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GREEN POINTERS FOR PREACHERSEcological Notes to the Common Worship Lectionary - by Keith Innes
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Advent 1 Sunday | |
Year A (Sun 28 Nov 2004) Isaiah 2:1-5 Psalm 122 Romans 13:11-14 Matthew 24:36-44 |
Agriculture (not warfare) is the vocation of
humans on earth under the Kingdom of God (Isaiah 2:4). The nurture and
cultivation (not the abuse and pollution) of the land is one of our
highest callings. We are not called upon to attempt to live a purely
'spiritual', non-physical life. The 'flesh' (Romans 13:14) that we are
to deny is not the body but a debased humanity centred on ourselves
rather than the Lord. To be ready for the coming of the Son of Man (Matthew
24:44) means to be found living on earth according to God's Word (Isaiah
2:3). |
Year B (Sun 27 Nov 2005) Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-7, [16-18] I Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37 |
The coming of Christ in glory will mark the
end of the world as we know it. We shall then have to give account of
the way we have discharged the responsibilities entrusted to us (Mark
13:34), and the uses we have made, in our life on earth, of the spiritual
gifts we have received (I Corinthians 1:7). The scope of such stewardship
includes our behaviour towards the earth and living species. |
Year C (Sun 30 Nov 2003) Jeremiah 33:14-16 Psalm 25:1-10 I Thessalonians 3:9-13 Luke 21:25-36 |
The coming of Christ in glory will mark the end of the world as we know it (Luke 21:33). It will be preceded by cosmic upheavals (25-26). To prepare for that day means being alert and prayerful (36). Our aim should not be ethereal detachment, but faithful stewardship of all that sustains our earthly life. |
Advent 2 Sunday | |
Year A (Sun 5 Dec 2004) Advent 2 Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 Romans 15:4-13 Matthew 3:1-12 |
In the description of the Kingdom of God (Isaiah
11:1-10, cf. Psalm 72) cosmic harmony, moral righteousness and social
justice are all facets of the good reign of God's Messiah. This Kingdom,
brought by Jesus, is to be completed at his return in glory. They are
marks of his presence. Therefore they are all equally marks of the Church's
Mission. The uncompromising, 'judgmental' aspect of agriculture speaks of God's judgment, while garnering the goodness speaks of God's saving power for those who repent (Matthew 3:10). |
Year B (Sun 4 Dec 2005) Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm 85:1-2,8-13 2 Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8 |
Isaiah 40:1-11: The people of the Old Testament
lived in the consciousness of being in the presence of the created world.
Hills and valleys symbolised obstacles to God's saving power. Tender
grass and flowers convey human frailty; gentle shepherding, God's tender
love. Psalm 85: a fruitful, prosperous land is part of the goodness
that God wills to give, along with spiritual and moral blessings. 2 Peter 3:8-15a: We should observe the balance between destruction (discontinuity) and purification (continuity) in the apocalyptic prospect. Mark 1:6: The outcome of God's final purposes is renewal and righteousness. John the Baptist left one of the slightest environmental footprints in Scripture. We are not all called to emulate his extreme asceticism, but his simplicity does challenge our greedy and consumptive lifestyle. |
Year C (Sun 7 Dec 2003) Baruch 5:1-9 or Malachi 3:1-4 Benedictus Philippians 1:3-11 Luke 3:1-6 |
To live the new life, ready for the new heavens and earth, is God's gift which requires our co-operation in faith and repentance, as we live in his glory on earth. |
Advent Sunday 3 | |
Year A (Sun 12 Dec 2004) Advent 3 Isaiah 35:1-10 Psalm 146:4-9 or Magnificat James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11 |
