Second Sunday before Lent or Sexagesima

The Second Sunday before Lent, traditionally called Sexagesima (from the Latin- "sixtieth") continues to look toward Lent. It should lead us to prepare for greater efforts in Christian faith and practice. But although we should always strive to do more, the Collect for this Sunday 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.

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.

Septuagesima- Matthew 20, I Corinthians 9

This Sunday is Septuagesima (the Latin word for "Seventy). On the traditional calendar of the Western Church, it is the beginning of the Pre-Lenten season which consists of three Sundays. This semi-penitential season developed in the Middle Ages extends the preparation for Easter.

In the Epistle from I Corinthians 9, St. Paul makes an athletic comparison from ancient Greco-Roman culture that is certainly still appropriate. If people are willing to expend so much effort for physical training, they should not expect less effort in spiritual training. After all, the goal of spiritual training is much higher; it is worth incomparably more than any athletic prize. 

Despite the need for spiritual discipline, in the Parable of the Laborers or Workers from St. Matthew 20, our Lord also teaches us that the kingdom of heaven is not centered on our human efforts. The kingdom is God-centered, and He transcends human understanding. God is free to do as He chooses and is gracious beyond measure. Any reward from Him is really a gift that is not earned, and He is free to bestow His gifts as He pleases. He does not owe us anything but gives generously. So while we should not neglect human training and effort, our focus must always remain on God's call and divine graciousness.

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.