SOS Discipline - Daily Proverb and Red Letter Reader
If you don't stand aside when asked, the way you walk will certainly be troublesome. cf Pr. 11.8
Fallen man is evil. cf Mt. 10:21
Everyone is Angry
But you’ll just have to wait. MadPXM might be a Mad Tuesday this week.
So, to tide you over here are some of my sermon notes from Matt. 13 this past weekend:
Comparative Semantic Quadrant Study:
Path, Rocks, Weeds, and Soil
Objective: To explore the semantic fields of path, rocks, weeds, and soil through etymological structures, meanings, and Proto-Indo-European (PIE) roots. Then, apply these insights to the archetype of the Gardner to discover three other classic archetypes of antiquity and four distinct regions/categories within their symbolic existence.
I. Quadrant Analysis
A. The Path (Hard)
1. Etymological Structures:
• Greek: ὁδός (hodos)
• Meaning: Way, road, path.
• PIE Root: *sindh-/*sent- (to go, travel)
• Hebrew: דֶּרֶךְ (derekh)
• Meaning: Way, road, path.
• PIE Root: *dʰer- (to hold, support)
2. Meaning:
• The path symbolizes a heart that is impenetrable to divine truth, hard and resistant to change.
B. The Rocks (Shallow)
1. Etymological Structures:
• Greek: πέτρα (petra)
• Meaning: Rock, stone.
• PIE Root: *per-/*ter- (to strike, to pierce)
• Hebrew: סֶלַע (sela)
• Meaning: Rock, crag, cliff.
• PIE Root: *skal-/*skel- (to split, cleave)
2. Meaning:
• Rocks represent superficial acceptance of truth, preventing deep spiritual roots from developing.
C. The Weeds (Overwhelming)
1. Etymological Structures:
• Greek: ζιζάνιον (zizanion)
• Meaning: Weed, darnel.
• PIE Root: *dhegʰ- (to burn, to set afire)
• Hebrew: בַּר (bar)
• Meaning: Wild grass, weed.
• PIE Root: *bher- (to carry, to bear)
2. Meaning:
• Weeds symbolize distractions and worldly concerns that overwhelm and choke out spiritual growth.
D. The Soil (Nutritious)
1. Etymological Structures:
• Greek: γῆ (gē)
• Meaning: Earth, soil.
• PIE Root: *dʰéǵʰōm (earth)
• Hebrew: אֲדָמָה (adamah)
• Meaning: Ground, soil.
• PIE Root: *dʰem- (to cover, to conceal)
2. Meaning:
• Good soil represents ears that are receptive and fertile, capable of nurturing and producing abundant growth.
II. Archetypal Exploration
A. The Gardner as an Archetype
1. Characteristics:
• Represents one who tends, nurtures, and cultivates growth, reflecting divine care and stewardship.
2. Symbolic Quadrant Applied::
• The Hard takes Preparation: Preparing the ground for planting.
• The Shallow takes Cultivation: Nurturing growth and development.
• The Overwhelm calls for Protection: Guarding against threats to growth.
• The Nutrition is in the Harvest: Reaping the fruits of labor.
B. Three Other Classic Archetypes of Antiquity
1. The Shepherd Quadrant Applied: Leads, guides, and protects the flock.
• Guidance: Leading the way.
• Protection: Guarding against threats.
• Provision: Ensuring sustenance.
• Sacrifice: Willingness to lay down life for the flock.
2. The Warrior Quadrant Applied: Defends, fights for justice, and conquers enemies.
• Courage: Facing challenges head-on.
• Strength: Physical and mental fortitude.
• Honor: Upholding principles and values.
• Victory: Triumph over adversities.
3. The Healer Quadrant Applied: Restores health, brings comfort, and mends wounds.
• Restoration: Healing physical and emotional wounds.
• Compassion: Empathy and kindness.
• Knowledge: Understanding of medicinal and therapeutic practices.
• Balance: Maintaining equilibrium and well-being.
III. Application to the Archetype of the Gardner
A. The Path (Hard-Heartedness):
Preparation: The Gardner must break up the hard ground to make it suitable for planting.
• The Warrior: Confronts and overcomes resistance.
• The Healer: Breaks down barriers to facilitate healing.
B. The Rocks (Shallow Faith):
Cultivation: Removing rocks to ensure deeper roots and stable growth.
• The Shepherd: Clears rocky paths to lead the flock safely.
• The Healer: Removes hindrances to allow for thorough healing.
C. The Weeds (Overwhelming Distractions)
Protection: Identifying and removing weeds to prevent them from choking out healthy plants.
• The Warrior: Eliminates threats to ensure victory.
• The Healer: Addresses underlying issues to restore balance.
D. The Soil (Nutritious Receptiveness)
Harvest: The Gardner ensures that the soil is fertile and well-prepared to yield a bountiful harvest.
• The Shepherd: Ensures the flock thrives on nutritious pastures.
• The Healer: Cultivates conditions for optimal health and well-being.
Conclusion
The study of path, rocks, weeds, and soil as distinct semantic fields (hard, shallow, overwhelming, nutritious) reveals deep etymological roots and significant meanings. By comparing these elements and applying them to the archetype of the Gardner, we uncover profound connections to other classic archetypes such as the Shepherd, the Warrior, and the Healer. Each archetype inhabits symbolic regions that correspond to aspects of the Gardner’s work, providing a useful framework for understanding God’s creation and redemption within the Biblical lens of the Reign of Christ.