Sermon for Sexagesima, 2025

Jesus warns us in a parable about the dangers that threaten those who hear God’s word. The first threat is the devil, who, like birds snatching seed, seeks to take the word from hearts before it takes root. He prowls like a lion, always near when the word is preached, working to keep it from taking hold. Yet, the very fact that the word is preached proves he cannot silence it entirely. The second threat is tribulation. Some receive the word with joy, but lacking deep roots, they fall away when trials come. Trouble will always arise, testing faith and tempting believers to despair. To endure, one must cling to God’s word and baptism, for faith requires continual nourishment through prayer, meditation, and worship. The third threat is perhaps the most dangerous: the cares, riches, and pleasures of life. These, like thorns, choke out faith, distracting from God’s word until it is neglected and lost. Even blessings can become spiritual dangers when they lead one away from Christ. Yet, Christ gives hope. There is good soil—those who hear, keep the word, and bear fruit. But Christ Himself is the true Seed, sown into death and risen to yield a great harvest. You are that harvest, made new in Holy Baptism, nourished and strengthened by His Body and Blood. Let He, who is the the planted and arisen Seed take root and bear fruit in you, for in Christ, you shall never perish. “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

Readings:

• Old Testament: Isaiah 55:10-13

• Epistle: 2 Corinthians 11:19–12:9

• Holy Gospel: Luke 8:4-15

Sermon: