Theophylact of Ohrid — as excerpted in the Catena Aurea on Mark 4:26-29

“For we put forth the blade, when we shew a principle of good; then the ear, when we can resist temptations; then comes the fruit, when a man works something perfect. It goes on: and when it has brought forth the fruit, immediately he sendeth the sickle, because the harvest is come.”