Transitioning from Epiphany to Lent with the ELCA Malaria Campaign

By Mary Simonson Clark, Minneapolis Area Synod coordinator for Our Malaria Work

This month, we transition from Epiphany’s emphasis on Christ, light to all nations, revealed in his public ministry to our Lenten journey’s emphasis on prayer and community service. Several of Epiphany’s Lectionary texts highlight Christ’s ministry of healing and provide a context to focus on the ELCA Malaria Campaign. This focus can easily transition into Lenten prayers for our neighbors who suffer from malaria and global community service that includes giving to support malaria prevention and treatment. Numerous Minneapolis Area Synod congregations very fruitfully focused on the ELCA Malaria Campaign during their 2011 Lenten observances. Infusing messages about the Campaign during Sunday worship is particularly effective.

The following February 5, the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany, Lectionary texts for worship include “healing” messages:

• Isaiah 40:21-31 - “but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength” (v. 31)
• Psalm 147:1-11, 20c - “He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.” (v. 3)
• Mark 1:29-39 - Jesus heals many at Simon’s house, including Simon’s mother-in-law

The Rev. Dr. Mark Wegener, Book of Faith Advocate for the Minneapolis Area Synod, notes that Jesus may have healed Simon’s mother-in-law of malaria and its rapidly rising fever. He bases his remark on Dr. Jonathan L. Reed’s article, “Instability in Jesus’ Galilee: A Demographic Perspective” (Journal of Biblical Literature, 129(2), 343-365), which describes the climate and geographic conditions relevant to malaria during Jesus’ time. This Sunday’s Prayer of the Day also focuses on Jesus’ healing ministry and our call to serve. It says, “Everlasting God, you give strength to the weak and power to the faint. Make us agents of your healing and wholeness, that your good news may be made know to the ends of your creation, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.”

The Sixth Sunday after Epiphany (February 12) texts and Prayer also focus on healing. The texts include:

• 2 Kings 5:1-14 - The healing of Naaman
• Psalm 30 - Thanksgiving for recovery from grave illness
• Mark 1:40-45 - Jesus cleanses a leper

For insights on these texts and their relationship to healing ministry, prayer, justice, and the ELCA Malaria Campaign, sign up for Luther Seminary’s God Pause e-mail daily devotions. For thought-provoking questions on the Gospel lesson, including its possible relationship to malaria work, see the Rev. Dr. Mark Wegener’s Just-A-Minute weekly e-news. This Sunday’s Prayer of the Day pleads for healing. It says, “Almighty and ever-living God, with mercy you look upon our weaknesses. Stretch out your wondrous hand to protect us from danger and restore us to health, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.”

Beyond the Lectionary texts and Prayers, meditate on Evangelical Lutheran Worship (the “cranberry hymnal”) hymns concerning healing. For example, consider the lyrics of:

• Oh Christ, the Healer, We Have Come (ELW #610)
• Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service (ELW #712)
• God of Mercy, God of Light (ELW #714, especially verse 5)
• Will You Come and Follow Me (ELW #798, especially end of verse 2 and verse 3)

Also, during your transition from Epiphany to Lent, reflect on the powerful lyrics of "We’re the Change" written by AGAPE* for the Synod’s “Celebration of Compassion: Nuts about NETS” youth event.

As you and your congregation transition from Epiphany into and through Lent, seek how God calls you to carry on Christ’s ministry of healing. Through prayer and giving, accompany our neighbors in Africa who suffer from malaria. Serve as the hands that do God’s healing work!

Resources and information about the ELCA Malaria Campaign and the Minneapolis Area Synod’s malaria work are available.