Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost. Octoechos Tone 4. The Holy Wonderworker and Equal-to-the-Apostles Abercius, Bishop of Hieropolis (c. 200).
Galatians 2:16-20; Luke 8:5-15.
Read Luke 8:5-15
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
How is your hearing? Not the hearing aid kind, the listening to what we hear kind. As our Lord points out in today’s gospel reading, there are several ways we can hear without really hearing.
This is often called the “Parable of the Sower”. It should be called the “Parable of the Soils”. Each soil is someone who has heard the word of God. But, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
One way of hearing doesn’t even give the seed a chance to sprout. An evil spirit takes it away. We can’t blame the devil for this. Jesus says it is possible to hear better than that. This is a warning to not participate in acts that spiritually deafen us.
Another way of hearing mistakes an emotional response for depth. Depending on early enthusiasm may not be in our long-term spiritual interest. This is an encouragement that trying times can root us more deeply in faith.
Another way of hearing takes place in the context of maintaining divided loyalties. This is a call to always be counting the cost, realizing that we cannot serve two masters.
By being prepared to listen without self-deception with good intentions, by the grace of God we can see the immeasurable value in what we hear in the word of God, hang onto it, and persevere in bringing it to fruition in our lives. Such hearts are what Jesus calls, “good soil.”
This is why the Proverb says, “Keep your heart with all vigilance; for from it flow the springs of life.” Soil is not static, it changes. Good soil doesn’t just appear. It is made over time with minerals and nutrients. It needs replenishment. Paying attention and taking what we hear to heart takes practice. Listen again, for the first time.
Bible References