Word to the Wise
Wednesday, June 30, 2021 - Wednesday in the 13th Week in Ordinary Time
[Gen 21:5, 8-20a and Matt 8:28-34]"What is the matter, Hagar? Don't be afraid; God has heard the boy's cry in this plight of his. Arise, lift up the boy and hold him by the hand; for I will make of him a great nation." [Genesis]
The story of Hagar can get lost in the middle of the big narrative about Abraham's need for an heir and God's promise and response. Today's passage recounts the second time Hagar ran away because of Sarah's jealousy. The first time, in Genesis 16, contains the beautiful line from God's messenger, "Hagar, maid of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?" I preached a retreat once just on that line! I think Hagar could be the patron saint of all those who find themselves in what they consider impossible family situations and choose to run away! In each case, God comes to the rescue with a promise to make the son of Abraham and Hagar, Ishmael, the head of a great nation. The Ishmaelites are regarded as the ancestors of the Arabs.
I think of Hagar in counseling students trying to reconcile dreams that seem to conflict with family expectations. There can be a lot of danger both for the student and for the family. The question is a double one: Where have you come from? and "Where are you going?" Finding a way forward that respects both questions can be challenging. God tells Hagar on both occasions to go back to the family and God will take care of her and her child. Hagar's faith in God's promise is rewarded. This may not be the solution every time, but faith is needed in the process of discerning the way forward. Running away from the problem will create more problems. Juat ask Hagar! AMEN