Parable of the Sower (Parable of the Four Soils)
On Sexagesima
Luke 8:4-15
This Sunday we will be celebrating Sexagesima (sex·a·ges·i·ma) or the Second Sunday before Lent. The designated Collect is:
O LORD God, who seest that we put not our trust in any thing that we do; Mercifully grant that by Thy power we may be defended against all adversity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle Reading is taken from 2 Corinthians 11:19-31. This passage contains the self-defense of the Apostle Paul in response to the opposition and the claims of the false apostles that were infiltrating the Church at Corinth. He gives his reasons why he feels compelled to act like a fool boasting of his Jewish pedigree and his visions rather than only in the Lord. He provides the specifics of the various sufferings he endured as an authentic apostle and for the sake of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Gospel Reading is taken from Luke 8:4-15 that contains the Parable of the Sower. The teaching sermon for this Sunday is entitled the same and is attached to this email for your reading. Copies will also be available at the parish.
The Parable of the Sower is also known as the Parable of the Four Soils. The parable is found in all of the synoptic gospels (Matthew 13:3-23, Mark 4:2-0, Luke 8:4-15). After Yeshua presents the Parable to the crowed, He then interprets its meaning privately to the disciples.
The Parable of the Sower concerns a sower who scatters seed, which falls on four different types of ground. The hard ground “by the way side” prevents the seed from taking root and germinate. The stony ground provides just enough soil for the seeds to germinate and begin to grow, but because there is “no deepness of soil,” the plants do not take root and are soon withered in the sun. The thorny ground allows the seed to grow, but the competing thorns choke the life out of the beneficial plants. The good ground receives the seed and produces much fruit.
Come and join us on Sunday as we explore the interpretative significance of this parable to our current culture. A wee sermon teaser – “A person’s reception to the Truth of God’s Holy Word is determined by the condition of the soil of their heart.”