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, His grace, in all things.

In the Epistle from II Corinthians 11:19-31, St. Paul responds to those Corinthians who do not appreciate his message and mission. They seem to be looking for a leader who is wise or strong in worldly terms. Rather than engage in a debate about his strengths, the apostle Paul ironically glories in his weaknesses. By doing so, he does two things. 1) He actually does point out some of the important ways in which he has served the Gospel. 2) He emphasizes the glory and grace of God. The Apostle teaches that believers are called to serve the Lord in, through, and despite their weaknesses, and then leave the rest to God.

The Gospel from St. Luke 8:4-15 is one of the accounts concerning the Parable of the Sower. This story occurs in three of the Gospels, This Parable is also special because in the text Christ Himself develops an allegorical interpretation. Sometimes, a distinction is made between parable and allegory. In such a distinction, a parable is a brief story that illustrates one key point while an allegorical interpretation 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 circumstances where the Word of God is received. Understandably. we often want to focus on 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, the point of the text does not seem to be primarily about our personal receptivity. In other words, the main point is Christ's ministry and about how His followers can assist 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 response it receives in diverse circumstances. Although every hearer will not produce good results, some will, and those will produce abundantly.