Teaching Fishermen Farming

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Readings: 2 Samuel 7:4-17; Psalm 89:4-5, 27-28, 29-30; Mark 4:1-20

Summary

Jesus said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables?” He added, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.” (Mk 4:13, 9).

Reflection

In the Parable of the Sower Jesus uses the then current-day farming method of “broadcasting seed” as a way to describe the difficulty of ministry under the various circumstances of people’s faith condition. The seed which contains its own instructions on germination can only be successful if it is received well by the soil. When not well received by the soil, its end is bleak and dismal.

A great deal is made of the difference in the plain meaning of the parable to the people and the detailed explanation to the Twelve.

To the Twelve

He answered them, “The mystery of the kingdom of God has been granted to you. But to those outside everything comes in parables, so that ‘they may look and see but not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven.’” (Mk 4:11-12, x-ref Isa 6:9-10).

Jesus is basically begging us/them to read Isaiah 6 and enter into the story of the Sending of Isaiah. In that historical encounter we have the answer to both groups.

Jesus does what Isaiah was sent to begin, but now in his own person. The Twelve share his mission. The mission is how to reach those who are unable to accept the word with a fruitful outcome. The mystery is given to them so they can enter the struggle of ministry, not avoid it. How do we break through?

• They hear – but lost instantly.
• They hear – but cannot sustain.
• They hear – but choke on worldly anxiety.

These are the problem points that ministry must address.

To the People

I’m not saying try harder! I’m saying relax deeply in the presence of the Lord.

Forever I will maintain my love for him; my covenant with him stands firm (PS 89:29)

For the people Jesus is begging them: Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear. Do you have ears? He wants them to go deeper. Isaiah describes a period of desolation. The leadership in particular have dull ears and closed eyes. In many ways the people are in the desolation as in the past: empty houses (My House), diaspora and faithless leadership.

Personal Reflection

Whew! That is a lot. The take-away is that Jesus is reaching everyone exactly as to their situation. Ministers without a good problem domain. People without clarity of leadership. Hearts living out a form of desolation without even knowing it.

Life does not have to remain that way.
The soil can change.
Ears can open.
Fruit can grow.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012826.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry