Rector's Rambling - June 17, 2012 - In the green

“We are in the green” might sound like a proclamation that someone/something has come into money, but in the life of the Church this morning, it means we have finished the season of Eastertide and its ancillary feasts of Pentecost, Trinity and Corpus Christi, and now move headlong into the long season of Trinitytide, also known as the Ordinary Season. The color green was chosen because it represents growth and life. Each Church season has a color appointed to it: white (purity) for Christmas and Easter, red (blood & fire) for the Holy Ghost and martyrs, and purple for penance or special intercession. The green of this season is a symbolic representation of the growth in grace, and the spiritual life, that this long season represents. From now until Advent (December 2), we will be “in the green”, except for occasional special celebration. In the Prayer Book calendar there is the ability to celebrate during the ordinary season those major saints’ days on Sunday. On June 24, we will celebrate the Nativity of St. John’s the Baptist (white); and on October 28, Ss. Simon and Jude (red) because they fall on a Sunday. On September 30, we will celebrate St Michael and All Angels (white), and November 4, All Saints’ Sunday (white) even though the feast days are September 29 and November 1. These two are considered major feasts, celebrated within the Octave (8 days following) and moved to Sunday because of the importance of the Feast Days. So, as we settle (for the most part) into the green, let us make sure we are here every Sunday so we can be nourished in Word and Sacrament. After all, the green season is about growth and life; and as Jesus said, “unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood you have no life in you.” (John 6:53) Church is the only place we can be fed in this way!