Ordinary time

Simple manger

With the very busy weekend over, our tempo forte comes to an end. That means the time of intense spiritual and liturgical activities ... being Christmas season. The past 2 days saw Epiphany followed by the Baptism of Christ back-to-back celebrations. It's the shortest Christmas season we've ever had. Advent week 4 was only one Sunday because immediately after that was Christmas Day. A whole week of Advent was skipped. Now the week between Epiphany and Baptism was also skipped as both feasts followed each other. 

Our simple manger and Infant Jesus was removed last night as we suddenly enter Ordinary Time in our liturgical calendar. Because of the tragedy around us, all the churches in the Holy Land have decided not to celebrate Christmas with the usual festivities and mangers. Ours was simply the Infant Jesus on top of our Tabernacle. Nothing fanciful.

The weather has been very cold and damp, though not a drop of rain fell. Let's hope we won't face another drought year. This time of weather affects my joints ... like all old people. My right knee that was swollen for the past 4 days is much better now. I am able to walk without the stick. But climbing stairs is still difficult. What a way to start the new year.