Ordinary Time

 I am now reading Mark's Gospel as it is being read every week-day during Ordinary Time. Here is a quote from Father Tom Reese, S.J. explaining Ordinary Time:

"Ordinary Time is that part of the year that is not Advent, Lent or the Christmas and Easter seasons. The term “ordinary” comes from the same Latin root as the term of ordinal numbers; the weeks in Ordinary Time, unlike those of the seasons, are simply numbered. This week is the first week of Ordinary Time, which continues till Lent and then picks up again after Pentecost.

Because Mark’s Gospel was the first one written, probably about 70 A.D., it is essential for understanding the other Gospels. Scripture scholars believe that Matthew and Luke had a copy of Mark’s Gospel on their desks as they were writing their own Gospels. They used parts of Mark’s story, editing and rearranging them, then added new material. This is why these three Gospels are referred to as the synoptic Gospels, because they include many of the same stories."