Isaiah 35:1-10: The saving power of God, here
described in terms of the return of the exiles from Babylon, embraces
the perfection of nature, the healing of people, and universal redemption. Psalm 146:5-10: The Psalms repeatedly acknowledge that the God of creation is identical with the God of salvation. James 5:7-10: The patience required by agriculture is a model of the patience required for awaiting the Lord's coming. Matthew 11:2-11: The mighty works of healing and salvation, performed by Christ, are signs of the Messiah, and thus foretastes of the final consummation. |
Year B (Sun 11 Dec 2005) Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Psalm 126 or Magnificat I Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8, 19-28 |
The fertile land (Isaiah 61:11) is an image
of God's saving, joy-giving power (cf. Psalm 126:4-6). The body as well
as the spirit and soul is a recipient of God's grace, protection and
sanctifying power (I Thessalonians 5:23). The wilderness in the Old
Testament is the place of transition, from slavery to freedom in the
promised land. This theme is appropriated in the New Testament: preparation
for the coming of salvation takes place in the desert (John 1:23). |
Year C (Sun 14 Dec 2003) Zephaniah 3:14-20 Isaiah 12:2-6 (Canticle) or Psalm 146:4-9 Philippians 4:4-7 Luke 3:7-18 |
Zephaniah 3:14-20 (cf. Isaiah 12:2-6): The
images of God's saving, life-giving power in the Old Testament assume
a fertile, healthy soil as well as deliverance from enemies. Philippians 4:4-7: Gentleness (5) should be extended to animals and the rest of God's creation, and not only to people. Luke 3:7-18: The number of images from nature here is worthy of note. The world of nature gives constant messages about the spiritual aspect of life, to those whose minds are attuned by the Word of God. |
Advent Sunday 4 | |
Year A (Sun 19 Dec 2004) Advent 4 Year A Isaiah 7:10-16 Psalm 80:1-7, [16-18] Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-25 Year B Year C |
Because the Son of God is also the descendant
of King David, born of Mary, rooted in our space and time, his salvation
is for now as well as for all eternity. He has touched our world so
that it can never be the same again. The creation has an added sacredness
because his divine presence has been here, and is still here through
the Spirit. By his offering of himself we are brought near to God and
enabled to serve him. |
Year B (Sun 18 Dec 2005) 2 Samuel 7:1-11,16 Magnificat or Psalm 89:1-4,19-26 (or 1-8) Romans 16:25-27 Luke 1:26-38 |
As above |
Year C (Sun 21 Dec 2003) Micah 5:2-5a Magnificat or Psalm 80:1-7 Hebrews 10:5-10 Luke 1:39-45, [46-55] |
As above |
Christmas 24-25 December | |
I Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-14, [15-20] |
The grace of God which has appeared to us in Jesus (Titus 2:11) brings the light of salvation (Isaiah 9:2) not only to people, but to the whole earth community (Psalm 96). Through his birth heaven and earth are reconciled, and the earth is involved in the worship of heaven (Luke 2:13-14). |
II Isaiah 62:6-12 Psalm 97 Titus 3:4-7 Luke 2:[1-7,] 8 20 |
In Christ the true New Age has dawned. The Son of God was wrapped in earthly cloth, was laid in a wooden manger, and breathed earthly air and in his coming God's goodness and loving kindness were revealed. |
III Isaiah 52:7-10 Psalm 98 Hebrews 1:1-4, [5-12] John 1:1-14 |
Hebrews 1:1-12 contains one of the most powerful
statements of Christ's rôle in creating and sustaining the universe.
The Incarnation can be seen as the central point and focus of Christ's
relation to creation at all times and places (John 1:1 14). In some
sense he is accessible to all who are open to God with humility and
trust, but the full truth and power of salvation, and the full light
of revelation, are given only to those who know and respond to the Gospel.
