To read the texts click on the texts: Ex 20:1-17; Mt 13:18-23
These verses contain what is
known as the allegory of the parable of 13:10-17. Unlike Mark who does not
give it a name, Matthew names it the Parable of the Sower (13:18), and in doing
so concentrates attention on the Sower. While in the Marcan interpretation
there is confusion as to whether the seed is the word (as in Mark 4:14) or the
hearers (as in Mark 4:16,18,20), Matthew rewrites Mark to avoid this confusion
but does not succeed fully in this endeavour.
Matthew also specifies that the
word that is sown is the word of the kingdom. While in Mark collective nouns
are used focussing on a group of people, Matthew emphasises individual
responsibility by changing the nouns to the singular. Despite these changes,
Matthew essentially adopts the interpretation of the Parable as in Mark 4:13-20
where it is understood as the Church’s reflection on its bearing witness to the
Gospel that Christ inaugurated.
Christianity is both an
individual and communitarian religion. Each sacrament has both the individual
and communitarian dimensions. This means that while on the one hand we are each
responsible for the other, we are also responsible for ourselves and need to
make our commitment individually. We cannot disown this responsibility or
thrust it on the community.
Feel good after reading it. Looking forward to more posts.
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