Bishop’s Note: June 09, 2016 – Ordinary Time

Bishop Eric Menees

According to the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, we are in the second week after Trinity, or the third week after Pentecost using the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. Whichever calendar you use, this time, lasting the next six months, is referred to “Ordinary Time.” Essentially this is the period between Pentecost and Advent where each Sunday we examine the life of Jesus.

This past week was a terrific example of “Ordinary” in the life of Jesus, which was and is anything but ordinary in our lives. In the Old Testament lesson from Kings, we heard of how Elijah petitioned God, who raised from the dead the son of the Widow of Zarephath. In the Epistle lesson from Galatians, St. Paul reminded the Church in Galatia that the Risen Lord had met him on the road to Damascus and then, over the next three years, revealed the good news to him. And finally, in the Gospel lesson we heard how Jesus had compassion on the Widow of Nain, whose son had died. Jesus stopped the funeral procession of the widow’s son and simply said, “Young man, I say to you, arise!” (Luke 7:14) With those words, the young man sat up and was completely restored to life and health, to the fear and amazement of the people and the absolute joy of his mother.

Of course miracles are always astounding. With our limited minds we just cannot imagine how the laws of nature can be suspended for the benefit of man and the glory of God, and yet miracles happen day in and day out. Sometimes we are too myopic to see them, or we are quick to rationalize them away, but there is no doubt but that they occur daily. In my own ministry, I’ve seen healings where people on hospice care, with days to live, are completely healed, to the astonishment of the medical professionals and the joy of their families. I’ve seen people who were declared dead, suddenly and without medical explanation, come back to life. I’ve seen hundreds of people fed with a few bags of food that simply didn’t run out until the last person’s hunger was satisfied.

The question isn’t if miracles occur – they do! My prayer is that miracles will indeed become ordinary for us. That we will live our lives so in tune with the Lord and his loving power, that our eyes, minds, and hearts will be open to recognize and expect His miraculous hand acting in our lives!

I pray you all a very blessed week!

Catechism Questions: 295-297

295. What is the Fifth Commandment?

The Fifth Commandment is: “Honor your father and your mother.”

296. What does it mean to honor your father and mother?

While still a child, I should obey my parents; and I should honor, serve, respect, love, and care for them all their lives. (Proverbs 2:10; 23:22; Ephesians 6:1-4; Colossians 3:20-21)

297. How did Jesus keep the Fifth Commandment?

As a child Jesus submitted himself to Mary and Joseph, and honored his mother even as he suffered on the cross by entrusting her to his beloved disciple’s care. (Luke 2:39-52; John 19:25-27)