The fact that in Christ God breathed earthly air, consumed earthly food and drink, and became part of the ecosystem, has changed for all eternity the relation of earth to its Creator. Many well known carols have an earthy and wholistic feel to them which is lacking in many other hymns. |
First Sunday after Christmas | |
Year A (Sun 26 Dec 2004) Year A Isaiah 63:7-9 Psalm 148:[1-6,] 7-14 Hebrews 2:10-18 Matthew 2:13-23 |
Psalm 148: The whole universe is designed for
God's praise (Hebrews 2:10). While humans praise him rationally and
consciously, other sentient beings and inanimate objects praise him
purely by being themselves. Matthew 2:13-23: This actual earth with
its horrors and injustices is the object of God's love, saving power
and compassion. |
Year B (Sun 25 Dec 2005) Year B Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Psalm 148:[1-6,] 7-14 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:15-21 |
Psalm 148: The whole universe is designed for
God's praise. While humans praise him rationally and consciously, other
sentient beings and inanimate objects praise him purely by being themselves. Isaiah 61:11: The fruitfulness of the land is a model for the right and praiseworthy situations that God is always working to produce. Galatians 4:4-7: As God's children, adopted through Christ, we can be utterly at home in the earth that he has made. |
Year C (Sun 28 Dec 2003) Year C I Samuel 2:18-20,26 Psalm 148:[1-6,] 7-14 Colossians 3:12-17 Luke 2:41-52 |
The grace is God is played out in the ordinary
but wonderful processes of birth, nurture and growth, and in God ordained
human relationship, and not by escaping into a private 'spiritual' realm. Psalm 148: The whole universe is designed for God's praise. While humans praise him rationally and consciously, other sentient beings and inanimate objects praise him purely by being themselves. |
Epiphany | |
Year B (Mon 6 Jan 2003) Readings can be used also on Sun 5 Jan 2003 Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72:[1-9,] 10-15 Ephesians 3:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12 |
The new revelation in the Good News of Jesus is that God's blessings are for all races, cultures and nations, not just for Jews, or just for those at home in church culture, or just those of one colour or race. The temporary and appalling reign of Nazism in Germany, with its appeal to blood and soil, was a perversion of ecology through unqualified nationalism. |
First Sunday
after Epiphany First Sunday in Ordinary Time Sunday between 7 and 13 Jan Baptism of Christ |
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Year A (Sun 9 Jan 05) Isaiah 42:1-9 Psalm 29 Acts 10:34-43 Matthew 3:13-17 |
Isaiah 42:1-9: God the Creator is also God the
Saviour, sending his Servant to redeem the world. Psalm 29: The God of the thunder and lightning gives strength and prosperity to his people. Matthew 3:13-17: God chooses baptism in water as the setting for his owning of Jesus, and the sending of his Spirit to equip him for his saving work. The spiritual life is not separate from the physical, but is a dimension of it. |
Year B (Sun 12 Jan 03) Year B Genesis 1:1-5 Psalm 29 Acts 19:1-7 Mark 1:4-11 |
Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7: God who orders
creation also gives new life in Christ through the Holy Spirit. Psalm 29: The God of the thunder and lightning gives strength and prosperity to his people. Mark 1:4-11: God chooses baptism in water as the setting for his owning of Jesus, and the sending of his Spirit to equip him for his saving work. The spiritual life is not separate from the physical, but is a dimension of it. Through his saving work in Christ, heaven is opened to earth. |
Year C (Sun 11 Jan 04) Isaiah 43:1-7 Psalm 29 Acts 8:14-17 Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 |
Isaiah 43:1-7: The Creator and the Redeemer are
one. Psalm 29: The God of the thunder and lightning gives strength and
prosperity to his people. Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22: The sacramental use of parts of creation, such as the water of baptism, demonstrates that the physical and the spiritual are linked and mutually illuminating. |
Second Sunday after Epiphany Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Sunday between 14 and 20 Jan |
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Year A
(Sun 16 Jan 05) Isaiah 49:1-7 Psalm 40:1-11 I Corinthians 1:1-9 John 1:29-42 |
Reflection on the global dimensions of God's
mission (Isaiah 49:6, cf. I Corinthians 1:2) should not be divorced
in our day from attention to the threats and degradation suffered by
the natural world. These have human, ecological and aesthetic implications.
