Ordinary Time: The Season of Growth

The Fullness of Time

by Amy Peeler

Genres: Faith, Religion, Church, Christian Living, Christian, Theology

152 pages, Hardcover

Published January 27, 2026

About the author

Rev. Amy Peeler, Ph.D. is the Kenneth T. Wessner Chair of Biblical Studies and Professor of New Testament at Wheaton College, IL and an Associate Priest at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Geneva, IL. Peeler researches, writes, and speak on the relationship between women and men in the Christian faith, particularly through the lens of the incarnation. She received her BA in Biblical Languages from Oklahoma Baptist University, M. Div. and Ph. D. in New Testament from Princeton Theological Seminary, and served as a Senior Research Fellow with the Logos Institute at the University of St. Andrews. She is an active member of the Society of Biblical Literature, Institute for Biblical Research, and a Fellow with the Center for Pastor Theologians.

Reviews

[Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars (between okay and good)

The first half was just okay (2 stars), but in the last 3 chapters Peeler provides some interesting and insightful exposition of Genesis 18-22 on Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, and Isaac which I really appreciated. Although this was not my favorite entry in the Fullness of Time series, the series overall is quite worthwhile.

Here’s a passage I found especially good. I hope this is not an unfairly large chunk to copy into a review:

God's choice to bless Sarah is a bit unsettling. Both before and after this event she treats Hagar horribly. It does us no good to gloss over those hard truths, to try to deny them like Sarah denied her laughter. She's married to a slave owner and treats Hagar as a slave. She's caught in the matrix of a sin common to her time, and she willingly participates in it. She uses Hagar's body and then becomes jealous of the birth she orchestrates.

Shockingly, at the same time, she is a princess in God's kingdom. Sarah truly gets to live out her name. It is not just through Abraham (who himself is a mix of good and sinfully frustrating actions) but also through her that the covenant comes. She is the mother of the covenant, a distant great-grandmother (we can add many more "greats" to this) of Jesus himself. To state it bluntly, Sarah does not deserve the good she gets. If I were choosing, I'd choose someone more worthy.

This story about God miraculously and undeservedly blessing Sarah really drives home the point of Romans 5:8, the epistle reading for the same Sunday in Ordinary Time: "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." As a theological data point this sounds beautiful, and I can give my full assent. But when it becomes personalized, it gets real, and therefore I feel my resistance to it rise. Sinners like Sarah? I need to think about that a bit more to see if I approve. The more I study Old Testament exemplars of the faith, the less I like them, the more I see their warts, and the more I wonder why God chose them.

But who could God choose? There are no perfect people. Everyone has some ugliness because everyone is caught in and culpable for sin. No one is deserving of what God gives. But instead of leaving us in our mess, God comes to save us and to bless us. God begins the line of redemption instead of leaving humanity on our own, and God begins it even through people like Sarah. God is willing to show grace to her, and that teaches us that God is willing to show grace to everyone. The imago Dei, the image of God, in every single human, no matter how limited they might be, no matter how dastardly, is the perpetual reminder of God's ever-present and unconditional grace. When we face the truth that we do not deserve God's blessing and yet God gives it anyway, we can more easily celebrate and cultivate God's image deposited in all those around us, those strangers I don't know and the friends I know too well, who also unassailably bear the image of God.

[Corjan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Ordinary Time”, jaa ja…
Dit vind ik een buitengewoon passende, want indrukwekkende, afsluiting van de ‘Fullness of Time series’. Full stop. Repeat.
(Ook) Amy Peeler schrijft erg goed – openhartig en gevoelig zonder sentimenteel te worden – en behartigt de traditie waarnaar zij is overgegaan welbewust met verve en zonder (opvallende, laat staan overdreven) bekeringsijver.
Na vier mooie hoofdstukken die zijn getiteld met de steekwoorden «Green», «Bold», «Triune» en «Feast», volgt in de drie laatste nog een sterke exegese met dito toepassing van gedeelten uit Genesis 18-22.

