Holy Prophet Samuel (11th c. BC)
2 Corinthians 11:5-21; Mark 4:1-9
Post-feast of the Dormition; Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat
Read Mark 4:1-9
The parable of the sower is perhaps one of the most famous of Our Lord’s parables. It is one of those Gospel passages that a preacher dreads since in addition to its familiarity to people it is already explained by Jesus in the subsequent verses. What else can be said? The popularity and simple message of the parable is its most powerful quality: guard and nurture the faith you received in baptism. In the call to nurture our faith is the call to proclaim the Kingdom of God in the world. Our faith is not something we sit and hold onto and not share with others. Our faith is not the preserve of the pew at church or the icon corner at home. It is something living and dynamic that should constantly be calling us to the courageous proclamation of the Gospel in the world. Of course not all of us are called to be great apologists like the Ven. Fulton Sheen, or Bishop Robert Barron, proclaiming the Gospel to millions. Perhaps the world in which we are called to proclaim the Gospel is our own family, our own social circle, our colleagues, even among our fellow parishioners.
As we emerge from this pandemic we must rouse ourselves from any spiritual sloth we may have been experiencing. We must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again. Firstly, let us rededicate ourselves to a daily prayer rule or perhaps dedicate ourselves to such a rule for the first time: liturgical prayer, petitionary prayer, and prayer with the Holy Scriptures. Secondly, let us return to the communal celebration of the Divine Liturgy every Sunday and major feast, not out of some sort of obligation but because we love Our Lord and His Holy Church and we hunger and thirst for His precious body and blood. Thirdly, let us return again and again to the holy mystery of confession and receive God’s gracious mercy and healing so that we might be freed from the burdens of sin that hold us back from growing in fertile soil. Fourthly, let us grow in knowledge of our faith by reading spiritual books, by participating in Bible study, by seeking out a spiritual father or mother to help guide us. Finally, let us proclaim our faith in Christ to those around us who are hungry for the life, truth, and hope that comes from the Resurrection. Let’s do it now! May we not be the grain that withers or is choked by thorns.