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| Parable of the Sower by Jacopo Bassano |
I have heard this parable hundreds of times. I understood the literal metaphor that described the different types of soil, or groups of persons who are exposed to the Gospel and either reject it (the first three sowings), or accept it (the fourth sowing).
But Gray makes it so much more personal and applicable to me in my current situation.
The fourth sowing.
Of the fourth sowing, Matthew writes: “...they are the ones who, when they have heard the word, embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance.” (NAB)
The Three Metaphor Representations
(1) The seeds represent proclamations of truth. (2) The sower represents the people proclaiming truth (the Good News). (3) The soil represents the people who hear the truth.
1st Level Meaning
Hearers of the word must persevere through trials with good and generous hearts if they are to bear fruit (and be saved).
2nd Level Meaning
The trials or obstacles hearers must persevere through are described by the first three sowings:
a. The time and effort it takes to imbue faith in one’s own life in the midst of a pagan society’s bombastic lies and corruption (the birds of the sky that eat the seeds).
b. The time and effort it takes to defend oneself and grow roots in times of persecution and avoiding falling away from the faith (the rocky ground where roots could not grow and faith withered for lack of moisture).
c. The time and effort it takes to weed out anxiety, worry, destructive distractions, worldly pleasures, and false promises (the thorns and thistles that choke off the seed’s growth).
This is where it got personal with me. But after years of spending most of my retirement savings developing, producing, and distributing media, I can measure little effect, influence, or revenue.
I believe many, many people (in various industries) are in similar predicaments.
It’s here that the Parable of the Sower may have some meaning.
3rd Level Meaning
Sowers of the word must persevere through trials with good and generous hearts if they are to bear fruit and be a positive influence on the lost.
4th Level Meaning
The trials or obstacles sowers must persevere through are described by the first three sowings:
a. It takes time and effort of the sower to influence faith in another’s life, especially in the midst of a pagan society’s bombastic lies and corruption (the birds of the sky that eat the seeds).
b. It takes time and effort of the sower for their efforts to take root in times when the sower’s efforts are hampered by persecution and their faith is challenged (the rocky ground where roots could not grow and faith withers for lack of moisture).
c. It takes time and effort to weed out the sower’s own anxiety, worry, destructive distractions, worldly pleasures, and false promises (the thorns and thistles that coked off the seed’s growth).
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