We probably do most of our growing not in the midst of the radical but in reflection on it. [Introduction]

The doctrine of the Trinity was not invented to assuage intellectual and theological boredom but was the only fitting response to what early believers experienced of God. [3. Triune]

To trust God is to trust that God is working all things for our ultimate good. [6. Trust]

As they walk, Isaac does the cultic math and comes up short. [7. Gratitude]

[Mitchell Dugan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every book in this series seemed to have a different approach in how it engaged with the respective season at hand. Some were more explaining the historicity, while others were more focused on giving encouragement to how to live into whatever season, while others felt primarily focused on breaking down the passages of the Bible that most dealt with the particular season. That made it a little difficult to approach from book to book, as I often thought I was getting one thing but would get another.

This particular entry felt primarily for people who are well aware of ordinary time based on the insider tone it took, whether intentional or not. That being said, Peeler's brilliance as an academic mixed with her extremely pastoral voice truly shined when unpacking the texts that are typically read during Ordinary Time. On particular, her handling of the texts around Hagar and Ishmael were truly moving. Highly scholarly while simultaneously extremely pastoral and valuable for all readers. Probably a text and subsequent unpacking that I'll want to regularly return to.

[Jacob Padgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtfully beautiful

[Amy Living Well Read]

I love this Fullness of Time series edited by Esau McCaulley, and I have learned so much about the liturgical calendar through these books (my favorite so far remains Epiphany by Fleming Rutledge, but they are all excellent!).

They aren't exactly devotional reading, but I do read them as part of my morning reading along with my prayer books because they are filled with Scripture and spiritual insights.

I love this endorsement for Ordinary Time from Porter Taylor: "Peeler's reflections, rooted in Scripture, prayer, and the rhythms of the liturgical calendar, unveil the distinct beauty of this green and growing season. This book will speak to clergy and lay readers alike, whether they come from liturgical traditions or not. It is a welcome companion for the slow work of grace."

Ummm...a welcome companion for the slow work of grace?? Yes, please.

I really enjoyed this non-fiction book and learning more about this season in the church calendar.

[Kendra Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had the pleasure of hearing Amy Peeler speak a few times and as I read this book, I heard her voice clearly. She is such a joy and that came through in her writing as she explored “Ordinary Time” and how this season of the liturgical calendar directs our hearts toward God. While not strictly a devotional, the way she explores the topic leads you to participate in reflection and gratitude. This is the first book I read in the series, but now I am eager to read the rest.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Tyler Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written and offers some wonderful reflections on the select feasts and themes that comprise Ordinary Time. I especially enjoyed the three chapters dedicated to discussing the story of Abraham and his family and found those to be some of the best commentary on those stories I have ever read. Amy Peeler’s Ordinary Time was a perfect way to finish off the Fullness of Time series and was one of my favorites of these books.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: The significance of Ordinary Time within the church calendar and how it has been practiced and what it can mean for us.

“Jesus’ life would have included many ordinary days, days in which he was simply walking from one place to another.”

Amy Peeler, having visited the Holy Land, came to this realization. We tend to think of the big, redemptive events in Jesus’ life. But so much of life for him, as for us, was ordinary. There were days where Jesus, asked about what he did that day, may well have said, “Nothing.” And perhaps that is good. We need time to reflect upon the extraordinary, to allow it to work deep into the marrow of our lives.

In the development of the church’s liturgical year, the largest portion of time is apportioned to “ordinary time.” This includes the time between Epiphany and Ash Wednesday and from Pentecost to Advent. In this book, Amy Peeler explores the significance of Ordinary Time, and that it can be a different season of growth, quieter and deeper, amid the quotidian events of “normal life.” She observes that the weekly prayers (Propers) remind us of God’s provision in the challenged of life. And, positioned between the celebrations of Christ’s birth, and his death and resurrection, the lectionary frames our own progress through life within that of Christ’s.

After introducing the idea of Ordinary Time, Peeler uses seven words or phrases to capture the richness of this season.

Green. It’s the liturgical color of this season. Green signifies growth and reminds us of God’s work in us from baptism on in forming us to be more like Christ. We learn increasingly to walk in freedom rather than in slavery to sinful desires, patiently, day by day.

Bold. Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, the Visitation, falls within Ordinary Time. But what was bold about this visit? It’s not in the women’s status, which is humble. Rather it is in Mary’s “Magnificat” that boldly proclaims God’s sovereignty that topples the powerful and exalts the humble. And not only that, it is the prayer used daily in evening prayers. The church joins in the bold proclamation of the greatness of our Lord.

