Scripture: I Tim. 6:13-16. Psalm 100:2-5. Luke 8:4-15. Lectionary # 448

Today's parable is one of the greatest Jesus has given us and probably is
the first parable to be written. It was Mark who handed on this parable in
chapter four of his Gospel for the first time. Then Matthew and Luke
changed it somewhat to fit the needs of their listeners, but the content
and purpose is basically the same. Thus we have a triple tradition here
for one parable. There are probably from 30 to 70 parables to be found in
the New Testament. This means metaphors, similies and other figures of
speech that make us think because we are either puzzled or startled by the
striking imagery of the parable in its multiple forms. An allegorical
interpretation is evident in the explaining of the parable here in our
reading from Luke and thus it pertains also to the second stage of the
Gospel tradition. This second stage is the adaptation and explanation
necessary for the readers of Luke's communities. The third stage evident in
the Gospels is the particular viewpoint and theology of the individual
evangelists. Thus there is diversity amidst the unity of the preached
message. Fr. Carroll Stuhlmueller in his commentary on Luke suggests the
title for today's parable should be "the parable of different sowings". He
adds ..."it is best to conclude very generally that a parable is a story
illustrative of some teaching of Jesus." (Jerome Biblical Commentary, page
138). A parable speaks to each of us in a unique way and we are called to
respond to it as the word of God. It takes us where we are and challenges
our mindset, our behavior, and our relationships with God and neighbor.
Which one of the sowings apply to me? How do I keep open to the sowing of
the Sower? Do I only hear about them in the Saturday or Sunday liturgy?
Do I reflect on the Scriptures from time to time? Jesus is Word as God yet
he speaks to us in human language that can be easily understood. How can I
produce a harvest from what I hear Jesus telling me through this parable?
Will I listen to him today and be the seed sown in fertile ground? It is
up to me to respond to Jesus' challenging word to grow. Amen.