The Extraordinary Ordinary

Were you aware we are in ‘Ordinary’ time?  You might respond that, with the way the world, or even our country is at the moment, it is surely anything but ordinary!  Yet in the church year, the time between the major festivals is known as Ordinary time. 

It is a bit of a shame we associate the word ordinary with something common, yet in fact the word ordinary is derived from the Latin word ordo, from which we have the English word order.  In effect, it simply means that the life of the church is ordered – it recognises a rhythm in life.

This time of the year we are in effect, just getting on with life.  I have to say that as wonderful as Bank Holidays are, with so much going on and events to attend, it has been a quiet pleasure to simply get back to the ‘ordinary.’ 

I suppose that is like food.  I adore all kinds of food and a special meal is a real treat, but while it might be lovely to be able to eat special meals – expensive and requiring skilled cooking such as those at celebrations - eventually eating a lot of them is never going to do me much good.  They are something to be enjoyed only as a luxury.  What sustains us is food that is wholesome, and nutritious, not luxurious.

During the church year it is recognised that ordinary is in fact something to savour.  It is a time to devote ourselves to issues that require our attention, therefore we as a church want to take this opportunity to give thanks for those who stand by to look after us in times of danger on or in the sea.  Last month it was hugely important for the nation to give thanks for the ultimate sacrifice made by so many on D-Day, but every day, there are unsung heroes who stand on beaches or man lifeboats to rescue those who are in danger in or on the sea.  We think too of coastguards, fishermen and women, mariners concerned with the transport of goods and those who battle against environmental factors like plastic and pollution which threaten the precious marine ecosystem.  Therefore on Sea Sunday – 14th July, we are as a church going to hold a service on the ‘Greensward’ above Woolacombe beach to acknowledge and give thanks for those organisations and businesses involved with the sea around us.  There will be a service under the gazebo, kindly lent to us by the Parish Council for anyone, church goer or not who would like to recognise and celebrate their contribution to us all.  The service begins at 10.30am.  We would love to see you there.     

So as we accept the need for the ordinary, let us remember that Jesus spoke of himself as the ‘Bread of Life.’  A curious title, but then, bread is the most ordinary and necessary food, the entire world over.  A simple food accessed by everyone in a huge variety of forms.  A food to be shared.  Jesus as the ‘Bread of Life’ can satisfy our deepest needs and longings and give us a confidence in life to face every day, memorable or not.  Perhaps ordinary isn’t so bad after all!   

Revd Susan