Triune. The first Sunday after Pentecost, the first of Ordinary Time is Trinity Sunday. The doctrine is complex. But our worship reminds us that our call is not to master this doctrine but to celebrate the Three in One. Peeler then reflects how the Ordinary Season is laced with affirmations of the being and activity of the Triune God, culminating in weekly Eucharistic prayers.

Feast. Peeler reflects on her move from Baptist to Anglican churches. Far from weekly celebrations of the Eucharist being perfunctory, she walks through the service, and describes her own awe in officiating.

Image of God. This chapter and the next two consider the Genesis accounts of Abraham. Not only do Abraham and Sarah and Hagar see God, but God sees them. He sees his chosen, created in his image. And thus, these stories challenge us to affirm God’s image in others and ourselves.

Trust. While God promises a child to Abraham and Sarah, they act in untrusting and unseemly ways with Hagar and Ishmael. Yet God works in what seems a tragic situation to teach each of them to trust him. Then Peeler invites us to consider how we are learning to trust God.

Gratitude. So, how do we come to gratitude in the test in which Abraham obeys the command of God to sacrifice Isaac, only for God to restrain him and direct him to a ram? For Peeler, the answer is in how it previews the work of Christ. God does what he prevents Abraham from doing. While that is indeed cause for thanksgiving, I wonder about other elements of Peeler’s account. At very least, there is a question of whether Isaac returned with Abraham and his servants. Genesis 22:19 mentions only Abraham returning to the servants. In Genesis 24:62, he is living in the Negev, separate from Abraham. I still wonder if Isaac was the willing victim, or whether there was a struggle. The text is silent, but I note that afterwards, Isaac separates from Abraham.

Peeler concludes with Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday before Advent. The feast reminds us, amidst the kingdoms of the world, of Christ’s coming rule, toward which we live every day.

This book is a marvelous guide to Ordinary Time. It is not time when nothing is happening, where we mark the days until Advent or Lent. Rather it is the time we grow quietly in our identity as God’s image bearers. It is a time to grow more like Christ in trust and thanksgiving as we regularly partake of Christ. We learn to see the Trinity woven through the church’s life and to boldly hope and witness to the work of the sovereign King.

_____________

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed in this volume of the Fullness of Time series. It is not the weakest link in the series, but nowhere close to the best, either. It has some really good parts, though, so I will keep it for future reference. Whether or not I will read the entire book again (for the record, I still think Advent: The Season of Hope, by Tish Harrison Warren is, by far, the strongest volume in the series) remains to be seen.

I'll start with what I liked. The opening chapter, or introduction, on the season of Ordinary time was really good. The author encourages us to embrace the ordinary, because it is in those times that we can better reflect on what God does in extraordinary times. She speculates on those "ordinary" times of Jesus's, such as the hours that He spent walking from place to place, times that Scripture does not record for us. "It is during the ordinary times that we are given space for reflection, and through it, space to grow. We probably do most of our growing not in the midst of the radical but in reflection on it." The author references another book by Ms. Warren, Liturgy of the Ordinary, which is also a very good book on this subject.

The author is part of a tradition that actually observes two periods of Ordinary Time, the season from Epiphany to Lent, and the season from Pentecost to Advent. My particular church considers the first to be all part of Epiphany, and only observes Ordinary Time from Pentecost to Advent.

The color of Ordinary Time is green. There's a chapter on that that talks about us being clothed in Christ at our baptism. There is an interesting discussion about plants and leaves and about how green isn't their normal color. I won't go into the science of that, here.

There is a good chapter on the Trinity, because Ordinary Time typically begins on Trinity Sunday. Interestingly, some church leaders resisted having a special Sunday for the Trinity, since we proclaim that truth weekly. I'm in agreement with the author, though, in believing that it is good to have a specific Sunday set aside for that purpose. I also learned something in the next chapter, called "Feast," that describes a specific day set aside to celebrate Communion, a day known as "Corpus Christi," that is set as the first Thursday after Trinity Sunday. My particular church, as far as I know, does not observe this. I've never heard it mentioned, that I can recall.

