Sexagesima- Sowing the Word

The Second Sunday before Lent or Sexagesima (Latin- "sixtieth") continues to lead us to prepare for greater efforts in Christian devotion and service. But although we must prepare for greater efforts, the Collect reminds us that we "put not our trust in any thing that we do." The Gospel from St. Luke 8 is one of the accounts about the Parable of the Sower. Besides occurring in three of the Gospels, this Parable is also special because in the text Christ Himself develops an allegorical interpretation. In biblical studies, a distinction is often made between parable and allegory. In this context, a parable is a brief story that illustrates one key point; an allegorical interpretation, on the other hand, develops more symbolic details.

Thus, one can say that the Parable of the Sower points out that the seed (the Word of God) is sown in different soils but still produces much fruit. The allegorical interpretation goes on to look at the different soils, the different kinds of people who receive the Word of God. Very often we want to consider what kind of soil we are or how we might become more receptive soil. From an individual perspective, our receptivity is something to consider. However, it seems that the text was primarily addressing the other end of the process. In other words, the point was not mainly about what kind of people might make productive disciples. Instead, Jesus' disciples were being instructed about His ministry and about how they were to participate in that ministry. The seed had to be sowed; the Word had to be spread. The great Sower and His helpers had a job to do, and they were to spread the Word regardless of the response it received in diverse circumstances. Although every hearer would not produce good results, some would, and those would produce abundantly.

As we consider evangelism and mission, modern Christians often seem to worry too much about the kind of soil. Sometimes, planting churches and choosing mission projects seem to be becoming social sciences more than exercises in faithfulness. Of course, we should show some prudence in our sowing. The seed does need some good soil. We Christians should make preparations and look for good ministry opportunities. Yet, we must not be too anxious about such details. The Word that is sown is God's Word, and ultimately, He is the One who brings any abundant harvest. We must not trust so much in our own efforts; rather we must learn to trust in the power of God's Word.