SEXAGESIMA [2015] : Homily

“CHRIST THE SEED”

Saint Luke 8. 4-15

Sexagesima: 8 February Anno + Domini 2015

Fr Jay Watson SSP

In The + Name of Jesus

   People gathered together proves one part of The Lord’s parable: He does the gathering.  It’s sad so few understood what He meant: “and His disciples asked Him, saying, ‘what might this parable be’” That illustrates the utter deficiency of reason and works.

   When Christ cried out “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear,” The Word was preaching the twin call of The Kingdom: “repent and believe!”

  The Word works.  It’s not just called Grace it is Grace.  Jesus works.  Jesus is Grace.  Jesus is love for you in action and deed; in result and accomplishment.  He feeds you Law and it tastes worse than the foulest medicine because it is supposed to kill you—to kill the sinner, the “old original fallen nature.”   Chemo targets cancer but His Law targets and slays “old Adam.”   He feeds you seed; over and over and over again.  The seed is His Word which means the Seed is Himself.  He sows it everywhere where His Word is shared to be sure.  And it does what He wants it to do.  Esaias knew that.

   You sin when you think you have some part in the effectiveness and results of Jesus’ sowing.  You don’t.  You can’t keep one elected and predestinated Saint out of His heavenly home.   Repent of your fear and mistrust.  Repent of your anger and bitterness that you don’t see results and can’t count the ones you want to count.   The reason you are so angry most of the time is not because there are reasons to be mad but because you are a sinner and your faith is weak.  Repent and believe Jesus.  The Seed grows His Church, sanctifies it—keeps it holy and abundant in good works. The Seed is the One Who created His church by planting Himself on Golgotha and in the tomb.  The Seed watered and fertilized with His own Flesh and Blood.  The Seed is here now doing the same to this good ground, this hundredfold, these hearing hearts—ears—ears of green grain.  The Seed’s heart was honest and good. He obeyed.  He paid.  He is patient—patient for you. He waits for your repentance and growth because He causes both.

   Thankful you are, by Christ’s Grace, that the devil has not taken Jesus out of your ears, as you daily read the Scriptures; or out of your mouths as you weekly (and even more) receive the Sacrament.  Joyful you are that the Word has not been choked out or dried up by your fickle emotions and daily backslidings, or shunted aside by the trials and temptations of the world’s diversions, sicknesses, and setbacks.

   Jesus The Seed, The Word, has created you, grown you, and gathered you together once again this abundant day.  Dear fruit of The Fruit, come now and receive even more Fruit; for unto you is given the mysteries of the kingdom of God—for forgiveness, life and peace.

In The Name of The Father and of The + Son and of The Holy Ghost