The Sowing of the Seed
He that hath ears to hear,
May listen now,
While I shall tell, in mystic words indeed,
Of a good husbandman who took his seed
And went to sow.
Some by the wayside fell;
On breezes borne,
The fowls of air flew down, a greedy train,
And snatched with hasty appetite the grain,
Till all was gone.
Some fell upon a rock;
And greenly soon,
They sprouted as for harvest, strong and fair;
But when the summer sun shone hotly there,
They wilted down.
Some fell among the thorns –
A fertile soil –
But ere the grain could raise its timid head,
Luxuriantly the accursed plants o'erspread,
And choked them all.
But some in the good ground —
God’s precious mould –
Where sun, breeze, dew, and showers apportioned well;
And in the harvest, smiling swains could tell
THEIR HUNDRED FOLD !
Rob Morris, LL.D., (circa 1864)
paraphrase of Luke 8:5-8
Following the ancient example, we would disseminate the thoughts with which we are charged in every part of the mystic work, in quarry, hill, and temple; among the tall cedars; upon the floats; upon the road from Joppa to Jerusalem; in the crypts of the Holy Mountain,—wherever, for moral and sacred purposes, the Master wields his Gavel or the Workmen prepare sound blocks and set them duly in place.
Freemasonry, with its rich symbolism and allegorical teachings, often draws parallels to biblical parables. The Parable of the Sower, in particular, resonates with Masonic principles.
The Sower: In Freemasonry, this can be interpreted as the Lodge, a place where Masonic teachings are imparted.
The Seed: Represents the Masonic principles and values that are sown into the hearts and minds of initiates.
The Different Types of Soil:
Wayside: This symbolizes those who are not receptive to Masonic teachings. They may be distracted by worldly pursuits or lack the necessary moral foundation to embrace the Fraternity's principles.
Rocky Ground: This represents those who may initially be enthusiastic about Freemasonry but lack depth in their commitment. Their understanding is superficial, and they may not be able to withstand challenges or trials.
Thorny Ground: This symbolizes those who, while receptive to Masonic teachings, allow worldly concerns and distractions to hinder their spiritual growth. These distractions can stifle their progress and prevent them from fully realizing the potential of Freemasonry.
Good Ground: This represents those who are receptive to Masonic teachings, cultivate them diligently, and bear fruit in the form of moral and spiritual development. They are committed to the Fraternity's principles and strive to live a virtuous life.
Moral of the parable:
The parable underscores the importance of preparing the ground of one's heart and mind to receive Masonic teachings. It emphasizes the need for a sincere desire to grow spiritually, a commitment to moral principles, and a willingness to overcome distractions. By nurturing the seeds of Masonic wisdom, a Freemason can cultivate a rich and fulfilling life, characterized by virtue, charity, and brotherly love.
