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Minnesota Episcopal
Environmental Stewardship
Commission (MEESC)

Episcopal Church in Minnesota
Shield of Episcopal Church

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We meet quarterly close to the solstice and equinox.

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Resolutions:

Resolution on the Spirituality of Food Production

Resolution on Church Buildings and Grounds

Resolution on Creation Season
Resolution on Green Congregations

 

 

Lectionary Reflection

Year B, Epiphany 5
Episcopal (Standard) Lectionary and Revised Common Lectionary
Gospel Reading

Mark 1:29-39:

Jesus left the synagogue at Capernaum, and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, "Everyone is searching for you." He answered, "Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do." And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

 

 

Reflection on Mark 1:29-39
by the Rev Wanda Copeland

I recently read a quick summary of the New Testament that said Jesus' purpose was largely to remind people of the true nature of God. Jesus did this through teaching, healing and sharing of the gospel message (the good news). This Gospel passage is filled with the healing character of Jesus. Jesus' healing seemed so often to be focused only on the physical and spiritual healing of people, and was in sharp contrast to the rifts caused among groups of people resulting from the words Jesus spoke. However, Jesus' power of healing extended beyond just humans. It was intended for all creation. In this Jubilee year of 2000, it is a timely reminder that Jesus' acts of mercy and reconciliation were in context of the larger world in which Jesus found himself. When Jesus needed rejuvenation and solace he went to deserted places where the healing power of God's creation could replenish him. Creation's healing power can work for us also. We can be fed from its riches, filled with its power, and humbled again by its invitation to come and commune. Healing has many faces. This winter season may be a time of discovering which places feed you.

 

Printable version

 

To Reflections on other Readings for Year B, Epiphany 5:

Reflections available at the active links
Standard (Episcopal)
Lectionary
Revised Common
Lectionary
Old Testament (Hebrew Scripture) Reading:
2 Kings 4: (8-17) 18-21
(22-31) 32-37
Isaiah 40: 21-31
Psalm
Psalm 142
Psalm 147: 1-12, 21c
New Testament Lesson
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Gospel
Mark 1: 29-39
(This page)
Mark 1: 29-39
(This page)

 

The Rev Wanda Copeland has been Rector of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Elk River, MN, Assistant Priest of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, Roseville, MN, Co-chair (1997-2001) of MEESC and Chair (2001-2004) of the Episcopal Ecological Network. Wanda wrote these comments in 2000. Wanda and we welcome your comments. Please address your comments or additional reflections to Wanda Copeland or any MEESC member, or mail them to:


MEESC
c/o C. Morello
4451 Lakeside Drive
Eveleth, MN 55743-4400 USA

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