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Seed Thoughts from Saint Mark

Abstract The article explores the imagery of the sowing and growth of seed, as it is developed in the parables of Mark chapter 4. After noting how this chapter functions within the overall plan of Mark's Gospel, we look in turn at its three story-parables, with their respective focus on the effect of different types of soil, the self-sufficiency of the seed, and the contrast between small beginnings and ultimate success. It is suggested that the apparently predestinarian message of the parable of the sower and its explanatory comments needs to be offset against the more optimistic tone of the two other parables; the contribution of this chapter lies not in any one parable taken alone but in the cumulative impact of the whole series of images. Some final comments recommend Jesus’ parabolic method as a model for our Christian communication.