Sexagesima Sunday AD 2025

After Jesus had told the people the parable of the Sower, His disciples asked Him, “What might this parable be?” Jesus answered, “Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.”

Jesus’ answer might give the impression that He did not want people to understand Him. In fact, the exact opposite is true: Jesus speaks in parables because He wants to encourage people to ask questions, to think, to delve deeper.

At first glance, parables seem to be simple stories about life itself, but in fact there is always some kind of hook in them, often something downright provocative. So, in the case of the parable of the Sower, we can ask: What kind of sower would go out and scatter his seed indiscriminately everywhere? The seed is precious, it must be preserved and cared for so that it only falls on good soil, where it has the prospect of sprouting and bearing much fruit. Such a sower, as in Jesus’ parable, should be fired on the spot!

The Sower Jesus is talking about is God. God sows His word of salvation everywhere because He wants everyone to hear it. God sent His only begotten Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. Jesus suffered and died for everyone. The parable of the Sower is not only about what kind of soil we are, into which the seed of God’s word falls, but even more about what God is like: He is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.