Pre-Lent- Sexagesima- Luke 8

The Second Sunday before Lent or Sexagesima (Latin- "sixtieth") continues to lead us to prepare for greater efforts in faith and action. But although we must strive for greater efforts, the Collect reminds us that we "put not our trust in any thing that we do." We depend upon God's power and His grace in all things.

The Gospel from St. Luke 8 also points us toward God's initiative in Christ. It is one of the accounts of the Parable of the Sower. This Parable is special because in the text Christ Himself develops an allegorical interpretation. A parable is a brief story that illustrates one key point; an allegorical interpretation, on the other hand, develops more symbolic details.

Thus, 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, that is, the different kinds of people, who receive the Word of God. Although we tend to focus on what kind of soil we are or how we might become more receptive soil, the text is primarily addressing the other end of the process. In other words, the point is not mainly about what kind of people might make productive disciples. Instead, Jesus' disciples are being instructed about His ministry and about how they are to participate in that ministry. The seed has to be sowed; the Word has to be spread. The great Sower and His helpers have a job to do, and they are to spread the Word regardless of the diverse responses it receives. Some hearers of the Gospel do not produce good results, but some do, by divine grace, and those produce abundantly.

Modern Christians often focus too much on the mechanics of evangelization. Of course, we should show some prudence in our sowing. We sow the seed where there is some good soil. We make preparations and look for good ministry opportunities. Yet, we must not be overly anxious about such mundane details. The Word that is sown is God's Word, and ultimately, He is the One who brings any good results. We must not trust so much in our own efforts; rather we must learn to trust in the power of God's Word in Christ and in His grace to provide the growth of the kingdom.