PODCAST - Press sideways triangle below to
listen
Wednesday
16th Week OT
Marriottsville Retreat
July 20, 2016
TITLES OF STORIES ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø When we read a novel, there is usually
a main character or main focus around whom or around what the plot revolves
Ø And that focus is usually named or
referred to in the title
Ø In Jesus’ parables, like the one we hear
this morning, who or what the main focus might be can shift
THE SOWER
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø For example, we could call this
morning’s story “The Parable of the Sower”
Ø From this perspective, the story presents
a picture of God spreading seed on all kinds of soil
Ø Its purpose is to show God’s absolute
inclusiveness
Ø God wants all people to have the
opportunity to hear and receive his word
Ø God is lovingly reaching out to all of
us
THE SEED
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø However, we could also call this “The Parable of the Seed”
Ø Now, instead of telling us something
about God and God’s inclusiveness, the story tells us something about ourselves
Ø It says we need 2B open, receptive to
God’s word.
Ø We need to be willing to take it in
and allow it to take root & grow and fashion us into God’s image
THE HARVEST
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø Finally, the story could be called “The Parable of the Harvest”
Ø With the agricultural methods of
Jesus’ day, a lot of seed never produced anything
Ø For the seed in this story to produce
up to a hundred fold was unheard of
Ø Point this time is that God’s Word can
accomplish great things w/i us & in R world, if only we allow it
CONCLUSION
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø So, this parable, like most of Jesus’
parables, has a real richness to it
Ø It has several lessons or themes for
our nourishment
Ø How we read it will depend on whether we
need to (1) Include others in God’s mercy, (2) Hear God’s word more clearly, (3)
Foster growth in my relationship with others
++++
No comments:
Post a Comment