The whole earth community is involved in the consequences of human sin,
and included in the work of salvation. |
Year B (Sun 19 Jan 03) I Samuel 3:1-10, [11-20] Psalm 139:1-5,12-17 (or 1-9) Revelation 5:1-10 John 1:43-51 |
God's total knowledge of us, even his direction of our pre natal development (Psalm 139), implies a similar divine knowledge and direction of the whole created order. Christ, Son of God and Son of Man (John 1:45-51) shares with the Father the divine knowledge and direction of all things, including the creation and redemption of the world (Revelation 5:1-10). |
Year C (Sun 18 Jan 04) Isaiah 62:1-5 Psalm 36:5-10 I Corinthians 12:1-11 John 2:1-11 |
The fortunes of the land cannot be separated from those of its inhabitants (Isaiah 62:4). The natural creation provides imagery for thinking about God (Psalm 36:5-9) and his saving power extends to animals as well as people (Psalm 36:6). The 'nature miracles' such as the transformation of water into wine (John 2:1-11) may be seen as intensifications of Christ's work in creation to meet our needs and those of his other creatures. They are also symbolic of Christ's gift of new life, and signs of his Kingdom. |
Third Sunday after Epiphany Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Sunday between 21 and 27 Jan |
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Year A (Sun 23 Jan 05) Year A Isaiah 9:1-4 Psalm 27:1, [2-4,] 5-13 I Corinthians 1:10-18 Matthew 4:12-23 |
The transforming power of the Gospel, which
forms a connecting thread through these readings, includes the power
to transform our effects on the natural world, directing our impact
on it into harmonious and life enhancing ways. |
Year B (Sun 22 Jan 06) Genesis 14:17-20 Psalm 128 Revelation 19:6-10 John 2:1-11 |
Genesis 14:19-20 is perhaps the most ancient passage coupling creation and salvation as the work of the same God Most High. These two themes are woven together, never long separated, throughout the whole Bible. In Psalm 128 is a picture of shalom, the full orbed happiness and prosperity which is the consequence of God's blessing. In the miracle at Cana (John 2:1-11) Christ's creative, divine power in nature is intensified, and the 'marriage supper of the Lamb' (Revelation 19:9) which is the consummation of salvation, is foreshadowed. |
Year C (Sun 25 Jan 04) Nehemiah 8:1-3,5 6,8-10 Psalm 19:1-6, {7-14] I Corinthians 12:12-31a Luke 4:14-21 |
The same God reveals his glory through his written word (Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10; Psalm 19:7-11; Luke 4:16-20), through his created universe (Psalm 19:1-6), and through prophetic utterance (I Corinthians 12:28, Luke 4:14-15, 21). |
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Sunday between 28 and 3 Feb |
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Year A
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The widow whose needs God miraculously supplied
(I Kings 17:8 16), like many in poverty today, knew her dependence on
God. We who live in comparative affluence, cushioned against adversity,
need reminding that we no less depend on his bounty through nature,
and are responsible for its wise and generous use. The Bible draws no
sharp distinction between the physical and spiritual aspects of salvation,
its temporal and eternal dimensions. He 'saves humans and animals alike'
(Psalm 36:6). The transforming power of Christ (John 2:1 11) impacts
on everything. |
Year B (See also presentation of Christ in the Temple in white box just below.) (Sun 22 Jan 06) Deuteronomy 18:15-20 Psalm 111 Revelation 12:1-5a Mark 1:21-28 |
We need to look for true prophets (Deuteronomy 18:15 20) who will speak God's words concerning our behaviour on the earth today and the ecological crisis words of wisdom which are true to his words and deeds and arise out of his covenant with his people and the earth (cf. Psalm 111). The criterion of God's word is the Bible, read by the Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Gospel assures us of Christ's victory over evil, which will one day be universally applied (Mark 1:21 28, Revelation 12:1 5a). |
Year C (Sun 1 Feb 04) Ezekiel 43:27 44:4 Psalm 48 I Corinthians 13:1-13 Luke 2:22-40 |
Ezekiel was shown that the glory of the Lord would again fill his Temple as in days past (Ezekiel 43:27 44.4). The purpose of his presence in this House was that his glory might be known throughout the earth (Psalm 48:10). But when he came to the Temple, he came in the form of a babe in arms, through whom the light of God would be available to all nations (Luke 2:31 32) and a new love released in the world (I Corinthians 13). If his glory has been thus revealed on earth, the earth is hallowed, henceforth to be treated with great reverence because of his presence. |
The Presentation of
Christ in the Temple - Candlemas |
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Year B Sun 29 Jan 06 Malachi 3:1-5 Psalm 24: [1-6] 7-10 Hebrews 2:14-18 Luke 2:22-40 |
