Ordinary Time is not “less holy” time

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The disciples are walking with Jesus toward Jerusalem. Jesus tells them plainly that He is going to suffer, be rejected, mocked, and killed. And right after hearing this… James and John ask for seats of honor.

But before we judge them too quickly, we should probably admit that we do the exact same thing. We love resurrection. We just do not love dying. We love Easter Sunday. We just do not love Good Friday. We want glory without sacrifice. Victory without surrender.

And that is why this Gospel hits so hard on the first return to Ordinary Time. Because Ordinary Time is where God asks: “Now that Easter is over… will you still follow Me?”

Not just when church feels powerful or prayer feels emotional. Not just during Lent or Easter. But on ordinary Wednesdays. Ordinary struggles. Ordinary responsibilities. Ordinary hidden acts of love. That is where discipleship becomes real.

Jesus says: “Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant.” And that sounds beautiful until it becomes concrete. It means forgiving first, listening when tired, showing up consistently, being patient with family, doing unseen acts of goodness, choosing humility when pride would feel better.

And I think one of the biggest temptations after powerful spiritual seasons is we wait for another “big moment” with God while ignoring the ordinary places He is already asking us to love. But Jesus did not save the world through spectacle. He saved the world through surrender. One Cross. One ultimate act of love. One faithful yes to the Father.

And maybe the challenge for us today is this: Can I follow Jesus even when life feels spiritually ordinary? Because the truth is, Ordinary Time is not “less holy” time. It is where holiness is tested. Anyone can feel inspired during Easter. But disciples are formed in consistency. In the quiet. In the routine. In the unnoticed sacrifices no one applauds. That is where saints are made. And maybe that is why the Church places this Gospel here for us today.

Right as we leave behind the intensity of Lent and Easter, He reminds us Christianity is not about chasing spiritual highs. It is about becoming people who love like Him.

The world says greatness means being served. Jesus says greatness means pouring yourself out. And the frightening thing is: deep down, we know He is right.

Prayer: Jesus, after the beauty of Lent and Easter, teach me not to lose You in the ordinary moments. When faith feels routine, help me remain faithful. When serving feels unnoticed, remind me that You see everything. Give me a heart that does not seek greatness for itself, but a heart willing to love quietly, humbly, and consistently. Teach me to follow You not only on the mountaintop, but also on the ordinary road. Amen.

– Homily by Rev Fr Patrick Agbeko