Sundays after Pentecost

The times in the Church year between special seasons is sometimes called “Ordinary Time” because these Sundays have no seasonal names. Instead, these “extra” Sundays are designated solely by “ordinal” numbers–hence the term “ordinary.” The 20+ Sundays after Pentecost that fall in the summer months center on Christian growth and missions. Many of the readings for these Sundays are of Jesus’ teachings and parables, and of Paul’s letters to the fledgling churches.

Green is used for this time of year since it has traditionally been considered the color of life, the symbol of vegetation and growing things. Therefore, it represents our growth in faith as we follow Jesus. On the altar and pulpit paraments there is a centering cross reminding us that our life should always be centered in Christ. The style of the cross represents growth with the use of a light green (the color of new growth and regeneration) and with the extending, “growing” lines of the inner cross. Our Christian growth starts with the saving grace of Christ at the center and moves outward. This growth should first be in our personal faith through and in Christ and then in our reaching out to each other, our community, and the world in love and to “Go and tell others.” Over the cross is a representation of a grapevine and a sheath of wheat which can represent maturing in our Christian growth.  They also remind us of the many parables of Jesus that we hear read during this time of year in which he teaches that he is the vine and we are the branches that are to “bear much fruit.” He also taught that he is the “bread of life”. The grapes and wheat  remind us of the bread and wine which, through the mystery of the Eucharist, become the true Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. They also remind us of the abundance of God’s blessings.