The Presentation of Christ in the Temple was also the presentation of God's Son on the earth. He became one with the earthy human race, like them in all aspects of his humanity (Hebrews 2:14), and thus with the whole earth community, the King of the earth as well as the Church (Psalm 24). |
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Proper 1 Fourth Sunday before Lent Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Sunday between 4 and 11 Feb |
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Year A
Year A Isaiah 58:1-9a, [9b-12] Psalm 112:1-9, [10] I Corinthians 2:1-12 [13-16] Matthew 5:13-20 |
Seeking justice is essential to true prosperityand
to the Church's mission. |
Year B (Sun 9 Feb 03) Isaiah 40:21-31 Psalm 147:1-12, [20c] I Corinthians 9:16-23 Mark 1:29-39 |
God is transcendent over creation as well as being present and ceaselessly at work within it, sovereign over the history of the world, its rulers, and his people who wait for him (Isaiah 40:21-31, Psalm 147:1-11). Jesus's healing and exorcising ministry may be seen as a healing of creation (Mark 1:29 39). He also set a pattern followed by many of his people since, of seeking his Father's face in a 'deserted place', untrammelled by human development (Mark 1:35-39). |
Year C (Sun 8 Feb 04) Isaiah 6:1-8, [9-13] Psalm 138 I Corinthians 15:1-11 Luke 5:1-11 |
The recuperative power of nature symbolises the wonder of God's redeeming grace for broken humanity (Isaiah 6:13). |
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany Proper 2 Third Sunday before Lent Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Sunday between 12 and 19 Feb |
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Year A (Sun 13 Feb 05) Year A Deuteronomy 30:15-20 or Ecclesiasticus:15:15-20 Psalm 119:1-8 I Corinthians 3:1-9 Matthew 5:21-37 |
Deuteronomy 30:15-20: The worship of 'other
gods' such as 'growth', possessions and excessive wealth brings God's
judgment on the rich and their land, leading to death (cf . Ecclesiasticus
15:15-20). Matthew 5:21-26: Giving to all a just reward for their labour,
and an equitable share of wealth, are part of our responsibility to
our neighbour contrary to the values which appear to rule in the global
economy. |
Year B (Sun 16 Feb 03) 2 Kings 5:1-14 Psalm 30 I Corinthians 9:24-27 Mark 1:40-45 |
Perhaps, like Naaman (2 Kings 5:1-14), the rich people of the world need to humble themselves (choosing a modest lifestyle in harmony with the earth), in order to find a healthy life. Otherwise we may have cause to cry to him for his mercy as his judgment threatens (Psalm 30). We in this age of ecological threat have a particular reason for living a disciplined life and avoiding undue self indulgence (I Corinthians 9:24-27). Jesus clearly showed his wish that people find health and wholeness (Mark 1:40 45). By implication his church must seek, not only healing of individuals, but a healthy and health giving environment for all. |
Jeremiah 17:5-10 Psalm 1 I Corinthians 15:12-20 Luke 6:17-26 | The prosperity of those who live by faith in the Lord (Jeremiah 17:7-8) includes an ecological dimension, just as faith has ecological implications (cf. Psalm 1:1-3). However the promise of the Gospel is fulfilled totally not in the present age, but in the day of Resurrection (I Corinthians 15:12-20). In this perspective, worldly values are reversed by the Gospel (Luke 6:17-26). |
Second Sunday
before Lent This Sunday's readings offer the chief collection of creation texts in the lectionary. Designation as 'Creation Sunday' can help to focus attention on their significance. (N.B. These Notes are following the Anglican Lectionary. In the lectionary of some denominations, this Sunday is considered as an extra Sunday after Epiphany, rather than the Second Sunday before Lent. - See box above) |
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Year A (Sun 30 Jan 05) Year A Genesis 1.1 2.3 Psalm 136 or Psalm 136.1-9,23-26 Romans 8.18-25 Matthew 6.25-34 |
Genesis 1:1-2:3: This creation story takes the form of a seven day 'drama of creation'. God gives order to the world and blesses it. The human position of 'dominion' carries the responsibility to nurture and love creation as God does, 'in God's image'. This 'image' applies to men and women. Romans 8:18 25: The final redemption of all things is intimately connected with that of God's human children, who share in the 'labour pains' of a renewed creation. Matthew 6:25 34: God cares for, delights in and provides for all life. | |
Year B Sun 23 Feb 03 Proverbs 8:1,22-31 Psalm 104:25-37 Colossians 1:15-20 John 1:1-14 |
God's power sustains and renews all God's creation (Psalm 104:24-35). Just as the divine wisdom (Proverbs 8:22-31) existed before all things, so Christ takes precedence in everything as Lord, Creator and Redeemer. He will gather everything in a single peace through the blood of his cross (Colossians 1:15-20). Because Christ, the life giving Word of God, was made human, the new birth in baptism and the Spirit is intimately connected with our humanity. In him we can become all that God intended us to be (John 1:1-14). | |
