“With many such parables he spoke the word to them”
There are two levels to the gospel reading: the use of parables and the meaning behind them.
Why does Jesus use the parable of seeds to talk about the kingdom of God? One of Jesus’ characteristic features when teaching is the use of parables. “Through his parables he invites people to the feast of the kingdom, but he also asks for a radical choice: to gain the kingdom, one must give everything. Words are not enough; deeds are required. The parables are like mirrors for man: will he be hard soil or good earth for the word? What use has he made of the talents he has received? Jesus and the presence of the kingdom in this world are secretly at the heart of the parables.” [1]
Search: Purpose of Parables
Let us break the parable down a little further.
What is the “Kingdom of God”? Saint Jerome teaches us that, “The kingdom of God is the Church which is ruled by God, and herself rules over men, and treads down the powers which are contrary to her, and all wickedness.” [2]
What does the “seed” represent? Again, we will go to Jerome who said, “For the seed is the word of life, the ground is the human heart, and the sleep of the man means the death of the Savior. The seed springs up night and day, because after the sleep of Christ, the number of Christians, through calamity and prosperity, continued to flourish more and more in faith, and to wax greater in deed.” [3] The seed that was planted by Christ was not understood by the Pharisees and Sadducees, but to those who were humbled and believed in Jesus Christ who is the “word of life”. If we allow Christ’s words to be planted in our hearts and we die with Him will also rise with Him. (cf. Rm. 6:8)
What does the “sickle” symbolize? The "sickle" symbolizes death or the time of final judgment on the world at the Second Coming of Christ. [4]
How do we fit into this parable? We all fit into this parable because we are allowed to co-operate in God’s kingdom. We have to realize that in the grand scheme of things, we are but a spec of dust. However, God takes us and allows us to bear much fruit for His kingdom. We should stop and think of the great dichotomy of how great and large God is, and how little and insignificant we are. When we humble ourselves, then we are greatly exalted as illustrated in the first reading.
Saint Chrysostom said, “Christ himself is the man who rises, for He sat waiting with patience, that they who received seed should bear fruit. He rises, that is, by, the word of His love, He makes us grow to the bringing forth fruit, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand, by which is meant the day, and on the left, by which is meant the night of persecution; for by these the seed springs up and does not wither.” [5]
Discussion Questions
How does this parable relate to our life? (strongly encourage a Lectio Devina discussion on this question.)
What can we do to prepare our heart (the "soil") to be ready to plant and cultivate the seeds of God?
[1] CCC 546
[2] Aquinas, Catena
[3] ibid.
[4] cf. ibid.
[5] ibid.