ACC ~ Luke 8 v4 - 8

THE SOWER IS JESUS

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: He is truly the Sower of all that is good, and we are his farm. The whole harvest of spiritual fruits is by him and from him. He taught us this when he said, “Without me you can do nothing.” [1] COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 41. [2]

[1] Jn 15:5.

[2] CGSL 178**.

ONE CULTIVATOR OF THE SOIL

CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA: It is clear that the Greek preliminary education combined with philosophy itself has come from God to human beings not as an ultimate goal but rather as rainstorms bursting on fertile soil, manure heaps, and houses alike. Grass and wheat sprout alike. Fig trees and other, less respectable trees grow on top of graves. These growths emerge in the pattern of the genuine articles, because they enjoy the same power of the rain, but they do not have the same charm as those that grow in rich soil. They either wither or are torn up. Yes, the parable of the seed as explained by the Lord has its place here too. There is only one cultivator of the soil within human beings. It is the One who from the first, from the foundation of the universe, has been sowing the seeds with potential growth, who has produced rain on every appropriate occasion in the form of his sovereign Word. Differences arise from the times and places that receive the Word. STROMATEIS 1.7.1-2. [1]

[1] FC 85:48-49*.

SEED THAT GROWS MUST DECAY FIRST

CLEMENT OF ROME: Let us consider, beloved, the resurrection: the night sleeps, and the day arises; the day departs, and night returns. Let us look at the crops to see how and in what manner the planting takes place. “The sower went forth” and cast each of the seeds into the ground, and they, falling on the ground dry and bare, decay. Then from their decay, the greatness of the Lord’s providence raises them up, and from one seed many grow up and bring forth fruit. 1 CLEMENT 24. [1]

[1] FC 1:29-30.

SOWED ON JESUS THE WAY

ORIGEN: If we hear “the word” and from this hearing our earth “immediately” produces vegetation that “withers” before it comes to maturity or fruit, our earth will be called “rocky.” Those things that are said should press forward in our ears with deeper roots so that they both “bear fruit” of works and contain the seeds of future works. Then each one on our earth will truly bear fruit in accordance with its potential, “some a hundred fold,” some “sixty,” others “thirty.” We also considered it is necessary to admonish you that our fruit does not have “darnel” or “tares.” This is so that it is not “beside the way” but sown in the way that says, “I am the way,” [1] so that the birds of heaven may not eat our fruits or our vine. HOMILIES ON GENESIS 1.4. [2]

[1] Jn 14:6.

[2] FC 71:53**.

EARS REFER TO THE INNER PERSON

BASIL THE GREAT: What should we say concerning this: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear”? It is evident that some possess ears better able to hear the words of God. What does he say to those who do not have those ears? “Hear, you deaf, and, you blind, behold.” [1] All such expressions are used in reference to the inner man. HOMILY ON PSALM 33.13. [2]

[1] Is 42:18.

[2] FC 46:272*.