praise (recognition, acclaim, approval) for those experiences of our past, that should inspire our thanks, our appreciation, our acknowledgment—all the time. Ordinarily, miracles bring out our sincerest vocalizations (Hallelujah). Ordinary time is a pause in between the high holy days, to relish what has already occurred in our lives. Miracles upon miracles. Life is a miracle, what greater reason for expressing our appreciation to God?
The Rev. James A. Weathersby M.Div., BCC was born in Chicago, product of a dedicated single mother and the Public-School system. He is a genetic Baptist and a historic Democrat; spirituality in his veins for generations. His family valued Education and the Black church; there are four generations of ministers in his family, serving as Pastors of congregations and Chaplains in Institutions. His Bachelors of Arts came from Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois from the Reformed Churches of America tradition. His Masters of Divinity Degree (specialty in Pastoral Care and Counseling) came from the southern Baptist Theological Seminary of Louisville Kentucky, from the Southern Baptist tradition. His professional career as a Chaplain includes serving populations in Hospitals, Hospice, both Men’s and Women’s Corrections (Death Row Chaplain) in several Midwestern states. His time in Maine has included Chaplaincy at a Youth Development Center, Pastor to an island congregation and lately, Chaplain (II) of the State Forensic and civil Psychiatric Center. He has been honored to be married for 27 years and enjoy writing, yoga, and reading.
Beauty in the Ordinary, painting by Valerie A. Clemons.
