On this Sunday (11/12/2023), the first Sunday of the blessed month of Hathor, the Church reads the Parable of the Sower, found in Luke 8:4-15. In this parable, Christ describes a story of a Sower who sows his seed on four different types of land: the wayside, rocky ground, ground with thorns, and fertile land. When the seed fell by the wayside, birds quickly devoured it. When the seed fell on the rocky ground, it found no moisture or soil to grow so it withered. When the seed fell on the thorns, the thorns choked it. However, when the seed fell on fertile ground, it “grew and yielded a hundredfold.” (Luke 8:8).
St. Cyril of Alexandria explains that Christ gave us parables (such as the Parable of the Sower) because a parable, “beautifully shapes out the subtlety of intellectual things by means of the things of sense and palpable to the touch.” From this simple and practical story, readers can easily see the importance of having a strong foundation rooted in faith. As Father Tadros Malaty explains, “Christ likens Himself to a Sower who never ceases to sow the seeds of His love on every soil, in the hope that they would receive them to grow and produce fruit without any obstacle”.
As Christians, we want to remain a good soil that is not trampled on or influenced by worldly desires, have a strong faith, and remain dedicated to a Christian lifestyle, even when things are difficult. “As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience” (Luke 8:15). St. Paul in his epistle to Timothy he encourages Christians saying, “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Timothy 6:11-12).
Being in good soil is a path full of struggle. As St. Cyril said, “When is that you see the steadfast soldier, whose desire is set on victory? Is it in times when peace smiles, …. Or is it rather when he goes courageously against those who are marshaling for the attack?” (Sermon XLI). Our journey through life is not going to be without struggle, so let us always remember to be strongly rooted in our faith.
May God grant us the strength to continually be strong in our Christian foundation, and let our faith continue to flourish and inspire those around us to seek the right path.
Sources:
- English Standard Version Bible
- Catena Bible, Church Father Commentaries
- Commentaries on the Gospel of St. Luke by Father Tadros Malaty
- St. Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on Luke. Sermon XLI