Year C (Sun 15 Feb 04) Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-25 Psalm 65 Revelation 4 Luke 8:22-25 (Click to read these texts in full using the the Church of Ireland weekly Collects and Readings Website) |
Genesis 2:4b-9,15-25: This creation story focuses
on the relation of human beings to the rest of creation. The human being
was necessary for the fulfilment of creation (5). Humanity was created
from the stuff of the earth, and received God's gift of life (7). The
word 'till' (15) could be translated 'serve'. Humanity is given moral
choice and responsibility (16 17). Gender, marriage and sexuality are
part of creation and a means of completeness. God's ideal within marriage
is total openness (25). The naming of the animals (19) implies knowledge
and insight into their nature. Psalm 65: The God of history and redemption is also the giver of the good gifts of the earth. Revelation 4: The fulfilment of all things is not described in Scripture in terms of 'heaven', so much as the uniting of heaven and earth 'in a single peace'. In this vision animals and humans, the Church and the angels are united in worship. Luke 8:22-25: Christ is revealed as Saviour and as the tamer of the wild forces of nature. When everything is subdued under his authority, the destructive face of nature will no longer threaten. |
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Transfiguration Sunday before Lent |
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Year A (Sun 6 Feb 05) Exodus 24:12-18 Psalm 2 or 99 2 Peter 1:16-21 Matthew 17:1-9 |
The glory of the Lord is revealed in cloud and
fire (Exodus 24:12-18). The awesome mysteries of nature clothe his glory,
concealing and yet giving intimations of his majesty and splendour.
This glory belongs also to Christ. The disciples were given a glimpse
of it, not least at the Transfiguration (2 Peter 1:16-18, Matthew 17:1-8).
It was demonstrated fully at the Resurrection (Matthew 17:9) and will
be universally acknowledged at Christ's Second Coming in glory (2 Peter
1:19). In the meantime scripture bears witness to it (2 Peter 1:19-21).
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Year B
(Sun 2 March 2003) 2 Kings 2:1-12 Psalm 50:1-6 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 Mark 9:2-9 |
God's glory is clothed in fire and storm wind
(2 Kings 2:11, Psalm 50:3) but his saving purposes for the earth are
focused on his people, with whom he has made his covenant (Psalm 50:2,4-5).
The devil, ruler of the unbelieving world order, hinders people from
seeing his glory (2 Corinthians 4:4). The disciples received a revelation
of Christ's glory in the Transfiguration and its full power was shown
in the Resurrection (Mark 9:1-3,9), which is the beginning of a new
creation. |
Year C (Sun 22 Feb 2004) Exodus 34:29-35 Psalm 99 2 Corinthians 3:12 4:2 Luke 9:28 36, [37-43] |
God's presence accompanies natural phenomena (Psalm 99:7) but his will is made known gloriously in his word (Exodus 34:29 35, Psalm 99:7) and his holiness is to be reflected among his people (Psalm 99:2,4,6-9) who are called to reflect his glory in their lives and message (2 Corinthians 3:18 4:2). The Transfiguration of Jesus's mortal body may be seen, among other things, as a preview of the transformation and healing of all creation (Luke 9:28-43). |
Ash Wednesday |
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Year A (Wed 9 Feb 05) Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 or Isaiah 58:1-12 Psalm 51:1-18 2 Corinthians 5:20b 6:10 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 or John 8:2-11 |
The rape and pillage inflicted on the natural world by our greed and arrogance must be one aspect of our lenten self examination, penitence and amendment of life. Living creatures tormented in laboratories and intensive farming are surely among the oppressed. Not only human social justice but also ecological responsibility is required of us. |
First Sunday in Lent |
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Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
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The human vocation is to till and keep the soil - to cultivate and conserve (Genesis 2:15). But moral choice and responsibility are inescapable (16-17). We are tempted to follow our own judgement, desires and ambitions wthout looking to God. If we do so, all our relations (with ourselves,each other and earth) are corrupted (genesis£:1-7 and following chapters). God offers us a way back through Jesus, the New Man who brings us new life. The justified life (Romans 5:18) is meant to express itself in a life at peace with the earth. Jesus who conquered the tempter (Matthew 4:1-11) can help us when we are tempted. The temptations also have an ecological dimension: the use of power to provide plenty on the wrong terms; putting God to the test by reckless behaviour; and turning from God to enjoy worldly splendour. |
