Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk 

15^th Sunday of the Year – July 16, 2017

Readings: Is. 55:-10-11; Responsorial Psalm Ps 64:10-14(R.1); 

Rom 8:18-23 & Gospel Matthew 13:1-23.

Theme:A Call to be Doers of the Word, not Hearers!

Introduction

Brothers and sisters in Christ, on this Sunday, we are presented with the Parable of the Sower otherwise known as the Parable of the Four Soils. The Penny Catechism defines a parable as an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. Jesus often used parables in teaching the values of the kingdom because he wanted to relate with his audience in a manner they would understand. The Parable of the Sower is found in Matthew 13:3-9; Mark 4:2-9 and Luke 8:4-8 while its interpretation is given in Matthew 13:18-23; Mark 4:13-20 and Luke 8:11-15.

Very often, we hear people praying during the intercessions: “Lord, help us to be doers of the Word, not hearers.” Today, we are challenged to “Walk the Talk.” Meanwhile, we shall highlight the interpretation as given by Jesus in the light of pastoral implications. But first, it is essential to now the types of soil Jesus used.

Four Types of Soil

As the parable relates, the sower went into the field to sow seeds which fell on four different types of soil,namely:

1. Hard Soil: According to the narrative, some seed fell on hard soil by the way side.This prevented the seeds from sprouting. Apparently, they became food for birds of the air.

2. Stony Soil: There were also seeds that found themselves on stony ground.Because there was no enough soil for the seeds to germinate,they began to grow but could survive for “lack of depth.” The conclusion was obvious – since the plants did not take roots, they were withered by the sun.

3. Thorny Soil:Accordingly, the seed that feel on thorny soil grew but the competing thorns choked and killed them.

4. Good Soil: Some seeds fell into the rich soil and produced its fruit. The good ground which received the seeds produced fruit in plenty.

Jesus’ Explanation of the Parable & Pastoral Implications

Jesus’ explanation of the Parable of the Sower highlights four different responses to the gospel. It is crucial to note that the seed is “the Word of the Kingdom.”

1. Hard Soil/ Those hardened by sin:Jesus explains that the hard ground represents those who are hardened by sin –usually, they hear the Word but do not understand it. Because they do not understand it, the devil comes to steal the message away from their hearts. He further noted that evil one keeps their hearts dull and prevents the Word from making any reasonable impact in their lives.

Here, hardened criminals come to mind – as it were, their consciences are dead. They have made their hearts a shopping mall for Satan to feed fat on - as soon as they hear the Word of the Kingdom, the evil one snatches it away. What is more, for these kinds of “Christians,” ritual killing, joining occult groups and doing anything to make it in life comes easily. This is because they have hardened their hearts to hearing the Word and putting it into practice. Besides, their inability to understand the Word makes them soft targets for the enemy.

2. Stony Soil/: Those who allow the Word they’ve received with delight be killed by troubles: The stony ground represents supposed followers of Christ who profess the Word happily but it doesn’t change their hearts because it fails to make impact in their lives in the face of trials, tribulations and temptations - When troubles arise, their so-called faith vanishes quickly.

Lapses or former Catholics fall into this category. They are delighted at the reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist and the like.Some of them may even be in the rank and file of the Church as clerics or officials of lay groups. However, when trials come, their faith is unable to carry them on despite their initial enthusiasm. You would be surprised to see an ex-choir member, cleric or religious suddenly counter-witnessing. Jesus gives the reason as “initial gragra” which does not sustain them should trials come.  Accordingly, St. Paul tells us in the second reading (Rom 8:18) that what we face in this life can never be compared to the glory which awaits us. This means that holding our heads high is key.

3. Thorny Soil/ Those who hear the Word but allow the lures of the world to kill it: The thorny ground depicts people who seem to receive the Word but their hearts are full with thoughts of riches, pleasures and vain lust - the things of this world take their time and attention away from the Word and they end up having no time for it.

The line of the popular Chorus, “don’t allow the cares of this world to overtake you from God’s hands…” underscores the point Jesus makes about the thorny ground representing those who hear the Word but allow the lures of this world to kill it. The example of the rich young man in the bible (Mark 10:17-27) who went away sad because Jesus challenged him to go and sell all that he owns and come follow him comes to mind.The love of money is the root of all evil (1 Tim 6:10).

Jesus specifically makes reference to what the Angelic Doctor, St. Thomas Aquinas describes in his Summa Theologica as causes of sin that is, the concupiscence of the eyes and the concupiscence. Aquinas makes the point that we are induced to sin through inordinate desire for evil things. The lust of the flesh and lust for material possessions have landed many in trouble. The 419ers, scammers, Yahoo Yahoo, commercial kidnappers as well as porn stars, prostitutes, phidophiles, adulterers, fornicators, masturbators, homosexuals, lesbians and those engaged in bestial acts fall into this group.

4. Good Soil/Those who hear the Word and Keep it: The good soil portrays those who hear, understand and receive the Word –They allow the Word to accomplish its result in their lives. Those who represent the “good soil” are those who would be saved.

While it is difficult to measure spirituality, goodness and holiness, the saying of Jesus, “by their fruits you shall know them” (Matthew 3:7-8; 7:15-20) assures that there are Christians who are true to the name. They live aboveboard in terms of the demands of the kingdom. These are Christians who carryout both verbal and witness of action. They do not aim at 30and 60 but 100 percent. Their lives testify to Les Brown's saying: “If you want to get to heaven, aim at the starts.” 

Homiletic Quotes to Remember:

1.Be doers of the Word not hearers(James 1:22).

2. Dispose yourself to hearing the Word of God and understanding it.

3.By their fruits you'll know them (Matthew3:7-8;7:15-20).

4.Always walk the talk (1 Tim 3:1-7).

5.Match verbal witnessing with witnessing of action.

6.If you want to get to heaven, aim at the stars - Led Brown.

Conclusion

The Parable of the Sower speaks to the heart of our reception of God’s Word which is often determined by the condition of our hearts. It also calls us to understand that salvation goes beyond hearing the Word and deceiving ourselves. On the contrary, it calls us to transcend the superficial delight in hearing the gospel to allowing it make fruits in our lives.

We pray with the Prophet Isaiah in the first reading (Is. 55:-10-11): As the rain and the snow come down from the heavens and do not return without watering the earth, making it yield and giving growth to provide seed for the sower and bread for the eating, may the Word which goes forth from the Mouth of the Lord not return to Him empty without carrying out His will and succeeding in what it was sent to do. May God help us grow in faith,in a manner that our lives would be the “good soil,” which will reap fruits a hundredfold. Amen.