Learn More about the Ordo here!
I have to admit, January 2024 snuck up on me. As a priest, my daily calendar follows the liturgical cycle and not just “one thing after the other.” It really is a beautiful and challenging way to live. I was remarking to someone yesterday that the Ordo (the guide or “Order” of prayer for The Liturgy of the Hours, The Mass, and other services of Divine Worship throughout the year) declares after the Solemnity of Christ the King: “The End of the Year of Grace 2023”. And right before The First Sunday of Advent it proclaims “The Beginning of The Year of Grace 2024”.
The Church year ends before the calendar runs out on December 31. We do mark the beginning of the calendar year with The Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God – complete with a solemn blessing at Mass for the New Year from the Book of Numbers – but there is something unique about the celebration of Advent and Christmas overlapping the new year. it almost creates a necessary bridge to get to the start of a new revolution around the sun. There’s a ligature of Divine assistance between Christ the King and Epiphany where one “year of Grace” joins up with another. There is never a day on earth where God doesn’t want to pour out the necessary help we need. I’m glad that the Ordo reminds me that.
It also aids me in making resolutions before January 1. While preparing for The Christmas Octave (eight days where we celebrate each day as Christmas Day), Advent gives me the opportunity to look back on the year of grace that was. How did I respond to God’s grace? Was I even aware of God’s grace at work? Did I receive the solemn blessing last year on January 1? Will I be ready to let that blessing soak into my heart and guide my actions this new year?
From there, what will that look like when I am called to a deeper discipline in prayer, in exercise, in moderation of food and other activities? How will this blessing change me and cause me to be a sign to others of God’s desire to encourage and offer grace needed for conversion of life and movement towards sanctification.
So, yep. The new calendar year really did surprise me this morning, but I’ve been thinking about this new year of grace since Advent began. Here’s to 364 opportunities to receive God’s gifts so freely poured out.