And the chapters on "Trust" and "Gratitude" are outstanding. "Trust" deals with Hagar and Ishmael and Sarah, and how, first, Abraham trusted that God would take care of his firstborn, and how Hagar and Ishmael cried out to God when things got desperate. The chapter on "Gratitude" deals with Abraham's trust in God when he was told to sacrifice his miracle son. For me, the climax of the whole book comes on page 110, when the author writes, "Where do you need to trust God? Where do you need to give something up, to trust that what God has given you is enough, even if it seems like someone else has more? Where do you need to trust that God can love those you love even better than you can, that you need not be a savior to them but direct them to the Savior?"

Now for what I didn't like. The second chapter nearly gets bogged down in totally pointless speculation as to when certain events occurred, such as Mary's visit to Elizabeth and so on. For me, it's a foregone conclusion that Christ was not born on December 25, and to put too much emphasis on when the Church celebrates other events, based on that, gets rather tedious. For example, the Church celebrates the Annunciation on March 25, which is, of course exactly nine months before Christmas. The author makes a big deal out of the Church honoring God's "perfections" by doing it this way. I'm really not sure what she means by that.

There is also a lot of assumption that all churches observe these days and events in the same way. And it could be that I belong to the "one-off" church that does things a little differently. I don't know, I've only been Lutheran for a few years. But there are lengthy descriptions of exactly what is prayed and done in certain orders, and this just didn't resonate with me at all.

One thing that the author wrote at the beginning of the "Trust" chapter that puzzled me a bit. She writes, "If the call of the church during Ordinary Time is to grow in faith, then that begins with seeing God and acknowledging that God sees you." I feel like there has to be a better way to say this, because no one "sees" God.

Again, there were some parts of this book that I did really like. I was practically in tears by the end of the "Gratitude" chapter. I would cautiously recommend this book to anyone interested in the various aspects of the Church Year. I recommend the entire series (except for the book on Pentecost, which I didn't like at all) for the same purpose.

[Xavier Tan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is currently Ordinary Time, the part of the Christian liturgical calendar I must admit I often find dull or boring. But Amy Peeler has done an amazing job explaining the beauty of this season of green in this devotional (though the series editor does not think the books in this series are devotionals, but rather, "are theological and spiritual reflections"). Ordinary Time is the season of growth, "the time in which the good of God's creation grows into greater maturity in Christ." (p 26) At the same time, the length of the season instils patience and hope – "Just as it takes time for plants to grow and change, God's work on a corrupted and willful creation takes a long time. It takes patience to yield as God molds us more fully into the image of Christ." (p 28)

Peeler next meditates on the Feast of the Visitation (31 May), which falls in the middle of Ordinary Time, where the Church remembers Mary's visit to Elizabeth in Luke 1:39-56 and the Magnificat. Peeler reflects on how "By exalting the humble and dismantling pride by the revelation of Jesus Christ, God is magnificent" (p 39), and how "something ordinary, the ordinariness of women talking, transforms into something extraordinary because they are talking about God's work in Jesus Christ." (p 40)

Given that Ordinary Time begins with Trinity Sunday and the weeks of the season are referred to as 'X weeks after Trinity' (at least, in the Anglican, Methodist, and Lutheran liturgical calendar; I think Roman Catholics count Ordinary Time differently), Peeler next reflects on the Trinity. She observes how "Ordinary Time repeatedly gives worshippers opportunity not only to learn about and mentally assent to, but also to confess the triunity of God" (p 47), from joining the cherubim and seraphim's "Holy, Holy, Holy" to acknowledging that it is only by God's triune power that we can "continually be given to good works" and "love what [God] command[s]" (collects for the 17th and 14th Sunday after Trinity), and much more that I am unable to summarise here without diminishing the beauty of Peeler's thought and prose.

Peeler also touches on the liturgy of the Lord's Supper, remembering that Christ gives Himself as a gift in the Eucharist (pp 57-60) and, as she observes the breaking of the host – mourning the division of the Church as an effect of sin, yet such sin and death is defeated through Christ's death (pp 68-71). As one goes forward to receive the Eucharist, kneeling before the cross, they go "Just As I Am" – honest of their need for God and into God's grace and open arms (pp 71-74).

