GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
A Sower sows: Mt 13,1-23
This parable with its explanation is found in all three Synoptic Gospels, Mk 4,1-20 and Lk 8,4-15 for the other two. This as we have seen is a sign of its importance in tradition.
Read through these verses and note that the three sections: first, there is the parable itself (13,1-9). Then there is an explanation (13,10-17) about why Jesus teaches in parables. Thirdly, there is the interpretation of the parable (13,18-23).
Take a look at the setting of the discourse in verses 1 & 2: where is Jesus? What is the significance of his posture (see 5,1) and what is the posture of the crowd? Exodus 20,18-21 has been suggested as background. Who are likely to be in the crowd? (It may help to think of the topic of the parable.)
We've consider already the meaning of the word "parable" in verse 3 when we saw how the word is repeated in verse 53 and throughout the discourse.
The Sower and the Seed: 13,3-9
Read the story of the sower just as it is told by Jesus, keeping chapter 12 in mind, especially 12,50, and ignoring what follows. Who is the sower? Why am I stressing the seed (though the word "seed" is not used in the parable)?
Notice that there is a progression through the story. Sirach 40,15 provides an interesting comment.
What is the message of the story in itself? Consider Verse 9, which is repeated in 13,43. The same point is made in 11,15.
Look now at my response for these opening verses.
A Commentary: 13,10-17
The request of the disciples in verse 10 can be seen as a commentary on verse 9. Note that is not said where Jesus is at this point.
We can note first that three verses in Mark (Mk 4,10-12) have been expanded to eight verses in Matthew. This is obviously an important theme for Matthew - and look too at 13,34-35 to which we will be coming shortly. Part of Matthew's expansion is the lengthy quotation from the prophet Isaiah (Is 6,9-10).
We can also note that the blessing in verses 16-17 is unique to Matthew and may be the key to this commentary.
What is the messsage about the disciples in these verses? How is Matthew's presentation of the disciples different to Mark's (Mk 4,10-13)?
The mysteries of verse 11 reflect the Semitic understanding found for example in Daniel 2,28.47 or Ephesians 1,9-10.
Who is doing the giving in verses 11 and 12? What are the implications for verse 13 and the failure to listen and understand?
The allusion in verse 13 is to Jeremiah 5,21. It is then followed by the full quotation in verses 14 and 15 of Isaiah 6,9-10. See also Acts 28,26-27.
Verse 16 is then a beatitude similar to those in the Sermon on the Mount (5,1-12). Consider how and why has Matthew changed Lk 10,23-24, the same beatitude in a different context. The reason is given in verse 17 (see 1 Peter 1,10-12 for a similar thought).
Look now at my response about this commentary.
The Interpretation: 13,18-23
The interpretation provided by Jesus is quite specific but it may well be secondary. It fits better the times of the early Chuch than the times of Jesus himself. (Hence the importance of reading earlier the original parable by itself.)
This interpretation is an allegory. A allegory is a story which can be decoded and parables have been treated as allegories from earliest times. These allegorical interpretations are often an important part of the tradition of the Church. Today though we would recognised they are not really true to the original parables as told by Jesus. These are really stories and observations based on the real life of the times of Jesus.
With that in mind, read the interpretation of the parable and consider its message.
Look again at my response.
The Sunday Gospel
As we have seen, the whole of this passage, 13,1-23, is read on the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time. There is a shorter version offered, 13,1-9. In view of what we have read, why we might we see this shorter reading as being rather unexpected?
The Old Testment passage to accompany this lengthy gospel is just two verses long, Isaiah 55,10-11. More needs to be read! At least verses 6-11 could have been included and preferably the whole chapter. Further, in just three weeks time, on the 18th Sunday, the OT reading will be the first three verses of this chapter, Is 55,1-3.
With that in mind, how does this short OT reading give focus our reading of the Gospel? What do you make of the sentence in italics which introduces the reading?
Look again at my response.
We are ready therefore to move on to the next part of the discourse, with its theme of growth, Mt 13,24-43.