The season of Easter ended last week and now we begin the season of Ordinary Time. From the highest peak, that is, the glory of the Easter season, it is necessary to go down to the plains where we encounter Jesus in the ordinary events of our lives. We can recall the event when Jesus took Peter, James and John to a high mountain, “and he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.” It was such a beautiful and glorious experience that Peter did not want to leave that mountain anymore, prodding him to say, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (See Mt. 17, 1-8) Jesus did not accede to the request. They came down from the mountain and continued his ministry.

Easter is no doubt a beautiful and glorious season. It is tempting to bask in its glory and constantly look at the sky. We are reminded, however, of the day when Jesus ascended into heaven. While the disciples “were looking intently at the sky as [Jesus] was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky?” (See Acts 1, 1-11). It was as if they were being told, “Don’t just stand there, move! Do what you are told to do!” It is the same with us. It is necessary that, now empowered by the Holy Spirit, we journey with the people of God and help them see that even in the ordinariness of lives, God is present and alive.

Make no mistake though. Ordinary time is not called ordinary because it is common and less special. The Latin word ordinalis from which we derive the English word ‘order’ is the key to understanding the tone of the season. It refers to the ordered life of the Church – the period in which we live our lives neither in feasting (Christmas and Easter) nor in penance (Advent and Lent) but rather in doing common activities and usual routines. We recognize, however, that even in the ordinary events of our lives, God walks with us, heals us and transforms us to be his disciples. Certainly, there is nothing “less special and ordinary” about that!

Easter 2022 witnessed glorious events in our parish’s sacramental life. We had 4 individuals who went though RCIA and have fully received the Catholic faith in Easter vigil. 134 little children received Communion for the first time. 32 young adults and half of our 160 teens have already received their sacrament of Confirmation (the other half will receive theirs on the 18th). This is indeed a victorious event for the parish. Thanks to you for supporting our catechetical ministry. Know that a big part of your offerings every week goes to this ministry.

But our journey of being evangelized and evangelizers should continue. Confirmation is not a graduation. It is the beginning of a mature Christian life. I invite our first communicants to consider serving at the altar. I strongly encourage our confirmed adults to serve in any capacity here in our Church or in the parishes or campus ministries near/in your schools. You have been blessed with so much, share it. A tree does not eat its own fruits. So, “when you learn, teach; when you get, give.” (Maya Angelou)