Minnesota Episcopal
Environmental Stewardship
Commission (MEESC)

In 1996, starting with Lectionary Year B, the MEESC launched a multi-year project to complete reflections and comments on the earth-centered aspects of the Lectionary readings. Work on filling the gaps for Holy Days will be undertaken each time we approach specific Holy Days; however, input is accepted at any time. If you would like to contribute, please see the directions at the end of this page.

St. Andrew (November 30):

• Old Testament Reading (Hebrew Scripture): Deuteronomy 30: 11-14
• Psalm 19: 1-6
• New Testament Reading: Romans 10: 8b-18
• Gospel: Matthew 4:18-22

Holy Name of Jesus (January 1):

• General Reflections
• Old Testament Reading (Hebrew Scripture): Exodus 34:1-8
• Psalm 8
• New Testament Reading: Romans 1:1-7 or Philippians 2:9-13 [Year A only]
• Gospel: Luke 2:15-21

The Transfiguration (August 6):

• General Reflections
• Old Testament Reading (Hebrew Scripture): Exodus 34:1-8
• Psalm 99 
• New Testament Reading: 2 Peter 1: 13-21 
• Gospel: Luke 9:28-36

As we receive reflections and comments on a specific Holy Day, we will add them to this listing. If you would like to contribute, please see the directions at the end of this page.

Christmas Day
 

First Sunday after Christmas

• Sermon for this Sunday (based on Gospel)
• Old Testament Reading (Hebrew Scripture): Isaiah 61: 10 - 62:3
• Psalm 147
• New Testament Reading: Galatians 3:23-25; 4: 4-7
• Gospel: John 1:1-18

Second Sunday after Christmas

• Sermon for this Sunday
• Old Testament Reading (Hebrew Scripture): Jeremiah 31: 7-14
• Psalm 84
• New Testament Reading: Ephesians 1:3-6; 15-19a
• Gospel: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

The Epiphany (Jan 6)

• Old Testament Reading (Hebrew Scripture): Isaiah 60:1-6, 9
• Psalm 72
• New Testament Reading: Ephesians 3: 1-12 
• Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

Ash Wednesday

• Old Testament Reading (Hebrew Scripture): Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
• Psalm 103.
• New Testament Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:20b - 6:10.
• Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-20

Maundy Thursday

• Old Testament Reading (Hebrew Scripture): Exodus 12:1-14a
• Psalm 78:14-20, 23-25
• New Testament Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26(27-32)
• Gospel: John 13:1-15 or Luke 22:14-30

Good Friday

• Old Testament Reading (Hebrew Scripture): Isaiah 52:13-53:12 or Genesis 22:1-18 or Wisdom 2:1,12-24
• Psalm 22:1-21 or 22:1-11 or 40:1-14 or 69:1-23
• New Testament Reading: Hebrews 10:1-25
• Gospel: John (18:1-40) 19:1-37

Holy Saturday

• Meditation on Holy Saturday readings
• Old Testament Reading (Hebrew Scripture): Job 14:1-14
• Psalm 130 or 31:1-5
• New Testament Reading: 1 Peter 4:1-8
• Gospel: Matthew 27:57-66 or John 19:38-42

Easter Sunday

• General Easter Reflection from the Series Earth Bound
• General Reflection on Easter
• General Reflection on the Easter Lectionary Readings

First Service of Easter

• New Testament Reading: Romans 6:3-11
• Psalm 114
• Gospel: Matthew 28:1-10

Primary Service of Easter

• First Reading: Acts 10:34-43 or Isaiah 51:9-11
• Psalm 118:14-29 or 118:14-17, 22-24
• Second Reading:  Colossians 3:1-4 or Acts 10:34-43
• Gospel:  Luke 24:1-10

• Old Testament (Hebrew Scripture) Readings

• Psalm 104:25-37 or 33:12-15, 18-22
• New Testament Reading: Acts 2:1-11 or 1 Corinthians 12:4-13
• Gospel: John 20:19-23 [reflection on John 20:19-31 available.]  or John 14:8-17