Year B Su 9 Mar 2003 Gen 9:1-18 Psalm 25:1-9 1 Peter 3:18-22 Mark 1:9-15 |
God's covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:8-17) is God's gracious unconditional commitment as Creator, to the whole earth community. God's later covenants with Abraham, and with the Church in Christ, are set within this creation covenant. God is revealed as compassionate and merciful to all who turn to God (Psalm 25:1-10). Reconciliation and peace are made available through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to all who believe and are baptised (1 Peter 3:18-22). He who was 'with the wild beasts' (Mark 1:13) leads us towards peace with all creation. |
Year C (Sun 29 Feb 04) Year C Deuteronomy 26:1 11 Psalm 91:1 2, 9 16 (or 1 11) Romans 10:8b 13 Luke 4:1 13 |
The offering of the firstfruits (Deuteronomy 26:1 11) was an acknowledgment that the land and all its produce was a gift from the Lord, to be received with gratitude and celebration. The principle behind this Israelite practice shows the way for all people. The temptations that Jesus overcame in the wilderness are all too often those to which our culture succumbs: the lure of easy affluence, worldly glory and recklessness all contribute to a lifestyle that destroys the planet. |
Second Sunday in Lent |
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Year A (Sun 20 Feb 05) Genesis 12:1-4a Psalm 121 Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 John 3:1-17 |
Saving faith is a personal faith in God who is
both Creator and Saviour, through Jesus God's Son. Such faith should
therefore lead, among other things, to respecting and cherishing the
world God has made. |
Year B (Sun 16 March 2003) Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 Psalm 22:23-31 Romans 4:13-25 Mark 8:31-38 |
The earth is possessed by believers in the sense
that faith is the key to living in accordance with God's plan and therefore
with our nature. A true life of faith will lead to living rightly on
the earth (Romans 4:13). |
Year C (Sun 7 March 2004) Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 Psalm 27 Philippians 3:17-4:1 Luke 13:31-35 |
God promised Abraham an inheritance (Genesis 15:7). The fulfilment of the promise comprises all that God gives his people in Christ. Although our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20) we should not overspiritualise our idea of God's heritage. In the end our bodies will be transformed, not done away (Philippians 3:21). |
Third Sunday in Lent |
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Year
A (Sun 27 Feb 05) Exodus 17:1-7 Psalm 95 Romans 5:1-11 John 4:5-42 |
What God did for Israel in exceptional circumstances
(Exodus 17:1-7) is typical of what God does regularly in nature: being
present with his creation, God gives water to all creatures, in spite
of the frequent ingratitude, faithlessness and rebellion of humans (Psalms
95:8-11). The true foundation for a life at peace with creation is peace
with God through faith and trust in Jesus Christ, and the receiving
of the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:1-11). The natural and the spiritual merge
in one, in Jesus's discussion with the Samaritan woman on the theme
of the 'living water' (John 4:5-30) and with the disciples on the natural
and spiritual harvests (31-42). |
Year B (Sun 23 March 2003) Exodus 20:1-17 Psalm 19: [1 6,} 7-14 I Corinthians 1:18-25 John 2:13-22 |
The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1 17) point
to an 'ecological' lifestyle. For example, worshipping the creature
rather than the Creator (4-6) and covetousness (17) can both lead to
greedy over consumption of resources. The heavens proclaim God's glory,
and the Scriptures tell us the way to live acceptably to him (Psalm
19). Paradoxically, the way back to God is pointed by the 'foolish'
message about the Cross of Christ which enshrines God's true wisdom.
Jesus's attack on the selling of sacrificial animals in the Temple (John
2:13-22) can be seen in part as a sign that he was ending the Old Testament
sacrificial system, fulfilling it
by his offering of himself, the true sacrifice. |
Year C (Sun 14 Mar 2004) Isaiah 55:1-9 Psalm 63:1-8 I Corinthians 10:1-13 Luke 13:1-9 |
The best commentary on Isaiah 55:1-9 is perhaps Matthew 4:4 quoting Deuteronomy 8:3: true sustenance comes from God, not from human effort (cf. Psalm 63:1-8). Association with the people of God is no guarantee against judgment. Repentance and steadfastness cannot be bypassed (I Corinthians 10:1-13 ; Luke 13:1-9). |
Copyright © 2001-2005 Keith Innes and Christian Ecology Link
http://www.christian-ecology.org.uk
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