The readings in Ordinary Time include the calling and family of Abraham, and Peeler comments on these passages as she sees how God meeting Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Ishmael, and Isaac "in the mundane events of life" similarly show how "God meets all of us, both subtly and shockingly, and asks for our faith." (p 81) She traces Abraham's call (Gen 12), his hospitality of God (Gen 18), God's promise to him and Sarah, Sarah's driving of Hagar and Ishmael out and God's calling and seeing them (Gen 21), and the binding of Isaac (Gen 22). As she comments on the narratives, she points to God's faithfulness, His promise, and the right response of gratitude – both for the sign in Abraham's life, "previewed in Genesis", and the reality, "accomplished in Christ" (p 127).

Peeler concludes where Ordinary Time concludes – Christ the King. As Ordinary Time draws to a close, the focus shifts from the here and now to the future, as the Church proclaims Christ's sceptre and throne with triumphant hymns. Against the vitriol of the world, from wars to politics and division, the Church proclaims Christ as the true King, both "King of glory now" and the hope that some day, "all wreaths of empire [will] meet upon his brow." (p 133) And with that, we move into Advent – a season of hope and confession that Christ has conquered, amidst the groaning and the waiting (p 134).

A beautiful, hopeful read. Highly recommended.

Ordinary Time releases on 27 January 2026. I am grateful to Netgalley for an advance copy.

[Lghiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fullness of Time series discusses the “riches of the church year, exploring the traditions, prayers, Scriptures, and rituals of the seasons of the church calendar”: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. Outside of these specials seasons are more days—a period between Epiphany and Ash Wednesday and another between Pentecost and Advent. This season is called Ordinary Time and is a season of growth. How do these days fit into the life of a Christian? According to Amy Peeler, an Episcopal priest and professor at Wheaton College, “Being grateful for what God has done—previewed in Genesis and accomplished in Christ—is a necessary step toward daily faithfulness. That daily faithfulness is when trust, even in the face of death, becomes our new ordinary.”

The first half of the book deals with many of the common practices of worship in traditional liturgical churches. Especially meaningful is her in-depth discussion of the Lord’s Supper. The Book of Common Prayer holds many declarations and prayers used to proclaim God’s grace and our unworthiness as we join together as children of God to remember his sacrifice with the bread (His body) and the wine (His blood) as he instructed his followers to do when they gathered.

The second half of the book starts at the beginning of Genesis with the story of Abraham and Sarah and how they grow in faith by seeing God and acknowledging that God sees them, which leads them to trust God. Next is the story of Hagar, a slave, and her son by Abraham who was named Ishmael. There are many lessons about trust, which leads to gratitude, in their story. During Ordinary Time, as in the other seasons, the Scripture readings, prayers, and hymns are all chosen to reflect the theme and, of course, to point to the Trinity: God, the Father; Jesus, the Son; and the Holy Spirit.

Although short, Ordinary Time is not a book you will want to rush through. Its topics are practical, but the discussion reaches deeply into areas that could become perfunctory, but shouldn’t. I appreciated its accessibility while, at the same time, it went deeper, theologically speaking, than is normally expected from a brief book.

[Michele Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Peeler reports, “I have now been trained to see the blessed opportunities for growth in the gift of every normal day. I have learned that this season is not without the excitement of change, but that it is of a different kind, a slow but enduring kind of transformation. That kind of transformation is deeply, if not dramatically, exciting.”

Easter, Pentecost, Advent, and Christmas all have their unique focus, and they carry us forward like beckoning signposts. Then, during Ordinary Time, we are free to lean into the mundane rhythms of growth, to thank God for the promise, mercy, forgiveness, and welcome of the gospel.

In seven chapters, this little book introduces the key motifs of the season and explores several of the biblical readings from this time of the church year. I was especially encouraged by Peeler’s retelling of Abraham’s story in context with the entirety of Scripture. When God tested him, he knew that Abraham’s faith was “not blind; it was based on many miraculous interventions in his life before this moment.” My small response, then, becomes a daily faithfulness, a pressing in to this season of growth, knowing that even in the face of death, God will show up with power and provision.

[Kira · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have loved learning and starting to live the liturgical year- but this book was a miss for me.

