The Christmas/New Year/Epiphany cycle has ended. With the Baptism of Jesus by John at the Jordan we have entered into what the Liturgical Cycle calls "Ordinary Time." This is the time which celebrates the beginning of Christ's mission, His call of His disciples and the unfolding of His message of Peace. Throughout this cycle, we will recall Christ's many miracles, and how He touched the lives and hearts of all those He met. All of this leads up to the Season of Lent and the celebration of the Paschal Mystery of our Redemption. There is nothing "ordinary" about this.
Every year we remember this mission in Scripture, in Liturgy, and in Prayer. Every year we renew our journey of faith, our commitment to this mission and proclaim our belief in Him. This year is no different.
But just as we begin this journey, the Gospel makes an about-face and we are presented with a passage that recounts an event from His Infancy. Today we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and we hear yet another proclamation of who this child is and what he is meant to become. Simeon proclaims that Christ is the true light of the world, the light of revelation.
After all these centuries since that child of Mary and Joseph met Simeon and Anna, we still find it very difficult to find light amid the darkness. We have been chastened by violence in the world and infidelity in the Church. This is a society that needs Christ. This is a society that needs to experience the light of revelation.
The Scriptures and Liturgies of "Ordinary Time" remind us that this year should again be a time when we are seized by God, anointed by the Spirit, declared to be His beloved - to be light - to bring justice - to heal the bruised - to help keep flickering lights from going out.
It is easy to talk about Jesus. But it seems the more we talk about Jesus, the less time we have to do what he said. We are not merely passive observers as Jesus begins His journey. We are not just listening to a good story. We are called to be disciples, followers, imitators - seeking opportunities each day to be light-bearers, to heal the wounded, to act against injustice, to use our power to set others free and to be - at all times and in all circumstances - peace-makers.
Ministry, at its deepest level, means "to be present" to others, not just "serving others" but caring for others enough that we are willing to become one with them and to find our purpose among them. We can only find our purpose in our love of God and neighbor, and our actions of mercy and justice.
Our God is overwhelming in His generosity, rich in His mercy and faithful to His promises. The Child of Hope is just as young and bright-eyed as he was on that first visit to the temple. And now is the time for us to unify and strengthen community. Now is the time for forgiveness, renewal and celebration. Now is the time to let our voices be heard over the drums of war and the culture of division and death.