The book is described as “ecumenical” but it references the Book of Common prayer so often that between that and the female “priest” it felt really removed from anything familiar to me or desirable to me to read. There are quite a few woke segments in the book, starting with mention of Juneteenth along with Independence Day, a struggle session about slavery (in relation to Hagar) and mentions of Covid along with a few other asides. I just roll my eyes- they’re not necessary inclusions but what else can you expect from this… segment of the church.

Ultimately this feels scattered and disordered. It’s more like a series of reflections than any celebration or description of ordinary time.

Not a fan. Truthfully if I had known the author was Anglican I would have saved myself some time- we do not agree on too much for me to have really enjoyed this book as written.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect from this final book in the Fullness of Time series. Ordinary Time is the longest liturgical season and yet the least celebrated. Peeler writes about how her selection of themes and topics from this expansive season were selective, with a goal of "encouraging and empowering" those of us living through many ordinary days and seasons. She mines the depths of liturgy to give insight into how to approach these days. My favorite chapters were three where she reflected on readings from the lectionary cycle that focus on Abraham and his family. Ordinary is often complicated, but she reminds us that these days train us "in the ways of trust and gratitude." A fitting end to an excellent series.

Review based on a DRC from NetGalley.

[David Blankenship · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure what to make of this one. The first half explores some of the themes of ordinary time (the half of the year between Pentecost and Advent), while the second half seems to be a completely different book, a long meditation on the life of Abraham. I'm sure in the author's mind the second part (the story of the crazy life of Abraham's desire to live by faith) helps explain what it means to be living in ordinary time, but on the whole this book just didn't quite come together for me.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am glad I read this, both because I have read all of the other volumes in the series, but also because I have never read anything specifically written about ordinary time. I especially liked the Genesis part, delving deeply into Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Ismael and Isaac. I'm not Anglican, and my church doesn't take communion every week, so the singular Anglican perspective wasn't quite as beneficial.

[Ryan Turnbull · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was disappointed with this one. There’s a lot of great stuff to explore in the concept of ordinary time but it felt like this book simply lacked a thesis. Perhaps helpful for Christians who’ve never ever encountered the liturgical calendar before, but even still, it’s more of a variety-show bundle of disconnected reflections than a proper introduction.

[Kara Koester · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not growing up in a liturgical church,I've been making my way through The Fullness of Time series to better understand the church year. Ordinary Time is the longest season of the calendar. Peeler explains what to focus on when we aren't immersed in the anticipation of Advent or the lament of Eastertide.

[Kacey/Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ordinary time is a time during the church calendar that gives us time to reflect of the normalities of day to day life. This book brings us to an understanding of how important this time is. Highly recommend.

[Justin Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

The latter chapters of this book were excellent, and Peeler was at her best on the small number of pages written more like a sermon than an essay. I’m glad to have finally completed this final book in the series that often left me wanting more primary source and less commentary.

[Riley Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous read that helped me appreciate the ordinary in ordinary time even more!

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been excited to read this final book in the Fullness of Time series, especially from this author. As someone with interest but not experience in more liturgical traditions, I have appreciated how this series introduces the reader to the concepts of each season. (Emilio Álvarez's Pentecost book was especially helpful at showing how various traditions celebrate the season.) These books have sat in a good place–neither liturgical handbook nor quite devotional meditation.

Each author in this series has made different choices in how to outline the chapters. Ordinary Time is especially tricky, because it seems like the absence of a season. The first four chapters highlighted seasonal themes (Green, Bold, Triune, and Feast), then the final three chapters followed the Scripture readings about Abraham to highlight growth in three areas (Image of God, Trust, and Gratitude.)

I felt that the final three chapters were the weakest point. Peeler didn't explain why she selected the three Abraham stories from the many options during Ordinary Time. It's hard to see Abraham's life as an example of ordinary—Abraham and Sarah certainly had long stretches where they learned to trust God, but the highlighted stories focus on when exciting things happened in the narrative.

The introduction (The Ordinary Season) and conclusion (Christ the King) were the strongest points. Although the term “ordinary time” is relatively recent, its origin comes from the ordinal numbers of the weekly Proper prayers. These prayers are trinitarian and focus on how we can live faithfully in the ordinary.

**received early access via NetGalley from the publisher**